December 25, 2006 @ 9:14 am

EXCLUSIVE: Trade of Djimon

by: Laura Checkoway

Born in Cotonou, Benin, Hounsou immigrated to Paris at 12, where he lived in the streets until fashion designer Thierry Mugler discovered and transformed him into a model. In 1990, he made his first onscreen appearance in Janet Jackson’s “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” video. Many memorable appearances followed, including stand-out roles in Amistad (1997), Gladiator (2000), and In America (2004), for which he earned an Academy Award "Best Supporting Actor" nomination. Hounsou is receiving critical acclaim again this month for his heart-wrenching performance as Mende fisherman Solomon Vandy, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, in Blood Diamond. Here, Hounsou discusses the film that’s causing quite a fuss for the diamond industry. VIBE: You were outstanding in Blood Diamond. What draws you to a character or film? Djimon Hounsou: Interesting pictures that make you reflect on one’s life condition. If I were to make a film of the continent from which I’m from it ought to be a very poignant and powerful film that defines the continent itself. We’ve had some great leaders out of Africa and most of are nonexistent to the Western world. The general understanding of Africa is National Geographic Channel. It’s disappointing. So, any time there’s a story that can really educate people about the continent, I’m for it. Do you feel you often get pigeonholed? DH: I do. I guess being African adds another dilemma. It’s more challenging definitely. It’s much heavier to overcome. Blood Diamond has been stirring up a lot of controversy with the World Diamond Council. DH: They’ve been on our asses since they heard we were telling the story but they must be feeling guilty. Our film is certainly not trying to discourage people from buying diamonds. We’re just trying to shine light on issues on companies that are doing business in Africa. Those countries where they’ve been confiscating diamonds are in worse condition than before they discovered diamonds. So, how is that beneficial to Africa or Africans? They’re not giving back. They’re just concerned about immediate gratification and pocketing it for themselves instead of bettering the infrastructures and people living in those countries. Were you aware of the conflict diamond issue before making this movie? DH: Well, I had heard about it before but I never knew to what degree. We had just wrapped up filming Amistad when civil war broke out in Sierra Leone. There are so many other issues that come from the conflict diamond conflict itself. The issues of child soldiers, corruption and governmental positions. And also, the need for continuous pressure by the international community for a change. Were you worried at all about a big-budget Hollywood adventure film also covering such an important social/world issue? DH: It felt like we weren’t preaching too much or overly embellishing any part of the story. What stands out to me is how Leonardo’s character changes his life—one of greed and self gratification—into a passionate caring for others. How human revolution, one person, can affect the lives of so many. What was your rapport working with your co-star, Leonardo Dicaprio? DH: Wonderful. It’s very commendable, how he works. How authentic do you think his performance as a South African was? DH: Oh, very good. I spoke with some friends in South Africa and various other places in Africa and I think that he did a great job with his character. You guys were on a brutal trek throughout West Africa’s conflict diamond territory. Was it difficult filming there? DH: The experience was extremely challenging. You’re in the bush and there’s no “Western civilization” around. We were facing a lot of danger working in the bush—the snakes, the ticks. When you get bitten by some of the ticks you get a severe fever. Running through the bush and being chased, we were roughed up pretty bad. But at the end of the day, we all felt like we were up to something. We hope that this picture will increase awareness because the rest of the world obviously doesn’t understand how the trade of diamonds were conducted. What was the most challenging part of filming? DH: The physicality of the film, day in and day out in the wilderness. Emotionally, I was wondering early on, is this the way it’s gonna be the whole time filming? The emotional content of the story was difficult. Yes, I’m sure. DH: It’s the most difficult film I ever did.

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Article tags: Blood Diamond, Djimon Hounsou, Leonardo Dicaprio 

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