Djimon Hounsou Reflects on Breakout Role in "Amistad" at AfroBerlin

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In a keynote session at the AfroBerlin conference, acclaimed actor Djimon Hounsou reflected on his breakout role in the 1997 film "Amistad". Hounsou revealed that he initially thought he was auditioning for an extra role, as the casting director only gave him a couple pages of dialogue. However, Hounsou was the first actor brought in for the audition, where the director unexpectedly asked the actors to perform their scenes in African dialects.

Why it matters

Hounsou's story provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at how he landed his breakout role in the acclaimed Steven Spielberg film "Amistad". His journey from fashion model in France to acclaimed actor in Hollywood serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists, particularly those of African descent, seeking to make their mark in the entertainment industry.

The details

Hounsou, who was the headline guest at this year's AfroBerlin conference, spoke about his childhood in Benin, his move to France as a teen where he became a fashion model, and his subsequent transition to pursuing acting roles in Los Angeles. He revealed that "Amistad" was his largest production at the time, and that he was the first actor brought in for the audition, where the casting director unexpectedly asked the actors to perform their scenes in African dialects.

• Djimon Hounsou's breakout role in "Amistad" was in 1997.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Hounsou is expected to discuss more details about his new production venture during the remainder of the AfroBerlin conference.