by Travis Johnson
Soon to be seen in Nekrotronic, the latest madcap offering from Wyrmwood’s Roache-Turner brothers, WA-raised Zimbabwean-Australian actress Charmaine Bingwa is not one to wait for opportunity to knock, preferring instead to make her own luck – say, by writing, directing and starring in Little Sista, her new web series.
That attitude is paying off, as the talented performer is one of the finalists for this year’s Heath Ledger Scholarship, which could see her winging off to LA, at the very heart of the global film industry.
When did you first realise you wanted to act? What inspired your career choice?
It was kind of a happy accident really. I was studying and close to completing my Bachelor of Music – with a few outstanding elective subjects to take, I chose acting and suddenly it became my main deal. But even when I was a musician I absolutely loved performing and felt like it connected me to something bigger.
Did you study acting formally?
I studied at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney. I had an amazing teacher, Tony Cogin, who really inspired me to think of acting as a career choice.
Who are your acting idols?
Viola Davis is my absolute favourite. She is an absolute craftsperson and I love who she is off camera too. I also love Hilary Swank, Michael Shannon, Julianne Moore, Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, and Jeff Bridges.
What was your first big break? How did it affect your career?
It was when I performed in Doubt: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley in Sydney. It was one of my first proper acting gigs and I was playing alongside Australian Film Institute and Sydney Theatre Award winners. Initially, I was stressing out being around such legends, but I dug very deep and kept my focus on telling this amazing story of heartbreakingly limited circumstances – I always deeply connect with stories of racial inequality. As Heath Ledger said “In order to not hold a frame with someone, you have to be intimidated by them.” It was really well-received and I went on to be nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award. And what was really cool is I got to work with the Oscar-award winning playwright John Patrick Shanley himself in Los Angeles earlier this year.
What’s been your favourite role so far?
Mrs. Muller in Doubt: A Parable and also my role in the upcoming Nekrotronic because not only was Monica Bellucci in it too, but I got to play a villain, which is almost the best fun you can have!
What’s your dream role?
Anything that hasn’t been written before – I am super passionate about new stories and new voices. And any story that sheds life on the African American experience.
You moved into writing and directing in Little Sista – what prompted stepping behind the camera? How did you find the experience?
Speaking frankly, it was the lack of diversity in stories, so I decided to write and create my own. The experience was amazing! It taught me volumes about filmmaking, both in front and behind the camera. The feedback we received and the way fans have embraced the show has been incredible too!
You’re a finalist for the Heath Ledger Scholarship – how does that feel? How do you think your life would change if you won?
It feels pretty darn good! It’s already been such a trip and the platform has already opened so many doors and drawn the attention of the industry to me. I’m less interested in how it would change my life if I won, but more about how it would change other people’s lives. I think the impact of having a black, openly gay, female win would convey that the industry is becoming more accessible, and to me that is a win for all.
What new projects do you have coming up that we should look out for?
As soon as the Heath Ledger Scholarship concludes I’m set to act in the film While We’re Here and I am in the process of producing a few projects, including ones that I have written and am likely to star in.
