When did you do the trip?
Over a seven month period during 2000/2001. As it turns out Paul Theroux was there researching his book, Dark Star Safari, at the same time. He was travelling from Cairo to Cape Town, and from what I can gather we crossed paths in Nairobi.
Any trouble?
Not with Paul Theroux. But I’m glad to report that I was kicked out of Robert Mugabe’s birthday party at gun point in Zimbabwe and had to shelter in a coffin shop during student riots in Addis Ababa.
Favourite countries?
I really loved Sudan. The people were super-friendly, especially after Ethiopia where I only ever seemed to meet complete bastards. Malawi was great too. Very laid back.
Movie stardom? Beckoning?
I had a small part in a German film being shot in Kenya called Nowhere in Africa. I played a German prisoner and unfortunately my performance hasn’t caught the eye of an movie moguls yet. Looks like I’ll have to keep writing.
Have you seen the movie yet?
Yeah, it was part of the Jewish Film Festival in Sydney. I’m clearly visible in a couple of shots, probably a few more on a video with a pause button. Unfortunately, my big dining room scene was cut. The director might be saving it for the DVD.
Speaking of DVDs, you’ll find some stills of the scenes I’m in – with me circled for easy identification – here.
News Flash!
Nowhere in Africa takes out Best Foriegn Film at 75th Academy Awards. Inside source admits that my stirring portrayal as German Prisoner No. 89 no doubt helped sway Academy members away from the more fancied contenders.
