Ana Magaia
Ana dos Remédios Magaia is a Mozambican actress, producer and theatre performer. She has been active in stage, film, and television for more than four decades, becoming one of Mozambique’s most influential cultural figures. Magaia gained international recognition for her portrayal of Grandmother Catarina in João Ribeiro’s film Granma Nineteen and the Soviet’s Secret, a role that earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the Kisima Music & Film Awards in 2020. Her extensive body of work spans theatre, television and cinema, and she continues to advocate for professionalisation and education in Mozambique’s film industry.
Early life and education
Magaia was born in Lourenço Marques, Mozambique, on 27 December 1958. She is the daughter of José Francisco dos Remédios and Judite João Baptista Machalele. From an early age she participated in local community performances in Bairro do Aeroporto, where she developed an interest in music, dance and acting.Career
Theatre
Magaia began her artistic career in theatre shortly after Mozambique’s independence in 1975. She was a member of the cultural troupe Tchova Xita Duma and appeared in post-independence stage productions such as Xiluva, Rosita até Morrer by Luís Bernardo Honwana, A Boa Pessoa de Sezuany by Bertolt Brecht, and A Revolta da Casa dos Ídolos by Pepetela.In 2002, she participated in the Lusophone co-production Vim-te Buscar in Lisbon, Portugal, promoted by Cena Lusófona. Magaia continues to perform and direct in Maputo, often focusing on socially conscious and educational theatre.
Film and television
Magaia made her screen debut in the 1985 co-production O Tempo dos Leopardos, directed by Zdravko Velimirović. She gained national recognition with the 1994 television series Não é Preciso Empurrar, considered Mozambique’s first telenovela.She has also worked behind the scenes as a casting director and assistant director in films such as África Dreaming and Terra Sonâmbula.
Her later film roles include:Mosquito – directed by João Nuno Pinto, as Namuku.Granma Nineteen and the Soviet’s Secret – directed by João Ribeiro, as Grandmother Catarina.