• Actor and model left Sierra Lione at eight years old and settled in Wagga
• Charles Sturt University student said the University taught him valuable industry skills
• Appeared on prime time television in Ten’s Mr Black

Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) student Francis Kamara is making his way in the Australian the film and television industry and now has his sights set on Hollywood.

Francis has achieved a lot since leaving Sierra Leone at eight years old as a refugee.

Arriving in Australia with his mother, Francis settled in Wagga Wagga in the NSW Riverina, where he played soccer and took on his first acting gig at the local theatre when he was in Year 10.

Both sport and acting were a big part of his life, but in his final year of high school Francis decided to pursue acting and enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Acting and Performance) at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga.

While reflecting on his learning experience at the University, Francis said it was as much about learning about acting as it was about understanding and challenging himself.

“Throughout the program I am challenging myself, especially because I didn’t have a strong acting background,” Francis said.

However Francis said Charles Sturt teaches him useful skills needed for working in the industry.

“I learned a lot about myself and that was really important for my acting, as you need to understand yourself and how your body works.”

Francis said he loved the lead up to performing because of the preparation needed to learn lines, be creative and take direction.

“Performing is a small part when you look at the whole process,” Francis said.

Francis has starred in The Merger, an Australian comedy film released in 2018 that is set in country NSW and explores the mishaps of a small town AFL team.

Most recently, Francis landed his first television gig appearing in an episode on Channel 10’s Mr Black, a TV series created by Adam Zwar, known for Wilfredand Lowdown, and starring well-known Aussie actor Stephen Curry.

Francis said gaining acting work while studying was a great opportunity to put the theory into practice.

“The lessons I have taken at Charles Sturt University and the networking opportunities provided have been helpful in gaining work in the industry,” Francis said.

Francis said his ultimate goal is to go to Hollywood. But first, he is focusing deeply on his craft: “I’m taking things one step at a time and doing what I can to improve my acting.”