Though she is yet to be a household name, the
Zimbabwean born actress, who recently relocated to Nigeria, is all set to
contribute her quota to the growth of Nollywood. The light skinned actress and
filmmaker studied drama in London and also attended the New York Film Academy
in Abu Dhabi. In this interview, she explains why she became a filmmaker, being
a single parent, working with Rita Dominic, among other issues
Why
did you decide to be an actress?
I have always had
love for film. I think my first love is actually making films. It’s not that I
don’t like acting, but my first love is film-making.
What
ignited your love for film making?
Seeing a production
comes to life or putting up a production, thrills me. I am fulfilled when I see
my creativity translated into reality. That is why I love film-making. I am so
different from everybody in my family. My entertainment journey started when I
was in school. I usually act in school plays and coordinate school assemblies.
I just knew I was going to head there. I studied film-making at Abu
Dhabi between 2008/2009. I also attended the New York Film Academy.
What
is your opinion about filmmakers getting professional training in film-making?
It’s great.
Film-making is like any trade. I know so many people in the business who
learnt the art of film-making from someone and they are
making great movies. I know filmmakers who were not professionally trained when
they started out, but they have gone on to take short courses later on.
They get the training in order to improve on the areas they are ignorant, in
order to produce better films. I think for me, the number one option is to have
love for film-making.
Do
you think African film-makers are telling good stories?
I think we are telling
beautiful stories, our stories are authentic and they are original. We relate
to our stories. If you see a Nigerian film, you can pick up the Nigerian
culture from it. You will see it in the dressing and in the food
they eat. When you see someone eating Eba and Egusi, this
is indicating the African culture in our films. Our films reflect our culture
What
made you relocate to Nigeria?
Film-making made me
come back. I had a bigger opportunity to make films and for my films to sell.
I believe this is the place I can grow big and do great.
Do
you think Nollywood is where it is supposed to be?
I feel the same way
that Nollywood is not where it’s supposed to be. When I say that, I am not
saying we are in a bad place, we could be in a much better place. I am using
the word “We” because this is home to me. The only problem is that of
distributing of our films. Once that is sorted, Nollywood would be on another
level. I still feel we are doing okay and people are still in business. People
are still making money from their films, if they know what they are doing.
Right now, there are so many TV stations across Africa. So many people are
looking for content. It’s amazing how you make a Nollywood film in English,
Igbo or Yoruba and then you find a French speaking country buying it. It is
subtitled so their own people can understand. Every African wants to watch
Nollywood. When I tell people I live in Nigeria, this is the first reaction I
get: “Oh you live in Nigeria? Oh Nollywood!” This shows how big Nollywood is.
How
would you rate your first movie production?
It was amazing. The
movie is titled The Distance Between directed by Izu Ojukwu my
favorite director. I hadn’t gone to a film school, but I knew what I wanted to
do. I spoke to Izu Ojukwu and learnt a lot from him before I eventually
attended a film school
What
did you learn?
He taught me many
camera angles and lighting which is very important. I learnt a lot from my
partner who I was producing with. It was my first time being on set as a
producer, putting people together and being in charge of a production. It was
successful. I learnt to be calm and much grounded. On the first day of the
shoot, I was perturbed whenever something went wrong. From then on, I kept
going and learnt to be grounded.
What
is the difference between Nollywood and the movie industry in Zimbabwe?
Nollywood is the king
of movies. Nollywood is big. It’s not that I don’t love Zimbabwe, we are
trying. I am even supposed to shoot a movie there in September. What I have
learnt here, I will love to take back and do some films with my Zimbabwean
people. I will also love to teach one or two people about film-making.
Tell
me about yourself
I am a filmmaker and
an actress. I started in 2007, so this should be my eighth year in the
industry. I am single though. I am not married, I am divorced. But I have got
amazing kids. When I had the last one, I actually went back to London and took
care of him He is five years old now. I am comfortable now to come out and do
my work, rather than just staying at home.
What
happened to your marriage?
It just didn’t work
out.
Is
getting married still in your plans?
Of course; why not? I
am still hot. If I get the right person, I might get married again. To be
honest, I am not searching. Right now, I am focusing on my work.
Can
you tell me about the movies you have starred in?
I have worked with
Emem Isong. I did Catwalk in 2010. We just finished Lagos
Cougars, the new one. It’s a TV series starring Jocelyn Dumas, Rita
Dominic and I. It was a beautiful experience working with these ladies. It’s
amazing. I was excited when I knew Rita is going to be on set. I have learnt a
lot from her as well. Rita was always there to explain whenever I had issues
with my role.
Who
is that Nigerian actor you are looking forward to working with?
I have worked with
Rita Dominic and Ramsey Noauh. I will love to work with Genevieve and Omotola.
Their work is amazing. I think they deliver their characters so well. Sometimes
you can actually tell that somebody is acting, but with them, it’s just
flawless. I will also love to work with Kanayo O Kanayo
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