Encomium
The movie, Knocking on Heaven’s Door, produced by Emem Isong and Ini Edo-Ehiagwina premiered to much fanfare on Good Friday (April 18, 2014) at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos. Attended by movie stars and fans of some of the cast and crew, the premiere coasted smoothly as many hailed the level of creativity the producers put into the flick.
The cast included the lead actors, Majid Michel, Blossom Chukwujekwu (Moses), Adesua Etomi (Debbie), Ini Edo-Ehiagwina.
A story that centres on domestic violence against women, the movie was directed by Desmond Elliot, while Achieva’s Entertainment was the executive producer.
Majid, Blossom and Adesua had a chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly at the star-studded movie premiere. And away from the movie, they talked about their passion for Nollywood, where they are headed career wise, among others…
‘ONCE YOU STOP SURPRISING YOUR AUDIENCE, THE MARKET IS OVER’ – Majid Michel
Was playing your role here all that challenging?
Every movie, for me, is a challenge. You have to see a new job as a new challenge not like the last one you did. I have been shooting films since 1999, but this particular one Heaven’s Door, was an entirely new experience, just like the next one I will shoot.
So, it is basically always like that. You have to always do your home work, rehearse well and do your job professionally. The magic is keep surprising them by giving them fresh experience.
The message borders on domestic violence and abuse of women. How much of this would you now be preaching outside the movie?
Domestic violence exists. Everywhere around us, people do it. We are sending the message to those involved. People know the right thing and they should just do it. We have to garner the wisdom to do the right thing at the right time.
You seem to be the most experienced actor there. How did you carry along the younger ones on set?
We had to give them support. And they performed amazingly well. I’m talking about Blossom and Adesua. Ini Edo has seen it all (laughs). We try to help whosoever is new on set and carry them along.
What is your overall assessment of the movie?
You can’t expect less when Desmond Elliot and Emem Isong are at work. From the story to casting, acting to production proper, I would say it’s a near-perfect job.
You are one of the biggest movie stars in Africa. How does it really feel to be on top of your game?
It’s good to hear this. There is no better business than show business. This is where we found ourselves, and God has been able to help us make the best of the opportunity.
What is the sweetest thing about being a movie star?
It’s rather a humbling experience. I’ve learnt to understand that the red carpet is just a piece of rug. And you just have to enjoy the pageantry without it going into your head.
What about the pain of stardom?
The hard part of stardom is that you will always have to surprise your audience. Once they can predict you and you stop surprising them, the market is over.
Many of us don’t know your marital status?
I’m married with two children.
What is the secret of your scandal-free marriage?
The secret to happy marriage still remains a secret (laughs).
So, where is Majid Michel taking his career?
I have no idea. I’m just like a candle light blown in the wind. Wherever God takes me, I go.
‘I don’t envy Hollywood’ – Fast-rising actor, BLOSSOM CHUKWUJEKWU
Fast-rising actor, Blossom Chukwujekwu belongs to Nollywood’s generation next. With over five movies to his credit, he is slowly and steadily stepping into movie stardom. ENCOMIUM Weekly asked The Flower Girl star what it took him to play the lead, Moses (Debbie’s emotionally distressed husband) in Knocking on Heaven’s Door…
Your acting was cool, I must say…
Thank you. And I feel good about it.
How did you come on board?
I got a call from the producers, and that was it.
This is not your debut movie?
Not at all. I was in Flower Girl, directed my Mitchell Bell, Finding Mercy directed by Desmond Elliot, and a whole lot of other flicks.
Can you, please tell us how acting started for you?
Acting started for me in 2009. But I caught the bug in 1998. And I had never looked back. I love this job and I do everything to learn more about it.
How rewarding has it been?
Every year has been quite rewarding, to say the truth. God has been with me and I have been flying higher and higher.
What was your experience on this set?
It was a beautiful experience. It was a life-time experience working with Majid, Ini Edo, Adesua. Everybody was amazing, the director and producers, Desmond Elliot and Emem Isong were wonderful, I must tell you. It was a good working experience in a good environment and atmosphere.
You were an emotionally distressed and tempestuous young man in Knocking on Heaven’s Door. Is that close to your mien off set?
No, that’s me acting (laughs).
Where are you taken your blossoming career?
As far as I can. A lot of people would tell you they want to go to Hollywood, but we aren’t bringing Hollywood here. We only have to raise the bar. Nollywood is the next big thing. What I’m looking at is to make Nollywood the number one film industry in the world.
Staring in Knocking on Heaven’s Door is a blessing from God – Lead actress, ADESUA ETOMI
Disturbingly beautiful and sexy actress, Adesua Etomi is making her debut appearance in Nollywood with Knocking on Heave’s Door. The Edo-born UK returnee, who cornered the lead role as Debbie, via a mere facebook chat with the producer, Emem Isong, has, however, come a long way in theatre practice before she was unveiled on Good Friday at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos.
A member of the drama cast for Saro, the musical, she actually kicked off her career in 2004, in the United Kingdom. She has the following projects to her credit: Anatomy of a Woman, Crystal Slipper, The Crucible, Fractal, Not my Cup of Tea, The Millers Tale (August 2012, Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Jesus Christ superstar (musical), Miss Saigon (musical), Les Miserables (musical), to mention a few.
Etomi also featured in a short film entitled, The Call. Her second Nollywood movie, Brave, was due for release on Saturday, April 26, 2014.
Adesua Etomi studied Physical Theatre, Musical Theatre and Performing Arts at the City College, Coventry, before she proceeded to study Drama and Performance at the University of Wolverhampton, UK. The Edo-born thespian graduated with First Class Honours and won the Foursight Theatre Award for best performance in a devised piece of theatre.
And admitting she may not probably go back to the UK as soon as we thought, the highly gifted and sweet-faced actress shared her experience as a victim of domestic violence in Knocking on Heaven’s Door in this chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly.
Not a few hailed your interpretation of the lead role in Knocking on Heaven’s Door…
I don’t even know how to explain how I feel tonight, I’m overjoyed and most of all, I feel blessed.
What was the set like?
The set was quite hard because I had to play a character depicting an experience I never, never had. It took a lot but I had a great support system from great actors, who made my job a lot more easier. So, it was a great experience on set.
So, it was really challenging?
Yes, of course. Being able to portray Debbie, you have to reach on the inside to find her. It was quite emotionally tasking. So, having to really find the character was a great challenge for me.
Off stage, have you been a victim of domestic violence?
No, but someone close to me has been. So, I felt like I was telling her story.
The message here is domestic violence, are you now part of the campaign?
I hope this message goes as far as possible. Particularly for those going through domestic abuse, I would need them to know that we care for them. This movie is for them.
And if you are going through this, please, speak out because you are not alone. We have you in mind. We are here for you. Don’t give up. Don’t throw in the towel. Just reach out to someone. And I’m sure everything will be okay.
Is this your first movie in Nollywood?
This is my very first movie.
Do you intend to make a career in Nollywood?
When I came here, I wanted to stay for just one month, but God has a way of putting things together. One thing led to the other and I ended up staying longer than I planned. So, I feel blessed to have been part of this movie project.
So, you are probably here to stay?
Yes, that’s possible.
You also sing?
I’m not a singer. I don’t sing professionally, but if there is a production where I have to sing, I do. I don’t have a recording deal, though I’ve been singing in church.
– UCHE OLEHI
