Encomium
AT just 22, Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) 5 winner, Ivie Okujaye is making waves in the movie industry. The Benin, Edo born role interpreter just completed her first movie entitled, Make A Move, and will soon hit the cinemas. The award winning actress talked about her latest work in this chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly as well as her love life.
Tell us about your movie, Make a Move.
The movie s like expressing my love for women and children. I am not a feminist, I am just someone who loves arts and solid film. Make A Move is about the emancipation of two sisters who escape from abuse.
Is the storyline your encounter with abuse?
If more people who have not been in a situation stand up to help people who are in such situation, the world would be much better for all of us. You don’t have to be abused before you help others. I grew up in a lovely family, I have never experienced abuse in whatever form but I heard and read in the newspapers and it bothers me every time to see injustice. For me, I have a platform to speak against all these injustices through film.
For speaking out against injustices means you have a heart of gold. Who did you take after?
Making a good move doesn’t mean I have a heart of gold. It just means it is a topic I am passionate about. My father is a surgeon and sometimes he opens his office to those who can’t afford life threatening operations. I grew seeing my father do that, I saw his act of kindness to many people he didn’t know. I see my mother treat people nicely. Maybe that’s where I got the gesture.
Tell us about the movie and where it was shot.
Make A Move was shot in Abuja and Lagos. It was directed by Niyi Akinmoleyan. We had people like Wale Adebayo, Tina Mba, Beverly Naya, myself, Majid Michelle, Omawumi Megbele and others.
How were you able to gather all these stars?
If you have a good product you will have the impetus to walk into any office or organization to ask for what you need. I was confident in the story I have and it helped me in walking up to them to tell them my story. I wasn’t afraid. It’s either yes or no.
How much did the movie gulp?
I can’t say how much it gulped. I apologise for not finding out before this interview but I can say that it is enough to make our cast and crew comfortable. We did not compromise. The money was enough to get us what we wanted.
How about source of finance?
The funding came from me and other persons which is why it is a risk for me because there is no assurance I could get my money back. But I am happy I did it.
Is that a sign of despondency?
I am hopeful I get the money. You cannot force the people to go to the cinemas. We are hoping it does well out there.
Is this your first work and which other one do you have in stock?
This is my first movie as a producer. I still have a lot but I want Make A Move to go first and see what happens. I want to learn from this before another one. That way, I would get better.
Would you say winning AMBO 5 placed you on this pedestal?
Winning AMBO 5 is a great opportunity for me. If I had not won, I would have probably gone for auditioning. It gave me an opportunity. However, winning a reality show doesn’t make one successful, especially if you thought things will be easy because of your victory. As soon as I won, I made a move by introducing myself to industry players. Yes, it opens doors but I also worked on it.
Did you set a target for yourself while coming into the industry and how is it playing out?
I believe in the moment, every project I go into I put my best into it. I am living for each project as they come.
Of all your awards, which one do you cherish the most?
African Magic Vieweres Choice Awards is the first after AMBO and I did not see it coming. I was a small girl who just won a reality show. Izu Ojukwu brought out the best in me and I want to thank him. When I got nominated for AMAA, I was happy and when I won, I couldn’t believe it. All these are moments to cherish for me, they are all important to me.
You act, produce, write scripts and dance. Where did all these gifts come from?
I had no idea I was being nurtured for this when I was very young. At school, I was in the dance and drama group, I didn’t know I was being prepared for this. In secondary school, I was unconsciously preparing myself for this. I think all these gifts are from God.
Did your ambition to become an actress clash with your parents’ interest?
I come from a medical background and they thought I would follow the same line. I ended up studying Economics and Statistics. When I graduated, they insisted I go for Masters. So it wasn’t the original vision, they have come around to support me now. I think they are my biggest fans. Every time they watch my film, they call me. My father is a very open minded person, he wasn’t excited at first but later he liked what I am doing. At last, they are happy I have not dragged their name in the mud.
And why did you decide to study Economics and Statistics and not Theatre Arts?
I wanted to study Theatre Arts, my family wanted me to study Medicine or Pharmacy and eventually we settled for Economics and Statistics because it’s a social science course. I am very good at Science, Mathematics.
How many are you in the family and what are your siblings doing?
We are five before my brother passed on. Now, we are four. We are on different paths.
What does the future hold for you?
By God’s grace, I hope to still be there in the future. I hope to be involved in charity where I can give back, perfect my art, give back to the people, even in my community.
Who are your heroes in the industry?
I have always looked up to Will Smith. If I were a boy, I would probably look like him. I have always been an animated person. I admire O. C. Ukeje, Kate Henshaw.
You have not mentioned Genevieve because many have said she is your look alike?
Genevieve is a fantastic person, beautiful person. I haven’t gotten an opportunity of meeting her. She has managed to build a career for herself. One day I hope to be like her.
People watch your movies, whose movies do you love to watch?
I love Kate Henshaw, her smile is beautiful. Lydia Forson is one of my favourites.
How often do you get attention from men and how do you cope?
I am everybody’s little sister. They all treat me like their younger sister. So many actors and producers have taken me under their wings.
What do you cherish in your kind of man?
I am already in a relationship. I am not looking to be impressed. I admire people with proper etiquette and humility. Not the ever humble type, humility with confidence.
How is your relationship going?
In my case, I have been in this relationship even before AMBO 5, so, we have talked about my career path over and over. In this era, communication is important. If there is communication, things will be easy. Relationship break up is not peculiar to Nollywood it happens everywhere. The most important thing is to find a way and make it work.
When is the movie going to be released?
June 6, 2014, by the grace of God.
– FOLUSO SAMUEL
