Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Omoni Oboli has said former President Goodluck Jonathan gave her career a boost. In a recent interview with Punch, Oboli said Jonathan‘s decision to watch her directorial debut was the boost she needed. Here are the excerpts:
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There was some copyright infringement controversy over your movie, Okafor’s Law, how have you been able to resolve it?
We’re still in court. So we’ll leave that for now.
Did Jude Idada actually contribute to the movie in any way?
The case is in court at the moment. One day, I will tell my story.
Can you recall who gave you your first opportunity in the movie industry?
A lot of people helped me when I first stepped into the scene as a young actor. There was Obi Osotule, Keppy Ekpenyong, Opa Williams, and Fred Amata who helped me get into the industry. Fidelis Duker and Lancelot Imasuen were the first to give me the lead role in a movie, Not my Will, and then later, Destined to Die, in the same year. Hilda Dokubo gave me a role in her movie, Another Campus Tale, as the lead female. After my long break from the industry, Emem Isong-Misodi was the one who gave me the opportunity for a come-back, even though it didn’t feel like a come-back. It felt more like starting from the beginning.
What are some of the earliest challenges you faced in your career?
Getting the lead role was one of them. When I got back after my long break, I was the ‘new girl’ in town and I just didn’t know anyone in the industry who knew me. It was a real challenge to break into the industry again. I finally wrote a script, Fatal Imagination, hoping to play the lead role in it, but I was only given a small supporting role in the movie by the marketer. It was tough, but I persisted.
Which movie gave you your breakthrough after your second coming?
I believe The Figurine was the breakthrough movie. It was the movie that helped the new cinema culture that we’re all enjoying today. Anchor Baby was the icing on the cake.
If you were to start your career over again, what things would you do differently?
I don’t know if I’d do anything differently. I stopped acting for 10 years to complete my university studies, and I’m glad I have a university degree. I also got married during that long break and had children, and I wouldn’t trade that for all the accolades I may have missed in that period. Each opportunity I lost seems to have opened other doors for me, so I’m glad for all the experiences that I’ve gone through, because they have defined who I am today. I thank God for all the joys as well as the scars because they show me what God has pulled me through. I wouldn’t do anything differently.
Many believe that your relationship with former president, Goodluck Jonathan, was a boost for you; in what ways did he contribute to your career?
Being Mrs. Elliott was my directorial debut, and I had applied to show the movie to the president and he obliged. Anything that gives you publicity for your movies prior to the cinema release is definitely always welcome by any serious filmmaker. It was a great honour and a beautiful boost to my career as a filmmaker. To launch out that way was definitely the very thing I needed then and I’m thankful for it.
How would you describe your marital experience?
It has been great and I cannot complain. God has been good to me by giving me a husband that is supportive and who loves me dearly. Our marriage will be 17 years in October.
How have you been able to keep your home intact despite the many failed marriages in Nollywood?
I don’t know if I keep my home intact; I believe God does that for me. There are many women who do the right things and show up at every time for their husbands and still get the short end of the stick. So I don’t take credit for it. I have my moments and he does too, but somehow it has never tipped the scale and that’s because God made it possible. Nevertheless, I believe that when you understand that you’re both different individuals who have become one, then you can try to weather any storm, knowing that if you don’t, both of you will have a dreadful life in that marriage. Enjoy it and seek for the things that make for peace because life is too short to waste it fighting.
How are you able to find balance between your family and your career?
I have an understanding husband who knows what my job entails and I don’t disrespect him, so we assume responsibilities to fill up the gaps that the other is lacking. My career keeps me away from my family often, but with love and understanding, family and career have never been at war in my home.
Do you consider yourself a stylish person?
Yes, I would say so. I have my own style and I love fashion. That’s why I now have my own fashion line that shows my style, and people love it.
How do you unwind?
I love spending time with my family, watching movies, playing games or just hanging out. I love reading books as well.
Source: punch
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