Today’s Nollywood Exclusive feature stands out from the others. A young girl who has got more than seven flavors that makes her stand out. Ifu Ennada an amazing talent with all sides of a media girl. She was that street wise girl on prime time TV series Emerald, also her role in AMAA 2016 Award winning film O-Town got her a nomination for Best young and promising actor. Just recently she released her short film Tears Of A Broken Virgin which was premiered at the just concluded short film festival Inshortfilmfestival 2016 which is currently gaining impressive reviews by film critics. Few days after her screening, a film lecturer at the most prestigious media school in Africa Pan Atlantic School Of Media & Communications has given her an invite to come speak to the film students about how to make a good short film. In an exclusive interview with Chiazor Daniel Of Glamsquadmagazine, she opens up on her love for entertainment, importance of social media, 2016 AMAA nominations and her short film “Tears Of A Broken Virgin”
What was growing up like for you, did you ever think you would one day end up in the movie industry?
I grew up in Lagos with my wonderful parents and amazing siblings. I wanted to be loads of things, but I never really paid attention to my acting talent.
Tell us a little about your Best Young/promising act AMAA nominations for O-Town?
This year, 2016, I was nominated in the category “Best Young and Promising Actor” for my role in O Town. It was a nomination I didn’t see coming, but I’m grateful to God and the AMAA jury for giving me such recognition.
There’s so much noise now since everyone can post videos on social networks and blogs. Why do you think the social media is a huge platform for new talents to get their talents out?
Social Media is definitely a place where talents are discovered because most people are online these days and a lot of things go viral once the content stands out.
Social media isn’t just great for creatives because lots of business that aren’t just entertainment have recorded several successes in terms of reaching out to their target market and closing good deals. I’m also a content creator and I’ve gotten good businesses thanks to social media.
What was your first movie making experience?
My first movie making experience as a producer happened this year. I wrote and produced my first film Tears Of A Broken Virgin, it was a great experience that had led to several successes including recording more jobs in less than 24hrs after my film premiered at the In Short Film Festival.
God blessed me with the right Director and the best team who worked with me and we birthed a great film.
You were amongst the cast for the prime time TV drama series Emerald, tell us about your character.
I play the role of a streetwise call girl, Tina Eze on Emerald TV drama series. My very first audition in acting got me the lead role and it launched me into the industry where I’ve done more jobs and met some interesting people.
You wrote and produced your first short film “Tears Of A Broken Virgin” What is the short film about? Who was part of the cast and production team. How was your experience with the director and other actors in the film?
On the set of my film Tears Of A Broken Virgin, both cast and crew worked together in harmony. When I was writing the screenplay for my film, I already had some great actors in mind when I was writing the dialogues for some characters. Actors like Ify Brown Monye and Femi Deolu Amusan are people I’ve worked with and so it was an easy job casting them for the roles they played. Most of my crew members are professionals who volunteered to work with me after I announced that I was ready to make my film. You see how good social media is?
My director, Benny Alli Atagame was the first person who signed up to work with me after reading the script. He loved it and said he’d direct it at no cost. We met in Port Harcourt during AMAA 2016 and when we got back, I played a lead in his film – “Played”. It was easy working with everyone on set of my film because everyone was genuinely passionate about the project.
Tell Us more About Your short Film Tears Of A Broken Virgin.
Tears Of A Broken Virgin, was inspired by some real events. It tells a story about a vengeful rape victim who went on an unconventional revenge mission even after the rapist proposed to marry her. When you watch the film you’d find out that the rapist has characteristics of a drug addict, but I was saying something with that which is; Rape isn’t to be condoned for any reason. You’d also see the rape victim objecting to her own wedding and exposing the rapist in front of family and friends. The last scene of my film will show you a scorned victim who somehow managed to capture the rapist and did some terrible things to him. I wanted to encourage women to speak out after being raped and not mind the negativity from the society. I also wanted the society to see the extent rape victims could go to seek revenge if rape victims are not forced to face stiff penalties. In continuation to this, I’ll be expanding my short film into a feature length film. I’ve also launched a social media account to educate ladies on sexual abuse and other gender based abuses. This account will also be getting help for anyone to who’s been abused. We’ll be working together with other relevant bodies.
The account is active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and it’s called “Anti Abuse Centre”.
Who sort of stories excite you?
Stories that challenge me in various ways excite me.
What do you enjoy about producing, is this your first time?
Yes, this is my first time producing a film.
What has been your biggest project so far, as an actor or producer?
As an actor and a producer, my film Tears Of A Broken Virgin has been my biggest project so far because it challenged me in many ways. I’ve never acted and produced simultaneously, but it was worth it.
Ifu Ennada at AMAA 2016 Red Carpet
What is the most important aspect of building a great character?
I believe it takes a number of things to build a great character. It starts with the creator’s imagination, but to make a character stand out, the writer has to research and study things related to the character in creation because this will help make the character believable and great. This is my take on this.
Besides acting and producing movies, you have been the brain behind Dynamix on STV; quite interesting. How long have you been on TV?
I made my first appearance on TV when I was 19, in 2011 as a TV presenter and reporter. I was trained for some months and I also learned how to produce content. Creating contents is something that comes naturally to me.
Ifu Ennada Interviewing Ice Prince, Brymo and Jessy Jagz for Dynamix On STV
Now away from acting and movies, you are a fitness expert; what’s your take on fitness and how do you stay fit?
I think that everyone should try and live a healthy life because it could expand one’s lifespan. Eat healthy and workout regularly – you don’t have to be a fitness freak to achieve this.
I workout 4-6 times a week and I try to eat as healthy as possible.
Tell us what it takes to be successful, your two favorite quotes and advice to struggling talents.
To be successful you have to be passionate and committed to your dreams and aspirations.
Also, whatever you do seek to know God’s Will for your life, discover God’s part for you in his big story and walk according to His Will.
I do not have favorite quotes, but I hope this will do.
Thank you very much.
