Most up to date motion picture maker in town, Genevieve Nnaji, talks with CHUX OHAI about her new film and plans for what’s to come
At a time many motion picture fans in Africa are thinking about whether she has given it up with film acting, celebrated performing artist, Genevieve Nnaji, simply declared the arrival of her own movie after what appears like a long rest from the lighted screen.
Titled ‘Street to Yesterday’, the film is delivered by the performing artist – funded straight from her own pocket with extra backing from AfricanMagic, as she claims in a meeting with our journalist. Be that as it may, it is written and coordinated by Ishaya Bak
Explaining why it has taken her a long time to join the growing ranks of new generation movie producers in the country, Genevieve says, “I chose to be an actress. Acting was what I had always wanted to do. I don’t think that I ever imagined myself producing a film. I love acting. If the Nigerian movie industry was as stable as it should be, I probably would have been on the set of a movie every day of my life and not be bothered about what goes on behind the camera. So it is a matter of choice and preference.”
Genevieve plays the lead role in ‘Road to Yesterday’ alongside Ghanaian actor, Majid Michel. Chioma Omeruah, Ebele Okaro and Oris Ehuero, among others featured in the movie.
Apart from Majid and Ebele, most of the actors and actresses are not part of the regular Nollywood crowd. Genevieve tells our correspondent that the departure from the ‘old’ crowd is deliberate.
She says, “It is part of our effort to open up Nollywood to more newcomers and to create opportunities for people who are very talented and who have the passion for this job. This is why we have somebody like Ishaya Bako in the team.”
But to the disappointment of those who have for long expected Genevieve to choose a life partner and finally walk down the aisle, marriage does not seem to be in her agenda yet. Asked when she would finally take the plunge, the actress replies that contrary to speculations, she has not ruled out marriage. But that she would make up her mind as soon as she meets the right person.
“I haven’t found the right man yet. When he comes, I’ll get married,” she says.