If you grew up watching Nigerian movies, then the name PATIENCE OZOKWOR should ring a bell.
For her roles mostly as a believable villain in more than 100 movies, the 66-year-old actress is one of the most recognisable faces in Nollywood. On March 29, Ozokwor was in Uganda with another Nollywood great, Ramsey Noah, for the iKon awards, and we caught up with the mother-of-eight (three biological, five adopted).
How does it feel being back to Uganda after your 2014 visit?
Uganda has greatly improved, and I have witnessed this from the airport. I feel happy that Africans and Ugandans in particular are embracing transformation. I am happy to be back here for my third or fourth time.
Uganda fell deeply in love with your movies. Do you feel that love whenever you visit?
Wherever I visit across Africa and the world, I realise how impactful my contribution to filmmaking has been, Uganda inclusive. It makes me feel proud of myself and the people I have worked with over the years.
Up to now, many fans still call me by some of my names in movies, like Mama G, which makes me feel proud and happy.
Seeing you with a smile makes one wonder how you pulled off all those evil characters in your movies!
Art and movies in particular are 95% make-believe. What you feed the people is what they will take and believe. Over my acting career, I have played the role of a nurse, lawyer and midwife, among many others, and the public was made to believe that I am all those kinds of people. As an actor, you live the lives of very many people.
Has film always been your passion?
My passion for acting started in the early 90s when I was given a role on a TV series titled Someone Cares. Taking on the role and executing it well came off naturally for me, which revealed to me that maybe I was meant for film.
From then, I took on roles in many other plays and movies which grew my love, experience and talent as an actor.
How has the Nigerian film industry evolved since you joined it?
Our industry has gone through a lot of challenges. Back in our time in Nollywood, for example, reaping from your sweat as an actor or filmmaker was almost unheard of, until later, when the industry got more professional.
We had challenges with distributors who used to sell and resell our movies without paying us. Today, I’m happy that younger filmmakers are making money on YouTube, Netflix, and TikTok, driving big cars and building big houses out of film. The future is brighter.
What do you think about digital transformation and how it is used in film?
The emergence of technology in film, today, especially in terms of streaming and distribution, is an assurance that now, filmmakers can earn big from their work.
Back then, it was hard to track payment from distributors and marketers because they had monopoly on how our films would be distributed and sold. Today, filmmakers can upload their work on YouTube and be assured that they will earn what they deserve, and I feel happy for them.
What can Ugandan filmmakers learn from legends like you?
Firstly, a filmmaker who is starting out needs to learn that money cannot be their first motivation in film. When we had just started, we didn’t even know that we would ever get rich from acting. So, patience and passion are very important.
You recently marked 45 years in the entertainment industry. How have you managed to stay on top of your game?
I want to thank God for enabling me to reach this far. It has not been easy, with a lot of challenges. I also owe my success to the fans because their support kept me going. My family has also been there for me, supporting all the way. My fans should know that I am still here.
What is the way forward for Africa’s film industry?
First of all, governments in Africa need to come out fully and support emerging film industries. Young filmmakers today find it very hard to make competitive films because it is becoming very expensive to finish a single project.
Government can come up with affordable loans for the industry, offer high-end equipment for hire at a subsidised price, and offer free locations for filmmakers. This will go a long way in supporting film in Africa. With that and consistency from African filmmakers, I think the future is bright.
Secondly, African filmmakers need to continue focusing on authentic African stories. This is what we did in Nigeria so many years ago and it helped us cross to other African countries that could relate with our stories.
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