Nollywood Director, Chinedu Igbokwe, has taken time to talk about his steady rise in the industry and how he overcame challenges to rise to becoming a certified movie producer. In this exclusive interview, he tells us more about himself and his journey. He began with a brief introduction of himself
"My name is Chinedu Igbokwe (DGN, AMP). I was born on 18th October 1986 into the family of Deacon Elijah Ndubuisi Igbokwe, I graduated from Abia State Polytechnic aba where I sudied Business Administration."
Igbokwe's love for theatre arts moved him closer to the industry at a young age. He began as an actor
"I joined the Nollywood industry so many years ago as an actor through a theater club then called Allens Global Theatre. From there I journeyed through and after a long while due to the passion I have in training upcoming thespians"
He opened a theater club called Sureway International Theatre Club which became one of the best theater clubs then. He explains how he managed the theatre
"I brought in standard and professionalism into it, and I was then elected to be the Abia State chairman of National Association of Theatre clubs. I also did my best on that level as a theater director which Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abia State chapter recognised.
The movie director wanted to get more knowledge in his field and he learnt from some of the best in the industry.
"One of the days, I decided to go further in both self learning and also becoming a full time Nollywood director. I learnt continuity from Avalon Okpe, Philips Udeagbala and then one miss Cynthia. After then, I worked under so many directors as a Continuity personnel. From there I learnt Editing, Cinematography, and now, I am a director.
He shot his first movie as a director in 2011 in the movie but"Disvirgined Virgin," starring Eve Esin, Junior Pope, Chinyere Ukoli, David Ihesie, Emma Etukudo and Amaechi Muonagor.
He speaks on what his reaction was when he saw his movie in the market
"I was so happy when I saw the movie in the market in my neighborhood with my name written on it as the director. Because of the challenges I was facing then and people doubting my abilities, so it formed as my basis to answer anybody, this is the one I have done. I then told myself that I could do more"
Chinedu applied to become a member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria in 2012 but he faced challenges. He did not allow those challenges to deter him, rather, they spurred him to do more.
"I never allowed it to discourage me so I kept on pressing, and to God be the glory, I am not just a fully certified member of Director's Guild of Nigeria (DGN), I am also a member of Association of Movie Producers (AMP)."
He has shot many movies: Blind Prince, Battle For Christ, Mystic Mirror, Christ And Tradition, Tears of Obiazor, Ogbangada River, Image of Love, Sinful Angel, Price of Anointing, Clash of Powers, Aguiyi, Serious Fools, Nwanyi Ofeakwu, Blind Priest, Tears of Mama G, Anointed Blood, Gifted Thrown, Love and Betrayal, Wave of Poverty, The Throne, Family Problem, Tears of A Saint, College of Rituals, Nwa Baby, Nkoli The River Goddess, Forbidden Twins and many others.
Looking back at his struggles earlier in his life and where he is now, Chinedu is thankful and happy because of the progression in his career and life
"I have won awards 3 good times and I am happily married to my beautiful wife, Emmanuella Amarachi Igbokwe"
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