A veteran of the Nigerian film industry with over three decades of experience, Steph-Nora Okere has crafted a remarkable career, producing over 18 films that showcase her exquisite artistry and enduring talent.
In this exclusive interview with The Entertainer, Okeke candidly shares her journey, reflecting on her early days, the industry’s evolution, her triumphs, and her exciting new project.
By Damilola Fatunmise
How have you been?
Life is treating me well. Thank you. Although it has its ups and downs, I am still good.
Can you spot the differences between the Nollywood of those days and now?
There are a whole lot of differences. Back in the day, everything was analogue; mostly based on talent and professionalism. You don’t get the role as an actor unless you are good and deserving of the role. And as a director, you have to know your onions before any well-meaning actor will agree to work with you. For a producer to engage your services, you have to master the art. But these days, technology has made everything easy, and a lot of different talents can be enhanced by technology in the studio after filming. With the advent of AI, everything has become easy and less demanding plus, it’s more of the money than the art.
You were off the screen for a while, what happened?
Nothing. The Industry took a turn, and a lot of us took the turn and the slight break, too. But the show is on again; all hands are on deck now.
How did your journey into the industry start?
I came to Nollywood as a fresh graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dramatic Arts. I came into the industry fully equipped with the basic skills I needed to hit the ground running. Although it was more of stage production and acting knowledge, with time, I blended into television and movies and grew over the years. This year is exactly 30 years since I came into the industry professionally.
How many movies have you produced and which one would you say was the biggest deal?
So far, I have produced about 18 movies. ‘Roberta’ is my cinematic efforts that were bankrolled by the Bank of Industry. The biggest deal for now is the one I am about to premiere this December in Owerri. A movie that showcases and celebrates the art, culture, traditions and lifestyle of the people of Imerienwe my home town in Imo State. It is titled ‘Ijenwe Ala Dinma’.
Growing up, did you ever know that you would end up being an actor?
Yes, my acting career started when I was in primary school. I always had it in mind that I would love to be a celebrated actress or entertainer, and to the glory of God, they all came to pass.
Who were those you grew up watching and you can say they are your role models?
Actors like Joke Sylva, Ene Oloja and Co.; and especially American actresses like Lisa Bonet and Whoopi Goldberg.
How did you come about the title and your cast?
Like I said, Ijenwe is a nickname for Imerienwe. And the title Ijenwe Ala Dinma simply means “Ijenwe the Good Land. The cast was carefully picked first of all because they are Igbo and can speak in Owerri’s dialect. That way, it was easy to get them to blend into the story.
What were your major challenges while shooting the movie?
I had a host of indigenous people as actors in the movie. A lot of them, if not all, were greenhorns. So, it was tedious blending them into the roles, and casting for the exact characters was also challenging.
When should your fans be expecting it on the screen and what’s the means of distributing it?
The movie is being premiered to an exclusive selection of viewers; after that, I intend to approach the cinemas with the work.
As the year is wrapping up, what are you grateful for?
First, for life and most of all, for the strength to carry on and the achievement of this year. I premiered ‘Roberta’ this year in February in Abuja, and I am doing another movie premiere this year again; it can only be God, and I give God all the glory.
I must say you look so ageless, what’s your secret?
It’s the grace of God and also how I am built.
How can you advise those who are looking up to you both in the industry and outside?
Slow and steady wins the race. Only compete with yourself and let God meet you, doing the right things always.
If you had the opportunity to correct anything in the movie industry, what would that be?
The rush for money and fame should go hand in hand with the art, or soon, the industry will dwindle.
Are you proud of the industry?
I am mega proud of Nollywood and I am grateful to God that people like us are still alive to witness this.
What can’t StephNora be caught with?
By Rita Okoye @TheSUN
