Born in Ozubulu in Anambra State, Nazo Ekezie is an outstanding actress who recently made her entry into film production with her first movie, Flawed. The second of four children, Nazo is a straight-shooter. In this interview by Newton-Ray Ukwuoma, the actress bares her mind on various issues concerning her rise in the movie industry, among others.
How long have you been acting?
I have been acting professionally since 2010.
Which movie was your first shot at acting?
I can’t remember which one exactly now. There were couple of movies I did where I featured in two or three scenes, and sometimes five. Then I went back to school. But the movie, Thanks For Coming’ produced by Uche Nancy brought me to limelight. I did another one entitled, ‘Assassins’ featuring the likes of Mike Ezuruonye, Chacha Eke, and others. There were a couple of other ones, but these were the movies that made people take me seriously as an actress.
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Recently, you joined the actresses who are also filmmakers. Why?
As some point in my career, I wanted to try something new. The love for filmmaking has been there for a while. So, in 2018, I produced my first film. It’s entitled ‘Flawed’ featuring Ebere Okaro, More Duncan, my humble self and other amazing actors.
How do you choose your cast?
There were no particular criteria before I choose my cast because I am that kind of person that watches movies a lot. So, if I see new faces that know their onions well, I take note of them. I have this producer eye.So, it wasn’t really difficult for me to know who and who would be in my film. I had taken mental note of those that I wanted.I called them up, negotiate with them and that was it.
Is it the movie for cinema or YouTube?
This particular production would be on CD and the internet.
What were the challenges of producing your first movie?
I think doing a movie as a producer and also acting in it is not easy at all. I had to think for everyone to make sure that the production goes well. It was not funny at all. I had to think from every angle to make sure everything was okay. I had a very good production manager, but I really got myself worked up. Well, some people said it’s because it was my first time that soon, I’d get used to it.
Another big challenge I had was location issue. I paid for an office space in Lekki, then like a day before the shoot, the man in charge of the space called and said we can’t move in that the office was locked. Some government officials locked the place up. Then, he wouldn’t refund my money on time to get another office space. It was very tough, but I refused to be discouraged.We just changed plans and moved on. The good thing is, I have learnt my lessons. Now I know what those other producers face. What they pass through. Now I understand them better. I have learned anything can go wrong during production. And most times, some mistakes or lapses are not entirely their fault.
Did you shoot in or outside Lagos?
I shot in Lagos, Lekki Phase 1 and its axis. That’s why the production was hectic. But I won’t back out. I can’t find myself doing any other stuff aside acting. I’ll act movies till I grow old. Once in a while, I could do other businesses but acting is the love of my life. I can never stop making films. Never, the stress is fun. I love it. I enjoy it.
How much did it cost you to produce a movie for CD?
I don’t think I can give an exact figure, but it isn’t above 10 million because it’s not a cinema movie, but I can say it cost me a lot of money. Shooting in Lagos wasn’t easy and I tried as much as possible not to limit myself. Where they were need for extras I got them and paid for it. I made sure, there were no lapses.
How do you couch the message of ‘Flawed’?
The movie, Flawed,is saying that people have reasons for doing what they do. We are all not perfect, no matter how good and perfect we seem to look from the outside, there are lots of issues we still have to deal with on the inside. There are certain actions that people take and nobody would truly understand why, until he or she gets close to realise the reason behind that action. Nobody, male nor female, should sit in one corner and criticise anybody’s actions without knowing what prompted it.Everybody struggles with something. No matter how popular you are, no matter how great you look, there’s a demon you’re fighting within nobody around you would understand. The movie also teaches that love concurs. That love would make everything right again.
These days, everyone, especially celebrities are always online showing off different lifestyle. What’s your take on ostentatious lifestyle on social media?
What I can only say is that it depends on who and what you want for yourself. I think my biggest problem is realness. I don’t know how to fake or pretend. I can’t even snap besides someone’s car because there is no gain in it. I’m so real to a fault. The society would expect more from us as celebrities. A lot of actors are pressured by the society. Nigerians are conflicted, they want you to be humble, then the next minute, they complain you are too humble.These problems are often created by women. So, if people tend to live fake lifestyles, I won’t blame them. They have to meet up.
You mentioned that the problem is created by women. Would you like to clarify that a little bit?
Women don’t like each other. Please, quote me. Nollywood is one of the worst places to have female friends, because most female actresses see genuine compliments as something else. The worst are those who are doing better and well-paid, endorsements and all. Famous, yet they still say rubbish about other actresses in the industry. Every battle I have faced in Nollywood is centred on women. It’s that bad. They believe once they have made it, nobody else should. These big actresses (the A-List) they are scary seriously. You would be in your corner, thinking they are all made and won’t stress it again. But they are the ones that are more jealous, even on set.
Once in a while, there is a rumour of using juju to knock someone off the way to get a role. What do you have to say about that?
Although, I’ve heard stuffs like that, I don’t think I’ve come across it.
Are you in any relationship now?
I’m very, very single and available.In the course of my job as an actress, there are too many expectations from celebrities. One thing about famous people is that most times, they don’t change but people around them do. I have always looked out for someone whom fame doesn’t entice or affect. One wouldn’t consider it a problem. I want someone who would be patient enough to know me and not look at me from the movie angle. I would love someone who sees me as Nazo and not an actress all the time. My name is not actress, my name is Nazo. Right now, I want to be in a relationship so badly. I want to be with someone I love, someone who loves me as me, but not as an actress or movie star. I want to be with a person that actually knows me, loves me and willing to relate with me as Nazo.
In terms of physical looks, what do you look out for?
Well, I’m not a physical look kind of person, but then you won’t be looking like masquerade though. I want a nice looking guy, average. And most importantly, the acceptance that I’m talking about. Then your brain and how your mind functions are more important to me.
What about the pocket?
That one it is so important. I’m not looking out to marry a Dangote, but he needs to be comfortable. He has to be able to provide for me. These are the issues.
Those that can’t provide are now going for females’ underwear. How do you secure your pants these days?
(Laughs). It might sound like a cliché, but I don’t wear pants anymore. Because I’m not going to joke with my destiny and if there’s anywhere that I’m taking my clothes off, my underwear are going straight into my bag.
If you don’t wear panties what do you replace them with, especially when you wear gowns?
(Laughs)There are other things you can wear. You don’t have to go out naked. At first, I took it as a joke but now it’s very serious matter. So, no more pants.
what are your plans for 2019?
I have plans mapped out but that would kick off after this election. We can’t wait for the next person to make lives better for all of us.