Lynda Dozie, a Nigerian-born actor and scriptwriter, has recently gained recognition for her impactful films that tackle social issues and crime. Nominated by POPCentral on DStv in the Story Africa category for her film ‘One Good Deed’ and featured in films such as ‘One Lagos Night’ on Netflix, Lynda showcases a range of emotions and versatility that set her apart. Her roles in productions like ‘Dear Ijeoma’, ‘Tough Love’, ‘Love and Betrayal’, ‘Yesterday’, and ‘Sisters Visa’ highlight her talent. Beyond acting, Lynda has written, starred in, and produced short films on issues such as HIV and depression, which have garnered nominations from FilmFreeway, AFRIFF, and Story Africa. She talks to ALIYU ABDULKAREEM about her motivations for focusing on social issues, her next big steps, and more. Excerpts:
What inspired you to start your career as an actor and screenwriter?
I have always loved acting. For me, it gives me the freedom to be anyone in any place, to live a different life at any time and to inspire different people.
How do you choose the projects you want to be involved in?
As an actor, most of the time you do not have the pleasure of choosing what film you want to be in, as most casting directors either find you suitable for their roles at auditions and call you. But I can assure you of my ability to turn down what I feel is not right for me.
Can you tell us about your experience working on “One Lagos Night” and its impact on your career?
One day I was at home, just back from the set of Tough Love and really tired. I got a call saying someone had referred us to you and we would like you to be on our production in two days. I was too tired, but I just said yes. So I got the script and the contract by email. On the required day, my role was that of a police officer who brought the final twist. It was my first time acting as a police officer, but I can assure you that the crew of One Lagos Night were pleasant, very professional and renowned. I enjoyed every laugh on the set. After a year, I started getting compliments for playing Bisoye on Netflix and that set my career on a global path.
What motivates you to focus on social issues in your films?
Our Amigo was a real-life story for me, as I lost a very close friend to depression. I didn’t want to share every detail of her life, but I hoped that by writing and producing this short film I could help others to say no to suicide. My motivation for writing about social issues is the hope that it can make a positive difference and possibly save a life.
How did you feel when One Good Deed was nominated by POPCentral on DStv?
When One Good Deed was nominated, I just said girl, you can do it. I was super excited to be nominated among other talented African writers and the fact that it was on Multichoice made it an avenue for me to work with writers across Africa and use that.
What is your process for developing a script and bringing characters to life?
The process of developing a script is hard and exhausting, especially scripts on social issues in short films. You want to be impactful and yet perfectly timed. You have to rework every detail and in most cases remove a whole scene or even several scenes. You want to create characters that most audiences can relate to, both locally and globally.
How do you integrate advocacy and storytelling in your films?
I integrate advocacy into my storytelling by focusing on social issues that need awareness and change. By weaving these issues into compelling narratives, I aim to create films that not only entertain, but also educate and inspire action.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the film industry?
Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced are finding funding for projects, dealing with distribution barriers and overcoming limited opportunities for recognition in a highly competitive industry.
Are there any particular genres or types of stories you’d like to explore in the future?
I am excited to explore stories that delve into historical events and biographical films. These genres offer rich narratives that can educate and inspire, offering new perspectives on our past and present.
Do you have any plans to direct or produce films in the near future? If so, can you give us some details?
Yes, I have plans to direct and produce more films in the near future. One of the projects I’m working on is a feature film that explores the intersection of technology and human relationships. It will address modern social issues while providing a compelling and emotional narrative.
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