‘ONYE OZI’, a film production by the Igbo Cultural Support Network, the UK’s largest networking organisation for young adults of Nigerian Igbo descent, premiers on 29th November. ICSN thus presents its Onye Ozi Preview Series, which consists of a set of interviews with the main cast members and directors of the film production.
The questions are aimed at finding out about the various characters in the film, as well as how each cast member feels about Onye Ozi, and what the film means for the Igbo language.
The first of these interviews is with ChibuKing Onuigbo who hails from Anambra…
Full Name: ChibuKing Onuigbo
State of Origin: Anambra State, in Biafraland
Is this your first film role? if not what other films have you featured in?
This is my third movie. The first film I was in was titled Am With You. I co-produced and acted in it. The second one was titled Phantom of Fury. This was produced and directed by MA Benson. Now finally we have ONYE OZI (The Messenger). I have been doing a lot of stage drama’s and that is what I love doing mostly more than acting movies.
What character do you play?
I play the character of a priest. However in the movie I had no name.
The priest come across a layman in difficulty looking for Father Timothy who is unwell. Let’s just say I receive a message , and that message becomes a pivotal part of the events that follow. The movie will tell you more.
What made you want to audition for ONYE OZI (The Messenger)?
Firstly it was because I found out the whole film was going to be produced in my language, and secondly is because it was being directed and produced by one of the best movie producers and directors we have.
What was the initial reaction from family and friends, when you told them that you will be involved in the first ever Igbo language film in London?
They were excited that finally an Igbo movie will be coming to our screen in UK.
How different did it feel for you to act in an Igbo Language film, in comparison to English? Was it easier or harder, considering you had to learn the script in Igbo, etc?
It was fun for me to act in Igbo for the first time and it was easier for me as my first language is Igbo and I love it with a passion.
This film will definitely bring something new to Nollywood, being one of the few Igbo films being made. Considering the large number of Igbo actors/actress, directors in the Industry, why do you think there are very few Igbo films being made, in comparison with other groups?
It is because the Igbo film makers in the movie industry are after the profit they will make from English movies. That is why they are not interested in doing Igbo movies as they think it will reduce their profit.
What do you wish for the outcome of ONYE OZI (The Messenger)?
I want people to know that this is just the beginning. We are organizing ourselves here in UK to form an Igbo actors and actresses group. I am glad the foundation has been laid by Obi Emelonye and Emmanuella Ideh with this master piece called ONYE OZI. I wish for this to trigger more Igbo movies and I will play my own part.
Any final comments?
Yes, let me leave you with a few words to ponder over, Do you know that about 80% of Igbo children living in Nigeria cannot speak Igbo language? Neither do they know a thing about the Igbo culture. We say the children are our future? What future does the Igbo language have in children that cannot speak their language? Does it mean that the Igbo language will be eliminated when the present generation has passed away? Think about this! Together we can make a great change. Our collective responsibility is to join the campaign to preserve the Igbo language, culture and bring positive change in the Igbo land.
My point is that the only identity for an African is the tribe. I am a Nigerian because a white man created Nigeria, and gave me that identity. I am Black because the white man constructed Black to be as different as possible from his white. But I was Igbo before the white man came.
How can people find out more about you?
Well, I am a human rights activist and freedom fighter, the President of Good Shepherd Movement(GSM), a pro Biafra group in UK, and the founder of Biafra Army Cadet, and the owner of www.Biafratv.com coming soon. On facebook they can reach me on ChibuKing Onuigbo.
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