Chinwe Isaac: Govt support, dialogue with Nollywood’ll produce historical films…my biggest fear is to sleep, not to wakeup

Chinwekene Isaac, an exceptional Nollywood actress currently dazzling in the Nigerian film industry, is renowned for her remarkable skills in screen performances.

Her ability to effectively portray diverse roles has made her a sought-after talent among producers and directors, who eagerly strive to feature her captivating presence in their flicks and on their movie promotional materials.

A recipient of the 2019 City People Movie Award, Chinwe began her educational journey in Warri, attending Holy Crest Primary School. Her academic excellence at Uniqueness High School led her to Nekede Polytechnic, where she pursued an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Banking and Finance. Unfortunately, her music studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka were abruptly altered due to her father’s demise. Chinwe subsequently enrolled in Political Science and proudly graduated from Lagos State University with a degree in that field.

Standing at an impressive height of 5.8 ft, this stunning thespian was born on September 5th over three decades ago and hails from Ihiagwa in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. During an interview with CREEKVIBES OLUWADAMILARE DANIELS, she candidly expressed her greatest fear: the prospect of sleeping and not awakening. Enjoy the highlights from this engaging conversation.

Do you plan to act on the international scene?

Every artist prays for a big project to come, that is when you can rate the level of your dexterity, you know you can’t cast yourself, and your capability is what will lure directors and good producers to your doorstep.

How many awards to your credit?

I don’t have many awards. I have about five of them to my credit, I have received the FEMA Award from the United States, the City People Award, and the Nigeria Achievers Award, including a couple of recognitions.

What boundaries have you set for male fans who want to become lovers rather than remain a fan?

For individuals who aspire to be more than mere admirers, it is important to acknowledge that their enthusiasm cannot be easily curtailed without appearing dismissive to devoted supporters.

I have managed to maintain a certain distance from these individuals in a graceful manner, as their admiration stems from a genuine appreciation of my work. However, when interactions begin to exceed the boundaries of professionalism, I defer such engagements to my manager. There are instances when I may be focused on training, and someone approaches me with comments that disrupt my concentration. In such cases, I will courteously request my manager to address the situation, allowing me to continue my training uninterrupted.

What’s the craziest fan encounter you’ve ever had?

A fan once took a photograph with me and ignited a rumour that we were in a romantic relationship. This gossip eventually reached a friend, who confronted me about it, which was quite absurd.

Occasionally, when fans approach, some may attempt to place their hand on my shoulder, while others may say, “Mama, please add a little smile now.” In the end, many of these individuals will turn around and tarnish my reputation, which is very bad.

How many countries have you visited?

I have lost track of the number of countries I have visited throughout my travels. My journeys have taken me to various destinations, including Ghana, the United States on multiple occasions, the United Kingdom repeatedly, as well as Zambia, Malawi, and South Africa, among others, totalling approximately twenty countries.

How supportive were your parents when you started your career as a boarding actress?

My mother does act in the church too.  My parents were not against my chosen career. Lately, mum featured in some movies and also skits.

How has your background and upbringing influenced your work?

Peter Udohporo, my grandfather, along with two others, played a pivotal role in bringing in the Baptist Church in the Eastern region. Consequently, my upbringing was deeply rooted in a church-oriented environment, where my family actively participated in various church activities. This foundation instilled in me a profound reverence for God, this has significantly influenced my career path.

Some individuals labeled me as ‘Mgbeke’ due to my choice of attire, which did not emphasize any cleavage. However, I have developed a method of balancing my wardrobe for the sake of entertainment, even though I possess certain attributes that could wmodesty, as my upbringing has profoundly shaped my values; trends that compromise my principles do not appeal to me.

How many Netflix standard movies have you done, and what was the experience like?

I have produced several films that meet Netflix’s standards, which have allowed me to explore numerous African countries. One notable film produced by Andy Boyo titled “Cobra,” which was released in 2014, in that film, I took the lead role, and it also included notable actors such as Segun Arinze, Chidi Mokeme, Alex Osifo, Mary Remmy, and Frederic Leonards, among others.

Recently, we completed a Netflix-standard film for YouTube titled “The Messiah.” I encourage you to watch it, as it is a high-quality production rather than a low-budget endeavour. Travelling with my fellow actors was a remarkable experience; we enjoyed first-class flights to various African destinations and stayed in luxurious hotels throughout the period of the filming, the organisers treated us well.

Can you share a moment when you faced a financial setback or failure in your career, and how you overcame it?

Seven years prior, I produced a film titled “Mbakwe The Tailor,” which was directed by Ifeanyi Ogbonna. The role of two tailors were taken by Osuofia and Chiwetalu Agwu, alongside notable performances from Uju Okoli, Jerry Williams, Nosa Rex, Harry B, and several other distinguished actors.

Unfortunately, the project faced significant challenges due to the mismanagement by the editor, personal assistant, and marketer. The film was divided into three parts, and after the first season gained popularity, there was a strong demand for a second season. However, instead of releasing the anticipated season 2, the team mistakenly launched season 3. When it was time to present season 2, they repeated season 3, leading to a backlash from viewers who returned their purchases, claiming they had already watched that season. Had I been aware of this situation, I would have opted to present the ‘season 2’ as a flashback to provide the audience with the content they had missed. This mistake resulted in a significant financial loss.

I persevered in my production efforts. I realized that if I did not continue, no one else would support me.

I have established a personal standard that I refuse to compromise, and I am determined to protect my achievements. While some of my peers have benefitted from the support of influential figures, I have relied solely on divine guidance.

The few cinema projects I undertook opened doors for me, and I have received offers for consistent work. In contrast, some colleagues who had financial backing felt compelled to engage in personal relationships with their sponsors. Despite the challenges, I have worked diligently to ensure that my success is attributed solely to my efforts, as I come from a background that emphasizes giving all glory to God. I do not have a chairman to support me; instead, I take each step at my own pace, striving for a peaceful life while still engaging in everyday activities like shopping at the market.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your industry today, and how do you think the government can help?

The involvement of government funding in the Nollywood industry could significantly reduce numerous challenges faced by filmmakers. Many aspiring creators possess innovative ideas but lack the financial capabilities to bring their visions to life.

For instance, producing a military-themed film requires substantial support; without proper uniforms and equipment, filmmakers risk legal repercussions like bagging a jail term.

In such cases, it is essential not only to secure financial backing but also to engage in meaningful dialogue that fosters the creation of historically significant and award-winning films. Other nations benefit from the support of their military leaders, which enhances their cinematic endeavours. Furthermore, when attempting to produce a political narrative, the need for security and appropriate locations becomes paramount, necessitating government assistance to ensure a smooth production process free from any potential disruptions.

The government should extend its support to this vibrant industry, which has the potential to employ young individuals for extended hours, steering them away from negative influences and equipping them to become responsible contributors to their families and society at large.

As a Nollywood actress, have you considered going into the political terrain, from all indications you have all it takes to be a very good female politician.

Well, I am a graduate of Political Science from Lagos State University, which has equipped me with an understanding of the qualities necessary for effective delivery as a political leader. It is essential to recognize that politics can be a challenging and often unscrupulous arena, it is also referred to as a ‘dirty game’; thus, one must possess a certain level of courage to succeed in such an arena. Currently, I do not have an interest in engaging in politics. Still, I may choose to apply the knowledge I gained during my studies in the future to contribute positively to the nation.

What keeps you motivated and inspired to continue to innovate/produce despite financial challenges and obstacles?

The enduring aged adage, “The show must go on,” encapsulates the resilience required in the film industry. If everyone were to abandon their efforts, Nollywood would cease to exist, much like the challenges faced when the Onitsha and Alaba movie markets collapsed. During those periods, we adapted and persevered.

The emergence of African Magic Epic introduced new regulations, discouraging us from uploading our films on platforms like YouTube, seemingly waving aside the significant investments we made in our productions. While they had the financial capacity to support the entire project, the absence of African Magic Epic has shifted our focus back to YouTube, where the financial outcomes can be unpredictable—sometimes we break even, and other times, we face total losses.

Nevertheless, we remain steadfast; quitting is not an option. This is the only profession we know, and we refuse to engage in dishonest practices. Therefore, I urge my fellow Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to support us by watching our new releases and providing positive feedback on our movies.

Name your best 5 actors and five best actresses by your assessment.

To begin with the established figures in the industry, I would like to mention Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Stephanie Linus, and Mercy Johnson, alongside myself. Additionally, I would include Uche Montana in this esteemed group. Other notable names are Ireti Doyle, Mama G, Tonto Dike, and Ngozi Ezeonu, among several others.

In terms of their male counterparts, I would highlight Yul Edochie, and Fredric Leonard, who is one of the finest producers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Furthermore, IK Ogbonna and Uzor Arubor also deserve recognition for their contributions to the film industry.

What is your biggest and weirdest fear?

My greatest fear lies in the thought of falling asleep and not awakening the following morning; I consistently desire to sleep and wakeup to a bright new day.