Headline: Omoni Oboli Opens Up on Overcoming Self-Doubt to Become a Successful Film Director
In a recent interview with Radionow 95.3 FM, Nigerian actress and film director Omoni Oboli shared her journey from giving away screenplays for free to trying her hand at directing, and eventually finding success in the competitive film industry.
Oboli revealed that she initially felt apprehensive about directing her own films, citing her lack of confidence and wondering who she thought she was to take on such a role. However, she drew inspiration from the Yoruba proverb "Warri no dey carry lass na," which roughly translates to "Warri (a city in Nigeria) doesn’t burden the lazy," and encouraged herself to take the leap.
The actress-turned-director confessed that she felt the need to learn from others and gain formal education in directing. She went on to attend the New York Film Academy for a short course, where she honed her skills and gained confidence in her abilities.
Oboli’s persistence and determination have paid off, as she has directed several films, including "Moms at War," "Last Year Single," and "The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3." The latter is the third installment of the "Wives On Strike" franchise, which is set to premiere in cinemas this October.
Oboli’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers, reminding them that it’s okay to take risks and learn from their mistakes. As she continues to make waves in the industry, it’s clear that Omoni Oboli is a force to be reckoned with.
Key Quotes:
- "I was trading my scripts, I’d say you know what, just take it, don’t pay me. Just give me a role in the film. So, I started to do that. But then I’ll watch the film and I realised, Okay it’s not quite what I had in my head when I was writing… So I said to myself, if my stories are going to have my DNA, then I’m going to have to direct them myself."
- "It was a scary thought, really who do you think you are to come and direct a film? Like who are you again? You know it was so scary, but then I said to myself, Warri no dey carry lass na. Wwetin dem get wey I no get? I was like, I’ll do this thing. So I started understudying directors, like I’m acting on set but I’m watching the director closely. And I said you know what? Maybe I need some formal education on this. So I went to the New York Film Academy for a short course."
Related News:
- Omoni Oboli’s film "Last Year Single" is currently streaming on Netflix.
- The third installment of the "Wives On Strike" franchise, "The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3," is set to premiere in cinemas this October.
Photo: Omoni Oboli (Source: IMDb)
