Stephanie Onyekachi Okereke landed her first acting roles in "Compromise" and "Waterloo" in 1997. Since then, the Imo State-born actress has grown to become one of Nollywood's foremost actresses. Not satisfied with being just an actress, she wrote, directed, produced and starred in ‘Through the Glass'.
In an e-mail chat with X2, the leggy 27-year-old actress, fresh from the New York Film academy, speaks about her love for acting, her movie "Through the glass", and all the things that matter to her.
Q: What was the inspiration behind the film?
A: I was at a point in my life when I felt I needed to redefine who I am and who I wanted to be and how I wanted to be perceived. For the movie, I had an idea of a guy and a baby and every other thing fell in place.
Q: What were some of the challenges you encountered?
A: There were a lot of challenges-getting the right actors, location, permits, and trying to finish the whole production in two weeks.
Q: How would you classify the movie - Hollywood or Nollywood?
A: It could be described as both. A movie is a movie. It mustn't come from somewhere specific for us to watch it. Why do we watch American, Indian or Chinese movies? You relate to a good movie regardless of its location, language or people. So I leave it to you to decide. All I want is for people to enjoy and relate to the movie and find their own reasons for why it is called "Through the Glass".
Q: Tell us about the cast of the movie.
A: It is a mixed cast of both Nigerian and Americans comprising of a few upcoming actors, like Garrett McKechnie, Cheyenne Davidson, Jane Lawalata, Geno Gordana and a host of others.
Q: When will you premiere the movie in Nigeria?
A: I am currently working on various things and will premiere the movie in Nigeria as soon I'm done. Will let you know soonest.
Q: This is your first shot at directing, scripting and production? Will you continue acting?
A: Yes. I am still an actress anytime, any day.
Q: Quite a number of Nigerian actors have shot movies abroad. Why is "Through the Glass" different?
A: I guess the film speaks for itself! So you be the judge.
Q: What is your take on the Nigerian movie industry?
A: The Nigerian movie industry has come to stay. Although it is going through a phase now, everything will take shape and be well structured.
Q: With the skills and knowledge acquired in film school, any plans to produce quality movies in Nigeria?
A: Definitely! My movie has stirred up a lot of people to go back to their drawing board and redefine their art. So, hopefully, you would be seeing good quality movies, especially from me... just living it one day at a time... achieve greater heights and affect people positively. Right now it's all about "Through the Glass".