By Rita Okoye
Nollywood actress, lawyer and entrepreneur, Sandra Okunzuwa is reputed for her outstanding movie roles.
Her latest film, Something Like Gold, directed by Kayode Kasum debuted in the cinemas on September 29, 2023. In this interview, the movie star opened up on the film and how she handles emotional attachment on set, amongst other issues.
Something Like Gold is obviously doing well in the cinemas, how does that make you feel?
I feel happy, really excited. The movie means a lot to me and I’m glad that it’s doing well in the cinema. It’s a dream come true for me and I’m excited about it.
What informed your choice of characters?
I think it’s the story. When Adaeze Ibechukwu, who was the first writer, wrote the script and sent to me, I saw that it was really nice. But at the time, I didn’t have money to shoot it for the big screen. So, I decided to keep it until I’m able to raise funds. Just reading the script alone, my head was telling me who to engage for each character. Kayode Kazeem, the director, also helped. I did some casting and he did some as well.
You are the producer and lead character, how did you pull through?
To be honest, I think pre-production is very important. I tried my best to make sure that the pre-production was already in place and it took us about six months. Since this is my first time producing a movie for the big screen, it was nice working with Film Tribe. They made the pre-production and production less stressful for me. I remember the director saying, ‘Sandra, you’re no longer the producer but an actor, and you have to give it your best shot’. It was really stress-free working as an actor; I had to worry less about being a producer because I already put in place a team before the production proper, and the team was just right. Where the stress started was during post-production, it was really draining.
What are the take away lessons from Something Like Gold?
We should learn how to value the things we have, not until we lose them. We should also remember that no situation is permanent, and the only constant thing in life is change. The only thing that is true is love. Love is true, love is real and I’m a sucker for love. I love the idea of love. It’s also true that our upbringing plays a huge role in our lives.
Based on the story portrayed in the movie, have you ever been stood up by a man?
The only time it ever happened was when I had this friend who set up a date with me. I don’t know what was wrong with me but as a girl and for some reasons, I just delayed. It wasn’t more than 20 or 30 minutes. Though it’s wrong, as a girl, I wanted to test his level of patience. Nonetheless, I was running late unintentionally and I was trying to get a cab amidst the traffic congestion. But at the back of my mind I felt like if he waited, that means he’s a patient guy. The date was for 6pm and he called to know where I was, and I told him I was still trying to get a cab. I think he called me 10 minutes past 6pm, and I told him I was on my way. After that call, I didn’t hear from him again. I didn’t bother because I thought he was waiting patiently since I told him I was on my way.
On getting there, I looked for him but didn’t see him. I called him on phone but he didn’t pick. I asked if any guy came around and I was told ‘yes’ but that he left. I called him later and he asked why I wasted so much time. I said I was just 30 minutes late, and he said ‘who would sit and wait for a whole 30 minutes? Don’t worry; I left already. I’m with my cousins and we’re heading somewhere’. I was like ‘goodness!’ I felt so bad and with my makeup and all, I turned back. I got some take away meal, returned home, washed off my makeup and that was it!
Seeing you play romantic roles in movies, have you ever felt romantically attached while on set?
No, no, no. Not at all, it’s all work. Already, I have it at the back of my mind that this isn’t real, it’s a movie and I’m just a character. And that’s why I can’t be emotionally attached to this other person, because whatever it is we are feeling is not real at all. Besides, have you ever come to a movie set to see how we work? The light that’s on your face alone is so hot, with the fans and air-conditioners off. You’re just trying to manage the temperature and remember your lines, and over 20 to 25 people are behind the cameras watching you. Now tell me, which space would you have to fall in love or be emotionally attached to anyone? Nothing like that!
Can you fight physically for a man you love?
I cannot. I don’t think I’ve ever done that. What will even make me fight for a man? For the man not to take my side, that means he’s not for me. No, I can’t reduce myself like that. Also, I always feel like if I have to fight for somebody, especially a man, it means his heart is not with me but with someone else. So, why do I have to struggle with that person? The person I should talk with in such situation is my man, who I will ask ‘Are you with me or not?’ And if he says he’s not with me, it’s okay. Sometimes, we love some people and it’s not mutual. Sometimes, people love us and it’s not mutual. So, it’s alright, life goes on until we meet the ones that we love and they love us completely back.
After cinema, is the movie heading to any streaming platform?
Of course, we’re going to Netflix. I’ve always wanted my movie to be streamed on Netflix. So, yes, we’re heading to Netflix.