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By Nkechi Chima
Nollywood producer and actress, Gloria Okafor, has carved a niche for herself with a string of impactful movie productions.
A graduate of Statistics and Computer Science from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Gloria also holds a diploma in Computer Science from Benue State University.
In this interview with Saturday Sun, she opens up on her journey into Nollywood, the loss of her mother, why she chose movie production over acting, her career milestones, and more.
Enjoy!
You lost your mother five years ago. How has life been since then?
It has not been easy. In fact, I am yet to get over it fully. Before then, whenever I heard that someone had lost a loved one, I did not really understand how it felt until it happened to me. Honestly, it took the grace of God for me to cope with the loss because my mother was my best friend. We shared everything, and she was my biggest fan. It was not easy to get over the shock of her death, but I had to be strong for the rest of the family as her first child and also comfort my father. Regardless, she is greatly missed because she has a special place in my heart.
How did she die?
She died after a brief illness.
What was growing up like for you?
I grew up in Makurdi, Benue State. I would not say I was born with a silver spoon, but my parents were from an average family. They were disciplinarians, and they made life easy for us. My parents provided for us, and we never lacked anything. I remember when I wanted to go into the entertainment industry. My mother told me, “Never do or act anything on the screen that, if we watch it, we would not be proud of you.” Those words have remained in my heart ever since she told me, and I have lived up to her expectations. I must also commend my late mother for leading me to Christ. She was herself involved in entertainment and worked with NTA Makurdi on the children’s variety programme. She greatly encouraged me.
When exactly did you start your movie production career?
I started my movie production company, Gloria Okafor Production, in 2016, and the way it happened was quite funny. I was in Lagos for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. At the time, a friend of mine who was an actress invited me to a movie location where she was working. Luckily, an actress was unavailable, so the director asked if I could act. After speaking with the producer, they approved me to play the role of a doctor in the movie. After the experience, I told my parents about it, and they encouraged me to pursue the profession. That was how I became a producer and an actress.
My late mother, who was also involved in entertainment, encouraged me greatly. Although my father was initially uncomfortable with my decision because he felt actresses do not get married on time, but my mother convinced him. Eventually, both of them gave me their blessings. Since then, I have continued to grow from grace to grace.
How many movies have you produced so far?
Actually, I have lost count, but I have produced more than 50 movies. They include Pages in Between, Hidden Flaws, Thick and Thin, All I Ask, My Father’s Advice, My Kind of Girl, among others. They are movies that touch lives, and I thank God for the privilege to be able to use my work to impact people.
Among the movies you have produced, which would you say is your favourite?
The truth is that my stories are mostly based on life. They are stories that are impactful and relatable. However, I would say Thick and Thin is my favourite. But the movie that actually brought me to the limelight was Hidden Flaws, which featured Nancy Isime and Ray Emodi.
You have been recognised for your work, especially in Abuja. Could you tell us about some of the awards you have received?
I have received several awards. For instance, I received two awards at the Nigeria Women Achievers Awards. I also received the Nollywood Female Producers Award and the Nigeria Prides Award in Abuja, as well as an award from Melah. I also received an award from Cavera World for my contribution to promoting and establishing upcoming actors through my movies. It is quite encouraging to know that I am using my movies not only to touch lives but also to create opportunities for young people in the industry. I am also glad that the people I produce movies for are happy with my work.
Are your movies based on real-life experiences or are they fictional stories?
I get stories from people who share their life experiences with me, although I usually hide their identities. Sometimes, however, I run out of stories, and that is when I contact scriptwriters who help me develop ideas into compelling stories.
Would you say you have reached the peak of your career?
I have not gotten there yet because there are certain places I have not reached and certain actors I have not featured in my movies. I hope to get there soon.
There is a notion that some actresses go into movie production because they do not get enough scripts from producers. What has your experience been?
I will humbly speak for myself. In my case, it was solely based on self-determination. I told myself that I wanted to go into movie production.
I remember talking to a few people who helped me achieve that desire. So, I would say that most people who go into production today may not necessarily be doing so because they lack scripts. Some do it because they have the funds to produce movies, while others want to be their own bosses. This is especially true for people who own YouTube channels. They can produce their movies and run the business from the comfort of their homes.
Are you in a relationship?
I don’t want to talk about that.
Have men been fair to you?
Honestly, I don’t want to talk about that. But I thank God that I am happy.
What has life taught you?
Life has taught me that nothing lasts forever. I have also realised that not everybody will love you, regardless of how much you love them. Even if you are not where you want to be, keep going because you will eventually get there.
It is also sad that sometimes the people you trust the most are the ones who will test your faith. But you have to keep being yourself and remain the nice person you are until your time comes. Above all, you must never give up in life, no matter the challenges.
Have you ever had a close shave with death?
Even when you sleep, you could say you have a close shave with death because you do not know what happens in the spiritual realm while you are asleep. So, going to bed itself can be seen as a close encounter with death.
Recently, you and some actors were involved in a movie project with the Abia State government. Could you shed more light on it?
It is a personal project that one of the filmmakers is trying to put together. It is an Abia project. The owner of the movie brought in one or two experienced producers who know their onions to share ideas about the project and also engage with the Abia State government. However, it is still a work in progress. So, when everything becomes a reality, we will throw more light on it.
