My vision for AGN Enugu chapter – Brown Ene

By Rita Okoye

Brown N. Ene is an accomplished Nigerian filmmaker, producer, and movie director, who has built a solid reputation within Nollywood for his creative vision and leadership. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Enugu State Chapter, where he oversees the welfare, development, and professional advancement of actors within the region. In this interview with Sunday Sun, Ene offers an in-depth look into the journey of his administration, highlighting its achievements, addressing lingering challenges, and outlining the strategic steps being taken to strengthen the guild and reposition Enugu actors for greater opportunities within the national and global entertainment landscape.

As the Chairman of AGN Enugu State, what vision are you driving for actors and filmmakers within the chapter?

My vision for AGN Enugu State Chapter is to build a structured, professional, and opportunity-driven environment for every actor and filmmaker in the state.

First, I’m focused on restoring discipline, accountability, and transparency within the Guild. When the system is organised, actors can grow with confidence.

Second, we are working to expand opportunities—more auditions, more productions, and more collaborations with filmmakers, producers, and streaming platforms. Enugu has incredible talent, and my goal is to ensure that talent gets the visibility and support it deserves.

Third, in the first quarter of 2026, I am prioritising training and capacity-building. Through workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship programmes, we are raising the skill level of our actors so they can compete favourably anywhere in Nigeria and beyond.

We are also strengthening the Enugu film industry itself. I want Enugu to be seen not just as a shooting location but as a strong creative hub where professionals can build sustainable careers.

Finally, I am committed to unity and welfare. No Guild succeeds with division. My administration is working to protect the rights of actors, resolve conflicts properly, and ensure that every member feels valued. I also want to use this opportunity to appeal to our brothers—Christopher Igboji, Dan Ewerem, Jeff Okwute, and Chidi Concord—who feel offended, to come and join us in building a better Enugu film industry. In simple terms, my vision is to build an AGN Enugu that is organised, transparent, united, and full of opportunities—a chapter where actors can truly thrive.

What would you say are the biggest challenges actors in Enugu currently face, and how is the Guild addressing them?

Actors in Enugu face several real challenges, and as a Guild, we are tackling them head-on.

First, there is the issue of limited opportunities. Many actors don’t get enough access to auditions, productions, or casting directors. To fix this, the Guild is strengthening collaborations with producers, filmmakers, and production houses so more jobs can come directly to our members. We have also started our own in-house production, with our first film, IFEDICHE, now released in cinemas.

Second, training and skill development have been a challenge. Enugu has great talent, but not enough structured capacity-building. We are addressing this by organising workshops, masterclasses, and continuous training programmes to elevate the standard of performance and professionalism. This begins in the first quarter of 2026.

Third, welfare and protection remain major concerns. Some actors face exploitation, poor working conditions, or conflicts on set. The Guild is stepping in by creating stronger welfare support, mediation processes, and firm guidelines to protect our members.

Lastly, unity has been a challenge. When a Guild is divided, the industry suffers. We are working to rebuild relationships, restore peace, and bring members back into one united front for the progress of AGN Enugu State.

In summary, the challenges are real, but we are not folding our arms. We are addressing them with structure, training, opportunities, transparency, welfare support, and unity-building. With these steps, I strongly believe Enugu actors will rise to a much stronger and more visible level in the industry.

What do you have to say to the newly elected AGN national executives?

I want to first congratulate the newly elected AGN National Executives. Their emergence marks another important chapter in the growth of our Guild. National leadership carries serious responsibility, and I believe this new team has the capacity to move the Guild forward.

My message to them is simple: lead with unity, transparency, and fairness. The Guild works best when every chapter feels heard and supported. We expect a leadership that strengthens structures, protects the welfare of actors, and creates more opportunities across all states—including Enugu, which is one of the strongest creative hubs in the country.

I also urge them to maintain a strong relationship with state chapters. We are the engine room of AGN, and collaboration between national and state levels is the only way this Guild will achieve its full potential.

Finally, I encourage them to stay focused, avoid distractions, and involve the actors of Nigeria in every decision. The future of AGN will be brighter than ever, if we all work together with honesty, professionalism, and respect.

How is the Chairman Forum moving forward?

As the Chairman of the Forum, I am moving forward with a renewed sense of unity, responsibility and purpose. We understand that the strength of AGN at the national level depends on the cooperation and stability of all state chapters. Therefore, the Forum is now more focused on constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and genuine collaboration among chairmen.

We are strengthening communication channels, aligning our goals with the national leadership, and ensuring that every chapter is properly represented and carried along in all major decisions. The Forum is also becoming more proactive—addressing issues early, promoting transparency, and supporting one another so that no chapter is left to struggle alone.

Going forward, our priority is to maintain peace, resolve conflicts quickly, and create a united front that will help AGN grow across all states. We are also working toward our official physical elections to ensure transparency in leadership transitions and to build trust in the Guild’s democratic processes.

The Chairman Forum is now more committed than ever to stability, unity, and long-term progress for the entire Guild.

Your career spans filmmaking, producing, and directing—how do you balance these creative roles with your leadership responsibilities?

Balancing filmmaking, producing, directing, and leadership is not always easy, but it’s possible when you approach everything with discipline, clarity, and purpose. For me, the first step is understanding that leadership is service. When I took on the role of Chairman, I knew I had a responsibility to put the Guild first while still maintaining my creative career.

I manage this balance by planning my time carefully and ensuring that every project—whether creative or administrative—gets the attention it deserves. When I’m on set, I stay fully committed to the craft. When Guild matters arise, I make decisions quickly, transparently, and with the interests of actors at heart.

The truth is, my creative experience actually strengthens my leadership. Being a filmmaker and director helps me understand the realities actors face on set, the challenges producers experience and what the industry truly needs. So the roles complement each other. At the end of the day, it’s about staying focused, surrounding myself with a capable team, and remembering why I’m here—to help actors grow, to build Enugu’s film industry, and to contribute to Nollywood in the best way I can.

What unique qualities distinguish Enugu’s film industry from other filmmaking hubs in Nigeria?

Enugu’s film industry has its own identity—one that stands out clearly from every other filmmaking hub in Nigeria. First, Enugu has a natural cinematic environment. The city offers authentic locations, rich cultural backdrops, and landscapes that make storytelling visually powerful. Filmmakers love Enugu because the city itself feels like a character in the story.

Second, Enugu has a strong talent base. Our actors are disciplined, grounded, and deeply connected to the craft. There is a particular emotional depth and authenticity that Enugu actors bring to the screen—something that has shaped many classic Nollywood films over the years.

Third, our industry is rooted in calmness and creativity. Unlike some busier hubs, Enugu offers a working atmosphere that allows filmmakers and actors to focus, create, and perform at their best. Many producers return because the environment helps them work faster and smarter.

Fourth, Enugu has a long history with Nollywood. Some of the earliest films and stars emerged from this region. That legacy still influences the style, passion, and resilience of filmmakers here.

Lastly, the sense of community in Enugu is unique. People support one another, actors grow together, and filmmakers collaborate sincerely. That unity provides a foundation that cannot easily be replicated anywhere else. So, Enugu stands out because of its natural scenery, strong talent pool, peaceful creative environment, historical depth, and deep sense of community. And with the right support and leadership, we can push this industry to even greater heights.

Since assuming office as Chairman, what key reforms or initiatives have you introduced to strengthen the Guild?

Since assuming office, I’ve focused on reforms that bring structure, opportunity, and visibility to actors in Enugu.

One of our major achievements is the creation of the Udi Satellite Zone, designed to discover talent in rural communities. Enugu has gifted actors in the villages, and this initiative helps us bring them into the mainstream of Nollywood.

We have also strengthened our collaboration with the Enugu State Government. This partnership aims to promote the state through film, attract more productions, and create direct employment opportunities for the youth. Film is a powerful tool for both economic growth and cultural promotion, and we’re using it to benefit our members and the entire state.

Another key initiative is our partnership drive with producers and production companies, including outreach to major streaming platforms. We are encouraging more filmmakers to shoot in Enugu and giving our actors access to high-value productions. This not only increases job opportunities but also positions Enugu as a serious filmmaking hub.

Alongside these, we’ve strengthened the Guild’s structure, improved transparency, launched training programmes, and built unity among members. All these efforts aim to create a functional, opportunity-rich environment where Enugu actors can thrive.

Many actors complain about poor welfare and a lack of structure in the industry. How is the Enugu chapter working to change this narrative?

Those concerns are valid, and that is exactly why our administration has been intentional about rebuilding the foundation of the Guild in Enugu.

The first thing we tackled was structure. We strengthened our administrative processes, improved documentation, and placed transparency at the centre of everything we do. When actors understand the system and trust it, welfare automatically improves.

What projects are you currently working on as a filmmaker, and how do they reflect your creative evolution?

As a filmmaker and as Chairman, my current projects reflect both my creative growth and my commitment to strengthening the industry in Enugu. I’m no longer just focused on making films. I’m building systems, structures, and opportunities that will outlive all of us.

One of the major initiatives we are driving is the AGN Enugu Health, Work & Set Hazard/Workplace Safety Programme. This project shows how my creative journey has expanded into advocacy and protection. We’re focusing on proper health measures, safe sets, and hazard management so that actors and crew members can work without unnecessary risks.

Another key project is the Junior Pope Creative Hub, a training and creative facility established in honour of the late Junior Pope. This hub is dedicated to empowering young talents across Enugu. It reflects my evolution into someone who not only creates but also nurtures the next generation.

We also introduced a Training & Induction Workshop for New Members, a standardised onboarding programme designed to prepare new actors with real knowledge, discipline, and industry ethics. It supports my vision of building a more professional and well-informed community of actors.

Our Veteran Celebration for members aged 70 and above is another important project. It’s an annual recognition event that honours those who paved the way. For me, that is part of preserving our heritage and showing appreciation to those who built the industry long before us.

The Enugu Film Project 2.0 is also underway. This second phase focuses on discovering new talents, training them, and exposing them to professional productions. It represents my commitment to creating opportunities and raising the standard of local filmmaking.

Finally, we are also working on propagating royalties, residuals, and collective bargaining rights for actors. Having already begun this campaign in the South Africa/Nollywood Roundtable, a programme led by our National President, Dr Emeka Rollas Ejezie, we in Enugu have fully embraced these national initiatives. The goal is to ensure actors are fairly compensated for their work not just once, but continually, the way the global industry operates.

All these projects show that my creative evolution has moved from directing films to building systems, championing welfare, creating opportunities, and shaping a stronger, more structured future for actors in Enugu.

How is AGN Enugu supporting the emerging talents and helping them break into mainstream Nollywood?

Supporting emerging talents is one of our biggest priorities in AGN Enugu, and we’ve taken real steps, not just talk, to make that happen.

First, we created the Udi Satellite Zone, specifically to reach rural communities where many gifted actors have no platform. This zone helps us discover hidden talents, train them properly, and bring them into the mainstream industry pipeline.

Another important part of our strategy is strategic partnerships. We’re working closely with producers and production companies, including those connected to major streaming platforms, to bring more films to Enugu. The more productions we attract, the more job opportunities our actors get. We want Enugu talents to appear regularly in high-quality projects, not just local shoots.

We also collaborate with the Enugu State Government to support film-driven youth employment programmes. This link with the government helps expand opportunities beyond the Guild and brings real visibility to our actors.

And finally, we are pushing for royalties, residuals, and collective bargaining rights, so that when our emerging actors break into Nollywood, they are protected and properly compensated not just used and forgotten.

So, when you look at everything together, rural talent discovery, structured training, a creative hub, partnerships, government collaboration, and rights advocacy, you’ll see that AGN Enugu is building a real ladder for young actors to climb into mainstream Nollywood. And we are just getting started.

From your perspective, what does Enugu need to reclaim its former glory as a major film production centre?

Enugu can absolutely reclaim its position as a major film production hub, but it requires deliberate steps and real commitment from all stakeholders. The first thing we need is stronger investment in infrastructure, functional studios, sound stages, equipment hubs, and post-production facilities. When filmmakers know they can get everything they need here, they will come back in large numbers.

Next, we need a unified industry environment. Enugu lost ground in the past because the creative community became fragmented. Actors, producers, directors, and guilds must collaborate again, not compete destructively. The Guild is already rebuilding that unity.

Another key factor is government support. We need policies that encourage film production tax incentives, funding support, security assurance, and easy permits. The good news is that already the Enugu State Government is doing their best through the Culture and Tourism to make Enugu the most film-friendly state in the Southeast.

In your leadership journey, what has been your most challenging moment so far, and how did you handle it?

My most challenging moment as Chairman has been dealing with deep loss and heavy responsibility at the same time. Losing two of our veterans, late John Okafor (Mr Ibu) and Junior Pope, within a space of two months, was an emotional blow to the entire Guild. Junior Pope’s death, especially happening on set, was a painful reminder of the gaps in set safety and welfare. Guiding our members through that period, managing grief, and pushing for stronger safety standards was one of the toughest tasks I have faced. But it also strengthened my commitment to protecting our actors and ensuring no one works under unsafe conditions again.

Another major challenge has been managing the partnership with the Enugu State Government, particularly in the making of IFEDICHE. I discovered that organisational projects are far more complex because everyone wants to be part of them. Many actors want to participate, many want to contribute, and expectations run high even when the production structure cannot accommodate everyone. Balancing these expectations, staying fair, and maintaining professionalism has been difficult, but necessary.

Through all these challenges, I have relied on transparency, communication, and calm leadership. I listened, explained, and made decisions based on what is best for the Guild not personal interest or pressure. These moments have made me stronger, more focused, and more determined to build a safer, more structured, and more united AGN Enugu.

How is the Guild tackling issues like piracy, exploitation, and contractual abuse within the industry?

We are taking these issues very seriously because piracy, exploitation, and contractual abuse are some of the biggest threats to actors’ careers and the entire industry. In AGN Enugu, we’ve approached the problem from three angles protection, education, and enforcement.

You are known for your strong industry networks. How are you leveraging these connections to open doors for actors in Enugu?

My industry network has grown over the years through consistent collaboration, relationship building, and supporting professionals across different parts of Nollywood and even globally. I am now channelling those connections toward creating visibility and real opportunities for actors in Enugu.

First, I regularly connect Enugu-based talents with casting directors, producers, and directors who are searching for fresh faces. I make personal referrals, share actors’ showreels, and recommend them for auditions that typically wouldn’t reach the Southeast.

Second, I facilitate partnerships between Enugu production hubs and established studios in Lagos and Abuja, including Ten Productions (producers of Lionheart) and Linda Ikeji Studios (Dark October). These collaborations bring experienced filmmakers into the Enugu ecosystem, exposing local actors to higher-level projects while keeping production within the region.

Finally, I am already working on using my network to organise workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship sessions by bringing in respected industry figures to train upcoming actors. This ensures that when opportunities arise, Enugu talents are not only visible but also well-prepared.

Overall, my goal is to reshape the perception of Enugu as a secondary market and position it as a dynamic pipeline of professional actors ready for national and international projects.

As a filmmaker, which project has had the most impact on you personally, and why?

The project that has had the most personal impact on me is IFEDICHE, a film by the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, proudly supported by the Enugu State Government to showcase the beauty, culture, and uniqueness of Enugu. What made this project so meaningful was the challenge of telling the Enugu story — especially through something as iconic and humble as okpa, our special delicacy.

At the beginning, there was a lot of disbelief from both guild members and government officials. Many doubted that a film centred on Enugu culture, told simply and authentically, could resonate beyond our borders. But pushing through that scepticism, staying committed to the vision, and ultimately delivering a project that exceeded expectations became one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.

Seeing IFEDICHE not only come to life but also gain global recognition has been incredibly rewarding. It reaffirmed my belief that our stories — no matter how local or unconventional they may seem — deserve to be told, and they can stand proudly on the world stage when crafted with heart and excellence.

What legacy do you hope to leave both as a filmmaker and as Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter?

As a filmmaker, I hope to leave a legacy of authentic stories that reflect who we are, where we come from, and what we stand for as Enugu people and as Nigerians, even as a Black African man. I want future filmmakers to see my work and be inspired to embrace their roots, tell bold stories, and trust that our culture is rich enough to shine on any global stage. As Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, my legacy is centred on building a stronger, more united, and more professional industry ecosystem.