Why I’m Not Yet A Mother

Actress and producer, Ini Edo, tells FUNSHO AROGUNDADE about her new film, her marriage and why she is yet to become a mother

What is your latest movie, I’ll Take My Chances, about?

I’ll Take My Chances is a project after my heart. It was shot in Lagos, Calabar and Uyo. It took two months to produce, from rehearsals to filming. The movie has been premiered in Lagos and will be showing in other cinemas across Nigeria. It will also be in the cinemas in some UK and US cities. It is a unique African story that has to do with the beauty of our culture in Africa, with a focus on dance.

Why dance?

It is because dance remains a major part of our culture. If you are talking about Africa and things that stand out, we talk about our local dance, different local dialects and languages. But the aspect that is of huge importance is dance. It has not been really touched and exploited fully. We seem to like the Oyinbo culture more than ours. We focus more on Western songs and dance. Meanwhile, we have a very rich culture that can also be exploited. Also, on a personal note, I particularly love dancing. When the idea of the script for I’ll Take My Chances came up, I was so excited about it. And this inspired me more because I had looked for a strong story that has an African undertone. I wanted an original story that people in different parts of the world can relate to easily. So, when I saw the concept of the story, I decided to be part of the project.

What is the basic message of the film?

The basic message in the film is that at the end of the day, love conquers everything. We also touched on the issue of ancestral belief as being an overrated one. Instead of the notion that what you believe happens to you, we tell people that you are in charge of your destiny.

What informed the choice of Bryan Okwara, a former Mr. Nigeria, as the lead actor in the film?

Basically, we didn’t want to make the film look like the everyday film with the same faces. For me, I believe in discovery of new talents. For my production, I always look out for fresh faces with talent. Then, I add one or two notables in the industry. The main reason Bryan was chosen is because we needed someone who could really dance. It is not just about featuring someone who goes to the nightclub and dance very well there, but a professional dancer. And Bryan ticks all the boxes. He has the looks and if you remember, Bryan was in the first season of Celebrity Takes Two, a dance reality show where he actually proved himself.

What were the challenges you faced putting it together?

The major challenge we had was after the shoot. And this was with the Americans that we brought in to do the editing of the film. They actually raised some issues that forced us to re-edit some scenes severally. Another challenge was getting crowds to fill in some scenes in Calabar and Uyo. But we were able to get around the problems.

How much did it cost to put the movie together?

From when we started filming till now, we have spent about N60 million.

We spent such amount because we didn’t want to make this film a typical Nollywood film. We intend to take the film to other countries for screening and because of that, we spent more on quality production.

You premiered the movie in Uyo before Lagos, which is the entertainment capital. Why?

Who made Lagos the traditional entertainment capital? We all did. But at the same time, all other places need to grow. We need to expose other states as well. Uyo, for instance, is almost like a mini-Lagos. The place has really opened up. It has facilities for movie premieres. But basically, I decided to take the movie back home to my people, as I shot most of the scenes in Uyo and Calabar. I received a lot of support from them during the shoot. I am of the opinion that the industry should not just be centralised in Lagos. My state, Akwa Ibom, is a very entertaining place. It is a state where they accept and appreciate entertainment and entertainers. My Governor (Godswill Akpabio) is very interested in artistes and young people. So, premiering the movie there is like recognising the support and contribution I got.

We learnt Governor Akpabio contributed to the making of the movie.

He didn’t participate in the making of the movie. He was only present at the premiere in Uyo. If you remember, it held at the Government House, Uyo. He was more like the host. That’s the extent of his involvement.

Many see you as following the trends of actresses turning producers.

I disagree. I can confidently say that I am one of the actresses, among my contemporaries, that actually started this trend. I started making films on a wider scale over two years ago when I produced my first film, Memories of My Heart. Except maybe Funke Akindele, I think, I am one of the first to have successfully combined acting with producing.

How has the transition been?

Producing is not something I would want to do full time. I don’t think I am up for it yet. I am an actress and I will always be.

You are a wife, an ambassador of the United Nations and some brands, an actress and now a producer. How do you handle all these?

It has not been easy. Despite my tight schedule, I do make out time for my family. Most of the time, I am out of the country to see my husband and he also comes in, too. Though it is not 100 per cent, we still try to balance that aspect of our life. We both have careers and intend to make it work. Being a UN Ambassador for Habitat is more like a full time job itself. I carry out my responsibilities through my Foundation, which I just registered. It is called TOAST (Teach One And Save Thousands). We work with children and help to rebuild some schools. I want to be able to put a smile on the faces of people. I intend to leave a legacy and ensure that I am able to touch or change lives, even if it is one soul. I want to, at least, give hope to those who have no hope at all.

Is that what is delaying you becoming a parent?

Definitely, it does affect things. But once I’m ready for it (motherhood), it will be a full time affair. Of course, I don’t know how it is possible to be pregnant and be working at the same time. But once pregnancy comes up, the real priority will take over.

What lessons have you learnt in marriage?

Patience, endurance and I have learnt to be selfless.

I think I have grown and become more mature. I have become a real woman because I now realise that there are a lot of things I used to do that I can’t do any more. I always remember that at the end of the day, I am bearing somebody’s name. So, I am very careful now.

One of the things you loved when you were unmarried was nightclubbing. Do you still go clubbing?

Yes. Once in a while. I love life.

Despite being married?

My husband takes me to clubs sometimes. I love to dance and I love to go out. I still hang out when I have the time.

How do you deal with men who still lust after you despite being married?

Just the way I handled them while I was still single. You express yourself, I thank you and just walk away.

How do you handle negative press?

It depends on how negative it is. If it is something I can ignore, I just walk away. But if it is something that will bring problem to me, I deal with it legally.

What is the problem between you and Rita Dominic?

I don’t know. I swear, I don’t understand all these stories about myself and the person.

But late last year, she accused you on Twitter of an Africa International Film Festival, AFFRIF, poll fraud.

I have no idea of what you are talking about. I wasn’t around at the time. But I can tell you that nothing is happening between us.

Have you used the Arik Air return ticket you won in the AFRIFF poll?

I didn’t win anything. I don’t know what you are talking about.

What has fame done to you?

Fame has really humbled me. It has made me realise that I was just favoured. I know that God has just chosen to bless me not because I deserve it. He just chose me in spite of my humble background. But fame has completely stripped me of my privacy.

...The News