BUDDING filmmaker, Anthony Chukwunonso Ikeanyionwu, has described the Nigerian movie industry as highly competitive and with setbacks.
In a recent interview, the self-taught movie director said that to make headway in the industry, he leveraged his background as a communications expert and marketer to build his career.
Speaking on his career trajectory, Ikeanyionwu, who has been in acclaimed productions, said that filmmaking is inherently a collaborative art form that requires embracing the ideas and contributions of one’s cast and crew.
“The film industry is a tough arena, filled with rejections, budget constraints, and production challenges. But I’ve learned to be resilient and persistent. As I mentioned earlier, building a strong network is crucial, and it has been instrumental in my journey,” he shared, aiming to inspire the audience with his determination.
He further noted that as a filmmaker, he strives to explore universal themes that resonate with audiences and localise them for the Nigerian audience while maintaining that global appeal.
“Whether it’s themes of love, identity, justice, or resilience, I aim to delve into the human experience and provoke thought and introspection. My approach to storytelling involves crafting authentic characters, compelling narratives, and immersive worlds that allow viewers to connect emotionally and intellectually with the story being told,” he added, aiming to stimulate the audience’s intellect.
According to Ikeanyionwu, his journey in Nigerian cinema began in childhood when he first encountered a camera. It was then that he knew he had found his life’s goal. Since then, his trajectory has been centred around storytelling, creativity, and filmmaking, a journey many can relate to and be inspired by.
So far, Ikeanyionwu’s journey in the Nigerian movie world has seen him bring his creativity to bear in productions like ‘Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons’ (2018), ‘Bad Comments’ (2021), ‘Christmas in Miami’ (2021), ‘10 Days in Sun City’ (2017).
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