Nigerian filmmaker Anita Ngozichukwuka Odiakaose has made a name for herself in Nollywood, growing from an actor to a producer and eventually an executive producer. Born in Delta State, Odiakaose's journey in the industry began with acting, driven by her passion for storytelling. She later became involved in welfare and production, understanding the industry beyond what happens in front of the camera. Her experience in these areas eventually led her to transition into producing.
Odiakaose is currently celebrating the success of her film Ikenga: The Last Festival, an Igbo-language cultural epic that has crossed the N100 million mark at the box office just one month after its release. The film's success is a significant milestone for Odiakaose, who had to put everything on the line to bring the project to life. She cites the major challenge in the entertainment industry as not just having a great idea, but also having the resources, the right people, distribution, marketing, and a strong support system to bring that idea to life and reach the audience it deserves.
The inspiration behind Ikenga: The Last Festival was to promote Igbo culture and traditions. Odiakaose feels grateful, humbled, and proud of the film's success, which she believes is not just a personal achievement but also a deeply emotional moment for everyone who believes in Igbo culture, language, and stories. The film's success has shown that indigenous stories can fill cinemas, break records, and compete on the biggest stages.
Odiakaose has produced over 70 films for YouTube, but Ikenga: The Last Festival is her first cinema film as an executive producer. Some of her notable works include Vanity, Beyond Games, My Entitlement, and My Only Love. She believes that every obstacle has taught her to be more resilient, strategic, and determined to create opportunities for herself and other African storytellers.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Odiakaose does not feel intimidated, but rather sees it as a challenge to keep proving herself through her work. She believes that competence, consistency, and character speak louder than gender, and that working alongside talented men has taught her a lot. Her goal is to show that women belong in every room where decisions about the industry are being made.
Odiakaose feels fulfilled in her chosen career, not because the journey has been easy, but because she knows she's doing something she genuinely loves. She believes that her journey, from acting to executive producing, has prepared her for where she is today. Seeing a project like Ikenga: The Last Festival connect with audiences and celebrate Igbo culture gives her a deep sense of fulfillment.
Like some actresses, producers can also face uncomfortable situations, including sexual harassment. Odiakaose emphasizes the importance of having boundaries and knowing what one will and will not tolerate. As a producer, she works with different people, and it's essential to maintain professionalism and respect in the industry. With Ikenga: The Last Festival, Odiakaose has made history, and she hopes her journey inspires more women to step forward and build boldly in the entertainment industry.
Key points
- Anita Odiakaose's film Ikenga: The Last Festival has become the highest-grossing Igbo film in Nigerian cinemas.
- Odiakaose's journey in Nollywood has been a gradual one, from acting to executive producing.
- The filmmaker believes that competence, consistency, and character are essential for success in the industry, regardless of gender.
