Ifeanyichukwu Okwara, a renowned actor, director, entrepreneur, and philanthropist in a candid interview with Sukanya, about his life and times, exclusively for Different Truths.
Ifeanyichukwu Okwara (IO) is a celebrated actor, director, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. With a multifaceted career that spans the entertainment industry and humanitarian efforts, Ifeanyichukwu has dedicated his life to storytelling and making a difference in society. He founded the Ifeanyichukwu Okwara Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and social welfare initiatives. He promotes sustainability and ethical business practices through his entrepreneurial ventures, aiming to create a better world for future generations. He is the founder of Anyiego Production and a co-founder, director, and co-executive producer of Fonis Studios Limited. Here’s a candid talk about his life and times with Sukanya Basu Malik (SBM).
SBM: Early Inspirations: What inspired you to pursue a career in acting and directing, and how did your journey in the entertainment industry begin?
IO: My passion for acting and directing was ignited when I was in high school. I was always drawn to stories and how they could be brought to life on screen or stage. My journey in the entertainment industry began when I was in a Catholic seminary school. There, I joined the choir and started participating in school drama productions. Those early experiences honed my craft and fuelled my determination to pursue a career in this field.
When I finished high school, I participated in an audition for the first time in August 2016, did two movies that year, and then paused. I went on to university and tried my hand at other things, and then came back to acting in February 2021. It was tough getting roles or being cast in big productions, so I decided to go to film school to learn directing. This way, I don’t have to wait. Instead, I create.
SBM: Character Immersion: You’ve portrayed diverse characters on screen. Can you share a particularly challenging role and how you prepare for it?
IO: One of the most challenging roles I’ve portrayed was that of an Igbo deity, Ochoko, in ‘Kate, Mate, and Fate.’ I had to create a backstory for the character, decide how I wanted him to speak and walk, and handle the challenges of being the director of the film. Another challenging role was that of a fraudster in the web series ‘House of Boys.’ To prepare, I went into research, studying the character’s life, mannerisms, and historical context. I also worked on my speech to sound like the character and engaged in method acting techniques to fully embody the role, ensuring an authentic performance.
SBM: Balancing Roles: How do you balance your roles as an actor, director, entrepreneur, and philanthropist? What motivates you to excel in each area?
IO: Balancing my roles as an actor, director, entrepreneur, and philanthropist requires meticulous time management and a passionate team. My motivation originates from a genuine love for each field. Acting and directing fulfill my creative side, while entrepreneurship and philanthropy allow me to make tangible differences in the world while elevating the quality of my life. It’s this blend of creativity and impact that drives me.
SBM: Humanitarian Efforts: Your foundation, the Ifeanyichukwu Okwara Foundation, is making a significant impact. What inspired you to start this initiative, and what are some projects you are most proud of?
IO: The Ifeanyichukwu Okwara Foundation was born out of a desire to give back to my community and address pressing social issues. One project I’m particularly proud of is our educational scholarship program, which has empowered many young people to pursue their dreams. Seeing the tangible impact of our efforts motivates me to keep pushing for more significant change.
SBM: Entrepreneurial Ventures: Can you tell us about your entrepreneurial ventures and how they align with your values and vision for a better society?
IO: My entrepreneurial ventures are deeply intertwined with my values and vision for a better society. For instance, my production company focuses on creating content that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. Additionally, my ventures in sustainable products reflect my commitment to environmental conservation and ethical business practices.
SBM: Creative Vision: How do your experiences in acting and directing influence your approach to entrepreneurship and philanthropy?
IO: My experiences in acting and directing have profoundly influenced my approach to entrepreneurship and philanthropy. The creativity, discipline, and empathy required in the arts have translated into innovative business strategies and compassionate humanitarian efforts. Storytelling remains at the core of all my endeavours, whether on screen or in social impact projects.
SBM: Future Goals: What are your future goals and aspirations in the fields of entertainment, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship?
IO: Looking In the future, I aim to continue pushing boundaries in the entertainment industry, telling stories that matter. In philanthropy, expanding the reach and impact of my foundation is a top priority. Entrepreneurially, I aspire to launch initiatives that promote sustainability and social equity, contributing to a better, more inclusive society.
SBM: Advice to Aspiring Artists: What advice would you give to aspiring actors, directors, and entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in their respective fields?
IO: To aspiring actors, directors, and entrepreneurs, my advice is to stay passionate and resilient. The journey is often challenging, but perseverance and a genuine love for your craft will see you through. Always be open to learning and embrace growth opportunities, and most importantly, aim to make a positive impact through your work.
SBM: Personal Reflections: Looking back at your journey, is there a particular moment or achievement that stands out to you as particularly meaningful?
IO: One moment that stands out in my journey was when the film on which I worked as a crew member and second Assistant Director (second AD), received an award for a project that combined my love for storytelling with a social cause. It was a testament to the power of blending creativity with purpose and reinforced my belief in the positive impact of our work. This achievement remains a poignant reminder of why I started this journey.
Photos sourced by the interviewer
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