You have been off the radar for a while, as a thespian (a good one at that) are you cooking up something for the fans?
Yes
I am. Affairs of the Heart is the first one you will probably see.
Between is the next one which is in post-production. Produced by Daniel
Ademinokan and I. Directed by Daniel.
You relocated to the US obviously for good reasons, but do you by any chance miss the movie scripts back home?
I
miss everything back home, not just the scripts. It's so amazing to see
all the new movies and new Actor's that have emerged. I am so proud of
the movie practitioners who have worked hard to raise the bar in our
film making.
You starred in the emotional and
captivating movie, Affairs of the Heart, which premieres at the
Siverbird Cinemas nationwide come March 11, 2016, how would you describe the movie?
AFFAIRS
OF THE HEART is a movie that a lot of NIGERIANS both home and abroad
can definitely identify with. It's an emotional movie but also very
expository as regards the plight of people who would go to any length to
live the American Dream.
It’s a story of betrayal, love, romance and distrust, tell us about your character in the movie?
I
played the female lead, who was deceived into a union that she believed
was a blessing. My character went through a series of emotions that a
lot of women go through daily but we don't know how deep some of these
issues are. Two things that people also will take away from this movie
but are often overlooked is FORGIVNESS and REDEMPTION. In some ways, you
can say it's a movie that will also speak to the hearts of CHRISTIANS.
What did you take away from in terms of personal experience?
AFFAIRS
OF THE HEART is a constant reminder to adults that are looking to get
married to really be certain of the character of their intended spouse.
Getting into a lifelong relationship cannot be business as usual. The
intentions of both parties have to be clearly stated. Apart from that,
it also made me analyze my decisions better.
What will you say is your favorite scene from the movie and why?
I
love the scene where my character was trying to seduce her husband by
taking off her robe to expose (what she believed was a lingerie), but
was embarrassed and rejected. It's my favorite scene because it carries
mixed emotions. I felt bad for women who have gone through that, but it
also made me laugh. Joseph Benjamin is such a funny guy and the way he
played the scene was hilarious.
Any advice for all the Viviennes (the character you played in the movie) out there?
Like
I said earlier, try and get to know the person you intend to marry.
Nothing should be done in a rush because the relationship is for a
lifetime.
Your absence from the Nigeria movie
scene has really been felt by your fans. Would you say Affairs of the
Heart is part of the moves to keep that name, Stella Damasus alive in our hearts?
I will not say STELLA DAMASUS
is making moves to keep herself in the hearts of people. When people
love you, they don't forget you. The ones that don't care are those that
can easily forget you. I have always given attention to the ones who
really care about me and what I am doing. AFFAIRS OF THE HEART was one
of the most professionally written scripts that I was offered and the
director ROBERT PETERS is someone I trust to make a great movie. I had
not done a movie in a long time so when they sent this to me, I knew it
was something worth doing. As you may have heard I was working on many
other things in America and really could not make movies because of
schedule. After AFFAIRS OF THE HEART it took me another full year to
have the time to do BETWEEN.
There is a
tremendous improvement in movie productions currently in Nollywood, what
would you say stand Affairs of the Heart out among the lot?
AFFAIRS
OF THE HEART is an amazing movie that should be rated by those who see
it. I am not one to compare people's movies because it takes a lot of
effort to make them. Besides, the budget of the movie plays a major role
in the outcome so it will be unfair to make a comparison when you don't
have the budget different people have worked with. I just know that
AFFAIRS OF THE HEART is a movie that I would love to watch over and over
again. JOSEPH BENJAMIN is one of the best actors I have worked with,
ROBERT PETERS is such a talented and gifted DIRECTOR, the other actors
who I worked with for the first time were so professional. I know that
NEVEADA BRIDGE PRODUCTIONS did so much to make sure the production was
properly done. I don't have any doubt that people will love and
recommend this movie.
What will you say attracted you to the script?
The dialogue, the subject matter and the fact that I would work with JOSEPH BENJAMIN.
What was it like working with Joseph Benjamin as the lead actor?
He
is the most professional actor ever. Extremely patient through every
scene and every location. Always minding his business but very funny
when he joins a conversation. I got to see the spiritual side of him
which made me so happy as well. He is talented and knows the true
meaning of becoming a character.
Affairs of the
Heart addresses two major issues, one is the damaging effect of
betrayal and secondly, the ultimate power of uncommon forgiveness; do
you think you guys did enough justice to the message?
I believe we did and even more.
Any plans to delight your fans soon with coming down to Nigeria for a production soon?
Yes.
I have already spoken to two producers, one in Nigeria and a
collaboration in Ghana. By God's grace when I finish the projects I have
for this year I will head down.
Why do you think anyone should go see the Affairs of the Heart?
STELLA
is in it. (Laughing so hard now because I can imagine what some people
will say). Well, it's a great movie that everyone can identify with. It
has all the elements people look for in a movie, good acting, good
costumes, good locations, good dialogue, great chemistry, good technical
work, strong message.
With fame comes negative
vibes from both the media and fans alike. As an actress you have had
your fair share, what would say has been your weapon in handling
negative stories about you?
GOD, my family and maturity
Your girls are all grown up now, what new lessons have you learnt in the area of motherhood?
Too
many I would need another interview to talk about it. Motherhood has
taught me patience and endurance. It has also made me love and trust God
more.
One thing that most Nigerians miss when
outside the country is the unique Nigeria delicacies, which would you
say you miss the most?
I don't miss anyone because we have African stores here so I cook African food once in a while.
There
are often complaints from actors which often bother on either the
overbearing attitude of the director or the shabby manner of the entire
production. What was it like working on the set of a Nevada Bridge
Productions?
I have explained that earlier and I think in
this production we worked as a family and have remained close friends
ever since. Anyone who works with Nevada ends up doing different things
with them. I am hosting a show for NEVILLE's band soon and many other
things lined up.
Would you say the growing
trend in the Nollywood/Hollywood collaboration is a positive development
of the Nigeria movie industry?
Definitely. No man is an
island, so the collaborations helps in expanding the followership to
other regions. The fan base will definitely grow and we also learn from
other cultures. When you have a symbiotic relationship we all strive for
a common goal and working together makes it better and more authentic.
Movie
roles defines an actor and often times determines how far the actor
progresses in his/her career. What will you never do in a movie or
better still, what script will you never accept, no matter the financial
gain or career elevation and why?
I can play any role as
long as the things I am asked to do are relevant to the story. I am not
one who believes that sex sells. Even if there will be a sex scene I
always confirm how it will be done, VULGARITY should not be the driving
force of a movie. I am a story teller not a STRIPPER.
The movie opens in Cinemas nationwide from March 11, 2016.
Interview by Chifa Concepts
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