From the beginning, filmmaker Victor Okpala’s path seemed destined to be different. While his mother envisioned him in the pulpit as a full-time pastor and others pushed for the courtroom as a lawyer, he always knew his heart belonged to the arts. In this conversation, he tells Ferdinand Ekechukwu, that for him, storytelling is not just a profession but a calling, one he believes aligns perfectly with God’s plan for his life
Tell us about your journey into the movie industry?
Well, right from childhood, I have always been a lover of the arts. From literary and debating society to cultural groups in secondary schools, I knew I would end up in the arts sector. When I entered the university, even though I was in the social sciences, I was always with the theatre department, rehearsing and holding drama sessions. Once I left school, I knew where to go, but I had to work here and there before heading off to film school. Once I got back, I registered my company and started with TV series production Eagle Eye, which was syndicated in about 18 stations nationwide. While doing TV, I started working with other filmmakers as a producer or line producer, then went on to direct and the rest they say is history.
How long have you been in the industry and how many movie projects have you been involved in?
I have been around professionally since 2010 and I have done over 40 TV films, 10 TV series and about 5 cinema projects.
What has the experience been like working in the industry as a filmmaker?
The experience has been good and rewarding. Sometimes you face a big challenge that will almost make you want to give up but you keep striving and of course it gets better by the day.
What was your aspiration growing up?
Like I said earlier, I had always wanted to be in the arts but as a small boy I didn’t quite know what part of arts business I will be in but I always knew. Example, I wrote an entire magazine as a junior secondary student and wanted to publish it. I read every novel or magazine I could lay my hands on, watched every foreign film or cartoon released then. All those things shaped my love for the arts. My mum wanted me to be a full-time pastor and others wanted me to be a lawyer but here I am doing what God has ordained me to do.
What aspect of your growing-up years influenced your present career in filmmaking?
I was an avid reader of every magazine or novel you can think of. I was a very introverted young man growing up with my granny; I had all the time to read every book, novel and magazines. I watched a lot of Hollywood films. I also grew up on local magazines like Papa Ajasco, Dauda and the likes. I remember I used to buy those mini magazines with my lunch money while in secondary school. So, yes, that aspect shaped me. I also sang in the choir and church band.
What inspires the type/kind of stories you tell?
So many events in and around my life always inspires me to tell my kind of stories. I grew up watching Rambo and the likes, Mr. Bean for comedy and many other cartoons. So, I like to tell more of action stories or what we call thriller.
Are you adept to making any particular genre or film?
I love to make action-packed movies that will keep people on the edge of their seats and off course topped with romance and a lot of drama. Black Panther is a movie I will never forget in a hurry. We are getting there by God’s grace.
What’s your goal as a filmmaker?
My goal is simple; to keep getting better at my craft and satisfying my teeming fans with every of my film and of course better things will always follow.
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