She first cut her teeth in the industry in 2003 but Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Cynthia Onuoha, had to leave to pursue her education. Armed with a degree in English and Literary Studies from the University of Calabar, she returned in 2012 and has never looked back. She talks about domestic violence, sexual harassment and other issues, in this interview with OVWE MEDEME.
IN these past four years, how receptive has the industry been?
It’s been fruitful, and I’ve done a lot of jobs in-between; some of them challenging, some not so challenging.
Which of them do you find most challenging?
That would be Assemblies of God. I acted alongside Bob Manuel Udokwu. It was challenging playing his wife. Playing a pastor’s wife is something I’d not really done before.
What’s the idea behind your recently released movie?
It’s a short film based on domestic violence; the things people pass through in marriage, its ups and downs and how to go about them. It is titled Game of Seven.
Why domestic violence? Have you been a victim?
No way. For the records, I’m single. A lot has been going on in the society. A lot of females in there don’t know what would become of then if they decide to quit. They don’t know whether they would be stigmatised. So I just needed to show them that if they choose to go out, they would be ok. If they choose to stay, then they need to talk about it and see how it can be curbed.
But men too are victims of domestic violence. Does the movie address that?
I don’t know how a man can be a victim. Does his wife beat him? (laughs)
Is there anybody close to you who has been a victim of domestic violence?
I have this friend of mine on Facebook; I’ve never met her in person. She couldn’t finish her secondary school because of some issues and she got married to this older man. As time went on, the man started physically abusing her.
So when she sought me out and asked for advice, I told her if she feels she can’t stay, she needs to leave with her children and look for something else to do with her life. If you are bothered about what would become of you or your children when you leave, the question is, if you die, what become of you or your children? Her story was one of the factors that pushed me to really go into it to enlighten people that they don’t have to stay in a marriage because the man is rich. If the man decides to seek external help like going for counseling, then he should, so that both parties would be happy.
What are you plans for the movie? Will you be starting a campaign with it? Not really. I’m not planning to set up an NGO, although there are some I’m affiliated with. Once in a while, I reach out to people. I’m not starting a campaign. It’s out there. It is left for them to see it and advice themselves.
How challenging has your career been?
It has been quite challenging based on the fact that there are lots of actors out there. Some are professional, some are not. Some pay money to get roles that the professionals should merit. So, it has been so challenging because there are talents out there who are chasing the same goal.
How do you stand out in all of these?
I try to interpret my roles very well. I try to improve on my facial expression, delivery with a little bit of swag. (laughs)
So far have you had any cause to regret toeing this career path?
Not at all. I love my job.
What is next for you?
I will be going into movie production fully from next year. This is just my pet project. So stay tuned and watch out.
Won’t that distract you from acting?
My personal job is my personal job. If I have external jobs to do, it won’t distract me. I know how to balance the equation. I’m working on something, but I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag.
How big is it?
It is very big. This one is going to be massive.
Aside acting, what else are you into?
I’m into clothing and I do interior decoration as well. I do beautiful bed sheets and I can make your house look as beautiful as those you see in the movies.
This is the 11th month. How would you say you fared this year?
I give God all the glory. This year has been so beautiful; I don’t even know how to say it.
So you made a lot of money this year?
A lot of money, a lot of investments, and a lot of charities. I believe in giving.
About your singing abilities, will you be releasing an album soon?
My voice is so tiny, so I spoke with this friend of mine and she promised to coach me. So by next year, something would drop.
Among fame, glamour or money, which factor inspires you most?
If it’s just about the money, then I don’t need to stress myself so much. It is passion. It is what I love doing. I sleep, I wake up and I’m always acting. I like to be out there. I like to preach to people via acting and singing.
In being single, is it right to say you are you driving suitors away?
I’m not. What can I say? Mr. Right is close by.
Is it that your standards are too high?
No way. I’m a very plain person. I’m down to earth but you know how it is. Sometimes, the wrong people come at the right time or the right people come at the wrong time. It’s all about chemistry. I’ve seen him but I don’t want to blow your mind.
Is he a popular person?
No. I don’t want to marry somebody who is in the same profession with me. We cannot all be entertainers.
People do it and they are happy…
Yes, they are but it’s something I don’t want.
What exactly do you look for in a man?
First of all, I look at his carriage, the way he carries himself, the way he dresses. I love to smell good, so I love when my man smells good. You need to smell good, you need to be tall, dark and of course you need to be able to take care of me. And above all, he needs to be God fearing. He must not be a pastor or go to church from Monday to Sunday. He doesn’t need to cabash. He just needs to have the fear of God in him.
What if he pretends to be all these and you find out after marriage that he has been faking it?
How will he fake it? He doesn’t need to pretend. By the time I’m with him for about a month, I will know that if he’s God fearing man. He can’t pretend to be rich because he needs to show me that he’s rich. Did I say that out aloud? (Laughs)
What defines your style?
I don’t really have a particular style. I wear what suits me. I love looking sexy. Growing up, I usually loved going on skimpy outfits. It was like a trademark. So whatever suits me at a particular time. It depends on my mood though. I’m not particular about what’s in vogue.
Have you been a victim of sexual harassment in the industry?
When you talk about the industry, people tell you it is Sodom and Gomorrah. I can’t say that I’ve been harassed directly by anybody, but they just drop hints here and there. When they do that, I tell them not to go there. It is when you encourage them that they try to blackmail you. I keep telling people not to use shortcuts or to go via the back door. Always go from the front door. Because somebody calls you for auditions doesn’t mean you should start going to his room. What are you looking for in his room? You’ve done your audition, go home. If you pass, they will call you. So, I can categorically say that I’ve not been sexually harassed in the industry.
How true is the Sodom and Gomorrah perception?
It is not. It’s just make-believe. Maybe because of some of the sex scenes we act or how free we are with each other, they think that a lot of evil things happen in the industry. Somebody I was having a relationship with before told me that he cannot marry an actress because they are loose and they can’t stay in their marriages. He said a lot of things, giving me instances of people whose marriages failed. So I asked him, what happened to the ones whose marriages work? Can’t people look at the bright side? Why do people always like to look at the bad side of things? Nollywood is not Sodom and Gomorrah. In every profession, there is always a Judas somewhere.
What are your hobbies?
I love sleeping, I love travelling, I love dancing and I love swimming, even though I don’t know how to swim. I do read as well but because of my job, I don’t really have time to start a novel and finish it like I used to.
