Okafor JohnPaul Chizoba is the brain behind Holy Lamb Films. He is from Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. He has a diploma from Peru, South America and a degree from Accra Institute of Technology, Accra Ghana.
As the Founder of Holy Lamb Films, Chizoba Okafor has over 20 movies to his credit.
In this interview with Sun Newspapers, he shares his journey into Nollywood, challenges and plans to build a film academy in Nigeria.
Enjoy
How did your journey into Nigeria begin?
I’ve great passion for acting African home movies. So, when I graduated I came back to Nigeria in 2015 to focus on my acting career. Later in 2016, I became a popular producer because acting wasn’t paying me then, so I had to invest into the Nollywood Movies.
How were your early days in Nollywood like and what were the major challenges then?
Well, it was very tough , Rough and very competitive. Producers as at then wasn’t giving me jobs because they see me as an upcomer, well all that motivated into establishing my own production company (Holy Lamb Films) and invested heavily into Nollywood.
How did you overcome them?
I actually established my own production company (Holy Lamb Films) and started producing my own films, by doing so I casted myself and played most major roles . Then other popular producers saw the talent and craft in me, they had no choice than to call me for jobs and paid me well.
First film produced?
My first movie was Titled: “E-Money Gang”.
I featured: myself “Kelvin Chizzy”, Rechael Okonkwo, Destiny Etiko, Junior Pope , Sammy Lee, Elvis Chukwubuikem and a lot more.
What’s the most challenging movie you had produced and why?
The most challenging movie was titled: “Power”. The movie was directed by Ernest Obi and we shot 21 days. During this shoot, there was a day we shot only 1 scene , locations was difficult to achieve , hotels , cars , coven and church.. all this made the production very difficult but we achieved it finally by the special grace of God.
How did the name Holy Lamb Films come about?
Well, when I went to register the company with CAC, I wasn’t having any name in mind when my lawyers asked me for company name (laughs). Well, I’m Holy and Lamb is also a beautiful and innocent creature ..
So I told them Holy Lamb Films at the CAC, even the lady was like no one has ever typed such into their system, she congratulated me and said “What a unique name”! Actually I got 30% discount from them because of my name.
Can you mention some actors and actresses you like working with and why?
Pete Edochie
Destiny Etiko
Zubby Michael
Ngozi Ezeonu
Harry B. Anyanwu
Junior Pope
Fredrick Leonard
Mike Ezuruonye
Mike Godson and many more!
You industry is well known to be very controversial, what’s your take on that?
Well, every entertainment industry is like that, both music, movie, skit and comedy..
we all are known for controversial things.
Why do you think actresses hardly stay married?
Because of the nature of their job! Sometimes we film 24 hours Non stop. So, some men who doesn’t understand the job will get jealous, angry and start doubting their wives. Maybe she doesn’t have time for the family because our business is very demanding and take a lot of time , understanding and grace of God for someone to stay in marriage.
Are you married? If not? Can you marry an actress?
Marriage is something I don’t even wanna talk about and no I cannot marry someone from my industry because the trust won’t be there. We all know ourselves..
What are your plans for your fans this 2023?
Well, I’m building a film academy, and by the grace of God we will round up this year 2023, so people can get admission into the academy to study all departments in film making such as: Directing, acting , make up, continuity , editing , properties and set designing , script writing, sound track engineering , artistic directing and so on…
