Tony Ogaga
After a brief stint in the civil service and also anchoring a TV programme, Nigeria Right Now, Dickson Nnamdi Iroegbu is back to his first love: filmmaking. The award winning producer is now set to hit Nollywood with his latest offering, The Good Husband. In this chat, Iroegbu opens up on the new project and gave reason why he shot a gay-themed movie in 2012.
You have been missing in action. Where have you been?
First, I relocated from Lagos to Abuja. That was because I had a political appointment in the Goodluck Jonathan administration. I served as an Executive Assistant, Creative Entertainment and Tourism, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth & Students Matters. When our principal lost the 2015 elections, I went into media full time by creating Nigeria Right Now with Dickson Iroegbu, a 30-minutes current affairs programme on AIT. Yes, you may say I have been missing in action in Nollywood but I have been very busy developing other areas of interest. Recently, I shot a feature film entitled, The Good Husband.
Tell us about The Good Husband?
The Good Husband is a classic film on marriage and divorce. It highlights the raging issues between husbands and wives. I am working, putting finishing touches for the premiere, which should happen pretty soon.
As a moviemaker, what have been your greatest challenges?
Getting access to the right investment partners has been my greatest challenge. To make quality films, you need the right financial partnership. Another great challenge will be the agonising issue of piracy.
A lot of young filmmakers have come out since the days you shot Women’s Cot. What is your take on Nollywood today?
It is interesting to see the huge improvements (in Nollywood). New super kids are popping up on the block left and right and it is good for the business. I think Nollywood is open for every talent to shine. I celebrate all of them and I also salute the likes of Izu Ojukwu, Teco Benson, Lancelot Imasuen, and Ugezu J. Ugezu for holding the forth.
You used to be a dreadlocked producer. Why did you shave your locks?
My dream is now in my heart. I am Rasta, and Rasta is Rasta.
You won many awards in your heydays; which one do you treasure most?
The heydays are still here bro. But I will never forget the 2005 AMAA where I won three awards. Until I get an Oscar, AMAA remains my greatest.
In 2012, you released a gay movie. What inspired it and how did the movie do at the cinemas?
Every filmmaker that knows his onions should be daring and adventurous. What inspired my gay movie in 2012? First, it wasn’t my script; I only produced and directed it. And I thought it was a very topical issue at that time. I love topical issues.
What is your advice for up and coming movie producers?
They should remember that money is not everything and so they should endeavor to make impactful films.
Recently, an American producer, Harvey Weinstein was accused by over 80 women for sexually abusing them. What is your take on couch casting and could you share your experience with us?
I didn’t do it, I never did it and I don’t like it. I think it demeans the industry. Weinstein misfired. However, I think there are two sides to a story.
What has been your happiest moment as a filmmaker?
My happiest moment as a filmmaker is yet to come, please wait for it.
We understand that you have gone into politics and you are campaigning for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Why?
Why I am campaigning for Atiku? Simple. I think Nigeria urgently needs a leadership with content and character. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will do a great job as president of Nigeria. He is a unifier and as a successful businessman, I believe he will bring his business acumen to bear on the urgent fixing of our economy and the political space. Our beloved country needs to be renegotiated for us to make progress, and Atiku is championing the restructuring campaign. The young people of Nigeria need an inspiring leader, and Atiku has these qualities and more.
As a filmmaker, do you have any regrets?
No regrets; I have no regrets in life.
What are your dreams and where do you see Nollywood in the next decade?
I dream of a movie industry with limitless opportunities, and I see Nollywood playing its rightful role in the economy of Nigeria in the next 10 years.