‘Film industry should amplify diverse voices, drive meaningful change’

‘Film industry should amplify diverse voices, drive meaningful change’

AGWU

Dr. Princess Ezinne Agwu is a seasoned legal expert with 14 years of experience specializing in International Law, Property Law, Commercial and Corporate Law, and Public and Private Law. She is the founder of Princess Ezinne Agwu and Associates, a distinguished law firm, and has served as Principal Legal Officer at the National Population Commission in Abuja. Beyond her legal career, she is a fashion entrepreneur with her brand, Royalty Signatures by Ezinne, and a filmmaker, leading Royalty Life Studios. Her debut film, “The Mandate,” tackles corruption and governance. Princess is also committed to youth empowerment through the TreasureWells Youth Empowerment Foundation, using her platforms to inspire and drive change. In this interview, she shares her journey with Esther Ijewere.
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Key Responsibilities as Principal Legal Officer at the National Population Commission
My key responsibilities included providing legal advisory services on public procurement, demography, population, and census matters; developing strategies to improve Nigeria’s population processes and policies; and strengthening relationships between the NPC, other government agencies, and the public. I also ensured legal compliance, managed litigation, and drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents.

Motivation Behind Expanding into Filmmaking
My passion for reaching a broader audience inspired me to explore filmmaking. By leveraging my legal expertise, I create films that inform inspire and provoke meaningful conversations. Through these films, I tackle complex social, political, and cultural issues in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and capable of driving positive change
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Overcoming Significant Challenges in my Legal Career
One of the challenges I faced was managing a high-profile case under intense public scrutiny with a tight deadline. I overcame this by efficiently managing my time and resources, leveraging my team’s strengths, and bringing in an expert PR professional to handle media relations. Throughout the process, I maintained the highest ethical standards.

The Role of Film in Educating the Public on Social, Political, and Business Issues
Film is a powerful tool for educating audiences and shaping their perspectives. Through compelling storytelling and vivid imagery, it makes complex issues accessible and engaging. This makes film an effective medium for addressing social, political, and business issues, sparking meaningful conversations, and capturing the audience’s attention.

Women Who Inspire Dr. Agwu
I am deeply inspired by my mother, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, for her incredible resilience and ability to create something out of nothing. What touches me most is her philanthropy, particularly her dedication to improving the lives of the less fortunate, especially widows and children.
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Inspiration Behind “The Mandate” and Its Message
The inspiration for “The Mandate” comes from my commitment to social change, the empowerment of women in politics, and my goal of educating the public on complex social, political, and legal issues. “The Mandate” tells a story of courage and determination, centered around Dr. Ezinne Egbuna, the Director-General of the Financial Crimes Bureau, who resigns to run for governor, challenging the male-dominated political landscape. Through this story, I aim to highlight the importance of integrity, perseverance, and justice, and convey that with belief and dedication, anything is achievable.

Future Goals for Royalty Life Studios
My vision for Royalty Life Studios is to establish it as a leading force in the global entertainment industry. We aim to achieve this by producing impactful films that address real-life challenges, utilizing innovative storytelling, and maintaining the highest production standards. We also plan to collaborate with talented creatives and forge strategic partnerships to further our mission.

We have been working on producing impactful and educational films with blockbuster potential. The first, titled “The Mandate,” is set for release soon, while the second, “Broken Harmony,” is currently in post-production. These films address pressing legal, social, political, and business issues.
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Balancing Roles as a Lawyer, Filmmaker, and Entrepreneur
Balancing these roles requires a clear vision and strategic time management. I prioritize by focusing on what needs immediate attention and delegating tasks when necessary. My legal background provides a strong foundation for analytical thinking and decision-making, which I apply across all my endeavors. Each role complements the other, allowing me to pursue my passions while staying true to my core values. This holistic approach enables me to navigate the demands of each role effectively, ensuring that I make a positive impact in every area I’m involved in.

Expectations for the Film Industry and the Impact I Hope to Make
I envision the film industry as a powerful tool for driving social change and shaping public consciousness. My expectation is that the industry will continue to evolve, embracing diverse voices and stories that reflect the realities of our world. Through Royalty Life Studios, I hope to create films that not only entertain but also educate and inspire audiences to think critically about social, political, and cultural issues. My goal is to use storytelling as a catalyst for change, highlighting important topics and sparking meaningful conversations that can lead to real-world impact.

Being a Woman of Rubies
Dr. Princess Ezinne Agwu embodies the essence of a Woman of Rubies through her multifaceted achievements and unwavering commitment to positive change. Her expertise in international law, combined with her passion for empowering others, particularly the youth and women, highlights her dedication to making a meaningful impact. By seamlessly integrating her legal career with her ventures in fashion, film, and philanthropy, she exemplifies resilience, integrity, and leadership—qualities that define a true Woman of Rubies.
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