Etinosa: Film making for me is a gospel

Etinosa Idemudia is an actress, social media influencer and filmmaker. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the Covenant University, Ota. Upon graduating, she worked as a planning engineer for oil and gas construction projects until 2016 when she went into acting full-time. She attended the Royal Arts Academy where she obtained a diploma in performing arts in 2016. She is best known for her role as Akugbe in the ROK original series, Blood of Enogie, for which she won the award for Best Actress in a TV Series, at the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards. She has also featured in several movies and TV productions including Made for More, The Miracle Centre, Wrongfully hers, Devil in Agbada, Blindspot, Stacy, The Call and The Millions. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, she speaks on her career and plans in the New Year.

How have you been able to combine life as a computer engineer and acting?
I have tilted more to procurement engineering than computer engineering. I’m able to multi-task, because as an actor, I’m in control of my schedule. I map out days when I am required as an engineer, and when I am required as an actor, and of course, when I am required as a mother and managing each profession nicely, taking life a step at a time and mastering time management.

What has been your experience in the industry over the years?
Filmmaking for me is a gospel. Whether as a producer, director or actor, whichever hat I wear, I do so as a minister. My films always minister to my audience. I believe this is my calling. There must be a meaningful message in my films; otherwise, you can never see me there. It has been a great journey of lessons and satisfaction doing what I love so much, constantly working on myself and giving my best in every case.

You produced Dear Sister. Is it your debut? What was the experience like?
⁠Before Dear Sister was produced for the cinema; my debut was The Washerman, which was a box office hit as at 2018. I first premiered Dear Sister in London 2022 and the feedback from viewers was so rewarding. It’s so beautiful to create something and have the audience for whom it was created truly appreciate it. Premiering in Nigeria was amazing. My works speak for themselves. What I am happy the most about my films is that it always speaks to my audience. Always relatable.

Your role in Blood of Enogie also made you stand out. Share with us your experience playing Akugbe?
Playing a bitter soul and a witch for three months of my life was no easy feat. Queen Akugbe was vindictive, possessive, scheming and everything evil you can think of. At first, when I read the script I laughed and said, “What? Who is going to play this?” because in real life, I’m a very sweet and playful person, which made the role very challenging. But the strength of every actor in becoming a character begins in the mind. I had to switch off every distraction, every doubt and completely immerse myself into the character. No surprise there that the character became the talk of the nation and even in the UK, where the show also aired. I could say the same about Izoduwa, a movie I played the role of a male king. I was seven months pregnant with all my hormones raging and still perfectly acted as a man. Viewers who saw that movie said they only knew it was me when I took my mask off. I must also give kudos to the director of Blood of Enogie, Charles Uwagbai. He is an actor’s director and also instrumental in bringing out my inner talent (laughs).

How rewarding has the industry been for you?
⁠I now own landed properties, cars and healthy investments courtesy of the industry, but that’s not the biggest reward. I can say the biggest reward the industry gave me is Etinosa community-my fans who truly love and consume my content are the real gift God gave me and I don’t take their love or trust in my brand for granted. This is why I take my time, select my projects wisely to give them the best.

What does the New Year hold for Etinosa?
⁠Oh, so much planned for the year. More TV films definitely. Focusing more on my YouTube channel ETINOSA TV as I have seen is such an easy and rewarding way to connect with my audience globally. Most importantly, I will be releasing a movie on my Youtube Channel which tells a part of my life story; I looked for a child for seven years, before God answered me. The movie titled, When Tables Turn is dedicated to women seeking the fruit of the womb. In my channel, you will see a lot of well-designed movies that you and your family can relate to and cause a positive change. Movies with deep moral lessons.

What advice do you have for younger people trying to break even in the industry?
The media is a strong tool of communication and we must use it wisely. Also, never get tired of promoting yourself, keep being visible and be prepared for greatness until greatness finds you. You have it in you. You can do it and you will succeed.

How did you spend your Christmas holidays?
I had visitors over we had food, drinks and karaoke in house.