Judith Audu: Shijuwomi as Her First Big Slice in Moviedom

SEE an actress that is diligent in her work, she will surely play among ‘Kings’. This is what seems to playing out for delectable Edo State born actress and emerging producer Judith Audu Foght. From just a few movie credits and in mostly short films, Judith has grabbed a leading role in a big budget movie titled Shijuwomi which is currently being shot on location in Ogun State.

Not only is Judith playing lead in the film adaptation of Rasheed Gbadamosi’s book, ‘Behold My Redeemer’’, she is playing alongside some of the industry’s best hand in acting including the veteran stage and screen actor Ayo Lijadu, Bimbo Manuel, Olu Okekanye, Tina Mba and Jude Chukwuka. Directed by award winning director and screenwriter, Niji Akanni, the book was adapted for screen by the trio of Prof Ola Rotimi, Dr. Femi Olugbile and Mr. Bayo Awala who is Producer of the film.

An award-winning actress, Judith is Shijuwomi in this epic movie that is produced majorly with support of the ProjectAct Nollywood production grant — a funding initiative for Nollywood approved by President Goodluck Jonathan. The story revolves round a pampered girl, Shijuwomi, who traveled to England to study, attempts suicide, prompting the decision to repatriate her home. At home, she is moved to an institution where she meets Dr. Ilori, a lecturer in Anthropology who eventually marries her. The marriage does not however provide the desired harmony and succor, as Shijuwomi and Ilori are on a parallel scale in terms of pursuing their interests.

“It has been an amazing experience’’ Judith said, this evening after a long day shoot. “When you are on a set surrounded by veterans and directed by an awesome director, you cannot but give the job your all. It is almost impossible not to,” she added excitedly.

An On-Air-Personality with i-Groove Radio, Judith also admits that she is learning a lot working on the movie ‘’I have been dreaming of working with a great director like Uncle Niji Akanni and that opportunity has presented itself. This will rank as my first major lead role in a movie and so if I say am thankful for this opportunity it will be an understatement’’.

But critics who have been following Judith’s career as an actor say they are not surprised that she grabbed a lead in this big budget movie. They have seen her in a couple of films including the short film ‘Alpha Mum’ and they applauded her for always acquitting her roles. Indeed the married actress who was born and raised in Lagos has always shown with the believable manner she interprets roles that she is a good centre that any good director should hang a story on.

Amiable, unpretentiously friendly and one who is so passionate about the make believe profession, the old girl of Navy Town Primary and Secondary School, Lagos who holds a Masters degree in Public and International Affairs and a B.A in French both from the University of Lagos has always wanted to be on television. She also wanted to be a diplomat. But as she grew older, she found herself drifting continually towards acting.

“So, I joined a theatre group as soon as soon as I got into the University of Lagos from where I got groomed and learnt the rudiments of the arts. Since then I have read books, watched a lot of videos, attended workshops and I will still keep on training myself, learning new things on how to become better,” she said.

An actress with her eyes on the summit and who disclosed that her ambition is to affect lives through her works as an actress and producer, Judith has also signed a few works as producer. She explained that she delved into producing because she wanted to tell her own stories. She also found producing as a medium to communicate to people and be an employer of labour.

“It doesn’t stop me from concentrating on acting. Acting is still my first love and I take on my personal projects when am not on set. I have produced two short films and am working on two TV shows and a feature film, which will hopefully be released in 2015,” she explained.

Is she fulfilled as an actress? Judith who is attracted to honest and hardworking people and who described her husband as the best thing that has happened to her, replied that she is fulfilled and adds. “I am so grateful to God, thankful and happy that I pursued what I am passionate about. I jump out of bed with joy to go to work because it is what I love doing. The joy I derive from my job is indescribable. Yes, am very proud and fulfilled to be an actor. And I think I am blessed with the kind of family and husband that I have.

“My family is extremely supportive. My husband is unconditionally supportive and he is one of the main reasons am still in the industry as he always encourages me never to give up. When I get a job that will take me away from home, we talk about it before I accept the script and that is because family comes first before my career.”