By Rita Okoye
Nollywood actress cum producer, Trinity Ugonabo is living her dreams, making blockbuster movies with the latest being The Pride Price.
The Anambra State-born graduate of English and Literary Studies in this interview shares her success story and the heartbreak that turned her world around.
What inspired the movie, The Bride Price?
It’s my passion for telling good and original stories.
You also acted in the movie. How were you able to pull through with being the producer and actor at the same time?
I must confess, it wasn’t an easy task but I had a strong team that helped make it easy. Thanks to my line producer, Sheriff and production manager, Famzy. In fact, I appreciate every single crewmember on that set.
What are the take home lessons in The Bride Price?
First of all, I needed people to understand that true love has the capacity to conquer all. Also, certain regions need to understand that there is a huge difference between giving your daughter’s hands in marriage and selling her off.
How were you able to pick the actors you worked with?
It wasn’t exactly difficult because I had pictured in my head every of my cast in the story. However, having Zubby play the opposite of what people would normally expect, was something I looked forward to.
How long have you been doing movies and how has it been so far?
I started off doing movie hairs and makeup and then somehow I started acting and I realized that I got more gigs as an actor than a makeup artist. That was how I picked up a career in acting sometime in 2013. After a couple of years acting and schooling simultaneously, I decided to take a break to finish school, after which I attended a few film schools including EbonyLife Creative Academy, and Masterclass with Chris Odeh’s Workshop. Overtime, I found a new crush, which was telling these stories myself and seeing that they get executed like I have envisioned. And with Astra Pictures, this crush of mine became the love of my life. And so far so good, I have been able to do a couple of movies both short and feature length, which can be seen on the Astra TV Africa YouTube channel.
How supportive is your father to your career?
I am the first of four siblings. I lost my mom sometime in 2017 but I have a dad, who has been both an amazing father and a great mom to my siblings and I. We call him 2-in-1. My father is very supportive; he is my number one fan and cheerleader.
Are there movie roles you can’t take, and why?
So long as it’s not pornography-related, I can jump on any role.
You don’t see anything wrong in playing romantic roles, like kissing and smooching?
It depends.
How does your man react seeing you kiss another man in a movie? Is he a jealous lover?
Hmmm… my Jesus is a jealous lover (laughs).
So you are single and waiting for Mr. Right?
Exactly!
What are the extra things you do to put yourself in character before filming?
I take a few minutes to put myself in the character’s shoes so as to become the character.
What do you look out for in a man?
He should have money. Plenty money. Aside the money, he should have more money (laughs). He should also have plenty wisdom and above all, let him love God, because it takes a man who knows and loves God to love a woman right.
Does his physical look matter?
Yes of course. He should be very handsome. The man has to be on fire.
What’s your take on the conception that Nollywood actresses don’t make good wives?
There are quite a number of functional marriages in the industry; one bad marriage doesn’t mean all marriages are bad. Besides, I have never been married. So, I have no idea what marriage or marriage crisis looks or feels like.
Share with us your growing up and how it has shaped your personality.
I grew up in a Christian family where love and affection was literally a watchword. My siblings and I were showered with lots of love; hence we have just too much love to give.
Have you ever rejected a suitor and why?
Yes, I have and that was because I was with someone who I thought would be my husband, but ended up being someone else’s husband.
How did you deal with such heartbreak?
Severe breakfast, lunch and dinner served at a spot, but we move. Honestly, at the time, it wasn’t funny but God being the master planner figured that, that particular relationship was the last thing I needed in my life.
Can you marry a man above 60 years?
No.
What’s your relationship turn off?
I like people who know what they want; indecision is actually a huge turn off for me, likewise dishonesty.
Can you still buy akara by the roadside?
Why not? Fame doesn’t stop me from being me.
If given the opportunity, what would you change about Nollywood?
I would love to do a lot of things better like tell unique stories, give talented youngsters opportunity to grow and importantly, fund projects like they should be, other than underfunding and putting out low quality works.
The post I had severe heartbreak, but it turned my world around–Trinity Ugonabo, actress/filmmaker appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
