By eBOSS Canada - Sep-11-16
‘Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
The injunction contained in that popular biblical verse is clearly what has played out for Nollywood’s new girl, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama.
Just about three quality Nigerian movies in her creative pouch and the spotlight is already on the easy-going and humble actress, who would have been a health worker if acting had not called her up.
As you read this, Somkele is already in Toronto for this year’s edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which opened on September 8.
Somkele and one of Nigeria’s leading movie men, OC Ukeje, were invited to be part of the TIFF’s Rising Star Programme, which spotlights two up-and-coming actors from an industry that is in focus under the festivals City-to-City programme.
So, to say that of the over 150 delegates travelling to TIFF for the City-to-City programme, only Somkele and Ukeje are the rising stars accredited to attend as guests and to take part in a series of specialised programming, seminars and workshops organised by TIFF’s industry team, and you will be stating the obvious.
It is, indeed, a huge one. Somkele admitted it is and she shared her story to this stage of her career shortly before she left for Toronto.
Congrats on your Toronto pick as a rising star. You were paired with OC Ukeje. Clearly this is huge. How does it make you feel?
I am grateful to say the least. It is truly an honour to have been selected in the first place and with OC, makes it even better. The TIFF Rising Stars program as you know is a program put together to introduce the selected actors to the major stakeholders in the film industry. You get to meet major casting directors, directors and influencers within the industry that could propel your career further.
Is the Toronto bound movie The Arbitration your first movie or your first as lead?
No. It is not! Dreamwalker, directed by Neville Ossai, was my first movie.
I auditioned for both Dunni and Yemisi at The Arbitration audition and I got a call back for Yemisi’s role. It was a supporting role and I had a wonderful time on set.
It is always such a blessing when you are surrounded by very talented and dedicated people. Everything flows organically and your job doesn’t feel like work.
Niyi Akinmolayan is a fantastic director.
You played your role with unerring skills. Was there any one you understudied for that role or it came naturally?
Well, I would say that I drew a lot of inspiration from Mike Ross and Rachel in the series, Suits, because Yemisi falls somewhere between both characters, in terms of experience as a lawyer.
I also had to do some research into legal terms and out of court settlement proceedings.