…As she speaks on her AMVCA-nominated film

By Nnasom David

Evan Okechukwu isn’t just a filmmaker she’s a cultural storyteller. As a Nigerian producer and co-founder of Mozzyva Limited she has carved a name for herself in an industry where female filmmakers are often sidelined. But in 2020 Evan made history—she became the only female nominee in the AMVCA Indigenous Language (Igbo) category, a space largely dominated by men. In this interview with DENNIS OKOH Evan speaks about her acclaimed film Obiakpor, the struggles behind making it, and why telling Igbo stories is so important to her.

What are the biggest logistical challenges in producing a Nollywood film?

Where do I start? In Nollywood, you’re your own planner, fixer, and sometimes even electrician. Tight budgets and short timelines are normal, so you’re literally racing against time with limited resources. Then add wahala like power failure, traffic noise, or area boys showing up at your location saying, “You no tell us say you go shoot here today.” You learn to think fast and solve problems before they become disasters.

How do you manage budgeting constraints and still ensure high-quality production?

You plan like your life depends on it because it actually does! I work with a loyal crew I’ve trained myself. Instead of chasing after already-made teams that may not understand my style or my pocket, I groom people who grow with me. That way, we speak the same language, and I don’t have to break the bank. You’d be shocked how far creativity and passion can take you when money is tight!

You were the only woman nominated in that category. How does it feel?

Honestly, it feels good! I felt proud not just for myself but for every woman out there hustling quietly behind the scenes. It’s a sign that our work is being noticed. And you know we women don’t just work we put heart inside! I hope it inspires us to step forward and take up space.

Shooting a whole film in an Indigenous language must have been tough. What was that like?

It was definitely a tough one! Most of the actors couldn’t speak the language very well. We had to bring in language coaches to teach them and you can imagine how long that took. Some would pronounce Igbo word like “ọlụ” as “olu” in yoruba and we’d all burst out laughing, but we were patient. It slowed us down, but the end result? Pure magic. There’s a power that comes from telling your story in your Indigenous Language.

You’ve made over 15 films. Why is Obiakpor so special to you?

Ah Obiakpor touched my soul. It came from a deep place. The language, the casting, the challenges, everything about it stretched me. I felt like I was giving birth to something real, and something lasting. And when people watched it and felt connected, I knew we had done something special.

What has been your most rewarding project to date and why?

Still, Obiakpor! That film gave me recognition I wasn’t even expecting at the time. It reminded me that my hard work wasn’t in vain, that all the stress, sleepless nights, and shouting on set actually meant something. Sometimes, God just uses one project to say “Well done” and announces one!

Obiakpor got you an AMVCA nomination. What inspired you to produce it?

I wanted to preserve and proudly share our language and culture with our people and the world. Our language was diminishing, and people were no longer proud to speak our indigenous language. I felt the need to remind my people that our language is beautiful and our stories matter. Obiakpor was my way of doing that and also saying, “Look at us. We exist. We matter. And we can tell our own stories better than anyone else.”

What challenges do you face as a Nollywood producer, and how do you overcome them?

Ah let me laugh first, because the challenges are a lot! Funding? Marketing? Distribution? Hmm. Infrastructure? Don’t even go there. But we keep pushing harder. I rely on a strong network, push my projects the best way I can, and form partnerships where possible. You have to be stubborn, creative, and have small anointing of madness to survive in this industry. But one thing about me is that I’m not a person that gives up easily regardless of the challenges.

With Obiakpor Evan Okechukwu proves that telling African stories in our own languages can still touch hearts around the world. Her film is not just entertainment it’s a gift to culture and a bold step for female filmmakers in Nigeria to embrace Indigenous storytelling. She’s not only making movies, she’s promoting culture and making history.

What’s your expectation for the award?

It honestly doesn’t matter who wins, whether it’s me or someone else. What matters most is that the   nomination itself is a sign that I’m doing something right. That recognition alone means a lot. So whoever wins it’s a win-win for all of us who were nominated. It also pushes me to keep working harder, growing, and striving for more.