By Ayo Onikoyi

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Jide Awobona has revealed the challenges behind taking on a female role in his latest film, Rise With Me. He made this known in an interview with Potpourri, where he spoke candidly about the preparation and intentions behind the project.

“To start with, for every movie I produce, I always aim to do something I have not done before,” Awobona said. “Aside from having a fantastic story, I love to include a wow factor in every project. There has to be something memorable to hold on to. There has to be a strong message. Beyond the message, the movie must carry weight, boldness, and audacity—something daring.”

He added that his approach has been consistent throughout his career. “Those who are great followers of my work already know that Jide Awobona is known for doing something new, something out of the norm. I did that with Inspector Jero, I did the same with Amma, and I have done it with some of my previous movies.”

Awobona said preparation for the role was intense. He stopped going to the gym three months before shooting to lose weight and make his body more flexible. “I shed a lot to slim down, making my body flexible—like a canvas we could paint on,” he explained.

He also underwent a major physical transformation. “I had to shave all my body hair except for the hair on my head. Any part of my body that had hair that made me look like a man, I had to remove,” Awobona said.

The film, he explained, carries an important social message. “Rise With Me is not just a movie—it is advocacy material. One of the messages is that women should learn to support one another rather than pull each other down. The film also encourages women trying to conceive to know that there are several options available if they want to.”

Awobona added that the movie also highlights the hidden struggles of celebrities. “Amidst their pain, they often hide it to make everyone feel like they are fine. This film is ultimately advocacy for women, highlighting resilience, support, and the challenges women face in society.”