Having starred in many movies which have won her fans across the country, Nkiru Sylvanus hardly needs any introduction. But the Director-General of Imo Film Academy is just as popular for the few controversial headlines her tale had inspired. She spoke with ORUKPE NELSON.

Which of the movies you’ve starred in do you consider the most memorable?

That has to be A Cry for Help. The movie tells a story about the trials and tribulations of an orphan girl played by me. It’s a touching story about the ordeal of a lonely child and her need for a touch to bring her out of her situation. I acted alongside Clem Ohaneze, Andy Chukwu, Amaechi Muonagor and Ejike Asiegbu. The movie was directed by Andy Amenechi.

There is hardly any movie you don’t cry. Are you that emotional?

I can play any role. In reality I’m emotionally strong and I hardly cry. But before you can see me heartbroken, then I must have been really hurt.

Generally, I’m an emotionally strong person. The truth is that any actor who knows his or her onions must be able to play any role perfectly and that informed my crying role in that movie, A Cry for Help, and others.

Tell us about your movie, The Voice, and the challenges encountered producing it?

The Voice marked my first foray into production. It’s a thriller adventure movie which premiered last year. The challenges are numerous. Of course, it was during the shoot of this movie that I was kidnapped. So it’s all in the past now. It is something I don’t want to talk about again.

What is your relationship with Governor Rochas Okorocha?

His Excellency, Governor Rochas Anayo Owelle Okorocha is my boss. He is a man that believes in development and has this passion for the Igbo tribe. He is always clamouring for them to have a deep voice in the affairs of this nation. So it’s a great privilege working with such a man.

There have been mixed remarks about Governor Okorocha’s administration recently; what’s your reaction to this?

Like you said, it is a mixed reaction which means the positive and negative from people of the state.

The positive reaction comes from the true sons and daughters of Imo State who are happy with the massive accomplishment of the governor in the state. Under his administration, Imo State has become a tourist haven. Also, because of his passion for excellence in a short period, he has transformed the state into the true ‘Eastern Heartland ‘ it was meant to be. He is also building about 305 public government primary and secondary schools across the state called The City Schools among other things. The people with the negative reactions are the second categories of people who are detractors. If you don’t have detractors, then you are probably not doing something worthy. The governor’s achievement doesn’t need much campaigning about; it is therefore everyone to see.

Give us a typical day in your life as the Director-General of the Imo Film Academy

I’m always busy attending to one proposal or another and also seeing to the best way to develop the youth. I go to the office first thing in the morning and I’m stuck with work till evening. Many times, I get home very late, but it’s all good. The most important thing is that you are touching the lives of people.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?

My dream legacy is simple: I want people to think back and see that Nkiruka Sylvanus changed their lives positively by helping them to achieve their potential. The legacy I want to leave in one phrase is to ‘put smile on people’s faces.’

Would you still have the time to combine your new job and acting or will you give acting a break?

My position as Director-General of Imo Film Academy doesn’t affect my acting job at all. I love acting so much and it is still my first love. You can’t abandon your first love. Interestingly, my new job is still in line with acting because under the Imo Film Academy, we will be releasing body of works in music, television, films and other related field. So I’m still acting.

It was recently rumoured that you got married to a long time boy friend and ex-husband of Oge Okoye. How true is this?

I’ve spoken about this once and I said I’m not going to speak about it again. I’m not married. Don’t believe everything you read or hear. People will always talk, but if you know what you really want and where you are heading you will walk on. Those things won’t mean anything to you.

So, are you thinking of settling down soon?

Right now, I’m not married. But I could think about marriage very soon if the right man comes.

What makes you happy?

Seeing others happy is the only thing that makes me happy. Like I said earlier, putting smiles on people’s face. That gives me fulfillment.