Nigerian filmmaker Omoni Oboli, one of the country’s most popular and hardworking filmmakers, recently became a grandmother following the birth of her son’s first child. .
In a new interview with The Will Downtown, Omoni shares her thoughts on becoming a grandmother before 50 and reflects on the unique challenges she’s faced as a female filmmaker compared to her male counterparts. Here’s what Omoni Oboli had to say.
First, when asked “What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a female filmmaker in the Nigerian movie industry?” Omoni Oboli responded:
OMONI OBOLI: I haven’t faced any major challenges as a female filmmaker, but as a filmmaker, I face the same challenges as all filmmakers. I have to be honest, the movies I’ve made have been done with no aspect of it being easier or harder simply because I’m a woman. I haven’t encountered any such clear distinctions to be able to make that call. Nollywood is such that if you have the funds to make your movie, and you have the expertise to do it, then you can make a film. The crew only responds to money. You’re either punished or rewarded at the box office on the merits of your work and not your gender. A competent crew, both male and female, do not take your job because you’re a woman but because you can afford them, and they can and want to work with you. I believe there are more challenges for actresses, but hardly any I know of for a female filmmaker.
Then she was asked “Congratulations on becoming a grandmother! How does it feel to embrace this new role at 46 and how has this new chapter in your life affected your perspective on family and career?” to which she said:
OMONI OBOLI: Thank you. It feels great to be a grandma. I don’t take such things for granted. It’s a blessing to live to see your grandchildren. That’s most people’s dream, and God just handed it to us on a platter. And at 46? I couldn’t be more excited. It does change a lot for me. I have a different perspective on life. Suddenly, I’m not doing what I’m doing for my children alone, but it’s now for my posterity, my children’s children, and beyond. The idea of family takes on a whole new meaning. It transcends a generation or two, but now a third generation that’s from my husband and I. I feel so blessed. I am now a glam ma! (laughs).