UK Nollywood latest sensation, Philippa Abraham is a wife and a mother to 3 lovely children. She is also a film director, producer, actress, writer, motivational speaker, philanthropist, property developer and a business woman all rolled into one.
Her journey in the Film Industry started in 2008 when I started writing my first book. Upon completion, I realised the best way to tell my story would be visually, so I adapted the book into a script. Being the perfectionist that I am, I didn’t want to simply jump into filmmaking so I went back to University to study Digital Filmmaking and graduated with a BA (Hons) from Middlesex University. Having worked on various Film Productions and made my own Short films, Documentaries, Music Videos, I decided to make my first feature film which established me as a full member of the Film Industry.
The property developer turned filmmaker achieved a rare feat beating records with her first feature film Basira in London. The film Basira in London became a record breaking, blockbuster, hilarious comedy/drama which premiered at the Odeon IMAX Cinema Greenwich to rave reviews.
Cinema Executives at Odeon have confirmed that Basira in London Premiere has broken its record with the highest audience ever, for any Nollywood film, and this record still stands till today. We had thousands of people in attendance that occupied over 5 screens.
Philippa Abraham became the winner of the Best Producer category of the prestigious AFRICAN FILM AWARDS 2015. Also, BEST FILM, BEST PRODUCER, BEST ACTRESS from BEEFTA UK 2015. The film Basira In London made Top 20 entry on Box Office Mojo confirmed by Box Office Consultant Dr. G Hargreaves. She was accorded recognition and support from members of the diplomatic community.
Compare Nigeria’s Film Industry, Nollywood to the Music Industry. What is responsible for their phenomenal growth. Which should the government use in its rebranding campaign and why?
The growth of Nollywood and Nigeria’s Music Industry has quite rightly been phenomenal. However, the Music Industry is a lot older than Nollywood and has fared better due to the large amount of investments it attracts. Legends like Fela Anikulapo Kuti who made Afro beat popular, not just in Africa but all over the world helped our music to transcend cultures.
This has help our new generation of musicians to make our music the sound of choice to billions of people all over the world.
When this background is compared to Nollywood, it highlights the power and tenacity of Nollywood in our fight to be recognised and respected by the big Studio Executives of Hollywood. With our micro budgets, we’re making films that can stand shoulder to shoulder with Hollywood films, they are now realising that we are a force to be reckoned with.
I believe the government should use Nollywood in its rebranding campaign as Nollywood represents Nigeria’s message of “despise not little beginnings” and “nothing is impossible”.
What is this your next film project which some described as a wave of new idea and wake up call to all Nollywood practitioners?
We are currently in pre-production for the next film project, we are so excited about this project. It’s very new and fresh, it promises to be bigger and better than the record breaking Basira in London. I can’t give too much away but all I will say is for people to be ready to be entertained!
Apart from the film industry, where lies your other interest?
My other interest are in property development, motivational speaking, philanthropy and couture fashion.
I’ve been into properties for over 20years and we are into land acquisitions, Commercial properties, buy to sell, buy off-plan, buy to let, Renovations etc, both in the UK and Nigeria.
I’m very passionate about the above and along with making movies, will happily do them for free but thank God they have their rewards.
The one that gives me the greatest joy is my charity arm where we support orphans. Nothing compares to seeing the joy on the children’s faces as we show them they are loved, housed, fed, clothed and sent to school.
