Don’t be averse to auditions, actor advises young talents

Nigerian actor, Efa Iwara, on Wednesday urged up-and-coming actors not to look down at auditions while pursuing a career in the movie industry.

Iwara made the urge while speaking on “Navigating a Career in Nollywood”, with Ayokunle Ayoko, a legal practitioner, during an Instagram Live on Wednesday.

The award winning actor encouraged intending actors to always attend auditions whenever they were invited and also put in their best.

“Some people keep saying filmmakers are giving roles to the same set of actors and not giving others the opportunity, which is not true. Don’t be jaded by this and not go for auditions.

“Before me there was Ramsey Nouah, O.C Ukeje, Richard Mofe-Damijo and others. They are all still acting. So, there is always space for new actors. Stop saying they don’t want to hire new guys.

“They will always hire new guys, trust me, everyone’s time is coming. So, go for auditions; put your best food forward; pray to God and do your best.

“Sometimes you can walk into an audition and you see popular faces. Don’t start saying oh, this one is here, I can’t get it. If they were not ready to try someone else, they wouldn’t have invited you.

“The mere fact that you are in that room means you stand a chance. So give it your all,” he said.

Iwara, who used to be a rapper said same applied to the music industry especially the rap scene, adding that although, music had evolved but a rapper from the “old school” could do something with the “new school” and vice versa.

The actor said the  music industry was also doing well following the nominations and winning of Grammy by Nigerian artistes.

Iwara said the advent of streaming platforms was taking the Nigerian film industry to the international space.

“I keep seeing people approach me to say he looks familiar whenever I travel out of the country.

“I remember there was this time, I think it was the British Parliament discussing the movie ‘King of Boys’. They were talking about our movies and export.

“That shows that we are headed in the right direction. Like I said, we are just one movie away from breaking in there, ” he said.