Today we’d like to introduce you to Nneoma Onyekwele.

Nneoma, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been passionate about storytelling. Back in secondary school and university, I lived for the stage. Every semester, I performed on stage, immersing myself in theatre and loving the magic of live performance. But after graduating, I took a detour into the corporate world because, you know, life.

By 2020, though, something in me couldn’t stay silent any longer. In September, I found my way back to film and started pursuing my acting dreams full-time. Along the way, I discovered a love for producing. What started as a way to create opportunities for my acting quickly turned into its own passion.

In 2021, I attended my first acting school, Royal Arts Academy. Then in 2022, I co-produced my first short film, Lost, with my partner Jennifer Nwanede under our J&N Productions banner. That same year, I studied Acting for Screen at Ebonylife Creative Academy, which gave me even more tools to grow.

Since then, I’ve worked on several projects, including Collide, a short film co-produced with Magic Media Studios and which I also starred in. It was selected for the Zuma Film Festival and the Edo State International Film Festival in 2023. In 2024, I also completed a Producing masterclass with Chris Odeh, which deepened my understanding of what it takes to lead and execute successful film projects.

Now, I’m proud to call myself a professional actor and experienced producer with certifications and credits to back it up. It’s been a rewarding journey so far, and I’m excited for all that’s ahead!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Noooo, it’s been far from smooth. Honestly, no career really is, but the entertainment industry has its own special brand of brutality. You need tough skin both inside and out to navigate the bumpy road.

One of the biggest struggles for me was learning to handle rejection. Hearing “No” over and over can mess with your head. There were days I’d cry my eyes out, questioning if I was good enough. But over time, I’ve learned to take it in stride. I remind myself that what’s for me won’t pass me by, as long as I put in the work.

Another challenge is visibility, staying relevant in a crowded industry. It’s not just about talent; it’s about being seen, building connections, and constantly proving yourself. Networking doesn’t come naturally to me, so I’ve had to push myself to reach out, even when I’m scared of being ignored.

And of course, there’s the financial side. Acting and producing aren’t always steady streams of income, especially when you’re just starting out. Investing in classes, equipment, and projects without immediate returns can be draining. But I’ve learned to see these as investments in my future.

Finally, balancing my creative work with the mental toll of constant comparisons and societal expectations can be tough. There’s pressure to succeed fast or fit a mold, but I’m learning to embrace my unique journey.

It’s not easy, but the struggles have taught me resilience. Every “No” has pushed me to grow, every setback has fueled my determination, and every small win reminds me why I started.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear many hats in the film industry—I’m an actor, producer, and writer. My passion lies in telling compelling stories, both in front of and behind the camera.

Here’s a glimpse of some of my work:
Caged (2021) Actor credit
• Lost (2022): Produced, starred in, and available on my YouTube channel.
• Collide (2023): Produced and starred in; selected for the Zuma Film Festival and Edo State International Film Festival.
• Thy Will Be Done (2023): Executive Produced and starred in.
• Her Dark Past (2023): Actor credit.
• Screened Affections (2024): Actor credit, now available on YouTube.
…and many others still awaiting release!

What am I most proud of? Honestly, myself. My resilience and tenacity. One thing I’m incredibly excited about is my 2024 goal to perform and post a monologue on my Instagram every single Monday of the year. That’s 53 Monologues in total! It’s been a marathon, but I’m so close to the finish line! You can follow my journey there to see how it’s going.

What sets me apart? Me. There’s no one else in the world like me, and that’s the beauty of it. Even if two actors are given the same role and the same director, the interpretation will never be identical because we all bring something unique to the table. That’s what I love about this craft: it celebrates individuality.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Build your network. Connections are everything in this industry. A great way to start is by attending a film school. Ebonylife Creative Academy is an amazing option, and guess what? It’s free! Film school doesn’t just teach you the craft; it introduces you to a community that could become collaborators, mentors, and even lifelong friends.

Know who you are as a creative. Decide early on the kind of actor or producer you want to be and the type of projects you want to work on. Some people say, “Take every job,” but I say, “Know your standards.” It’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your vision. Stay true to yourself, and don’t compromise your values.

Money matters, but it’s not everything. Don’t make decisions solely based on finances, but also don’t ignore them. This industry is unpredictable, especially in the beginning, so you’ll need a side hustle to stay afloat. Let’s be real, starting out, the pay is usually wack, and jobs can be few and far between. But hey, you could be the exception! No two journeys are exactly the same, and that’s the beauty of it.

Take care of your mental, physical, and spiritual health. This business can be brutal, so you have to build your resilience. Keep your body strong, your mind sharp, and your spirit grounded. And please, don’t take rejection personally. It’s part of the process, not a reflection of your worth.

Remember, you are your brand. In this industry, your reputation matters. Be professional, be kind, and most importantly, be yourself. No one else can bring what you bring to the table.

Bonus tip: Keep learning! Whether it’s new acting techniques, production strategies, or even marketing skills, stay hungry for knowledge. This industry is constantly evolving, and the more adaptable you are, the better.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nneomaonyekwele.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nneomaonyekwele/profilecard/?igsh=MW5za3p6OGVzaWhxNA==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nneomaonyekwele8478?si=yb3G2aPEOohK7ZDj
• Other: My Portfolio- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVt67KfCgt78LtE172Ofnyi1N9JkZJpy

Image Credits
Cover Image, image 1 & 5 LASALVY STUDIOS Image 8 Vivian Elencha Studios