We recently connected with Celina Igwe and have shared our conversation below.

Celina, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I worked on so far, is a short film I wrote and directed called, “Noctiluca”. After watching a documentary about a young boy in California being heavily abused, falling through every crack in our American “protective” systems, and ultimately killed by his mother I was outraged to say the least. The only way I knew how to raise awareness and challenge these systems that ultimately failed this child, was to make a film. Noctiluca symbolically and artistically tells the story of a young girl in a similar story as the real life young boy. It explores the hypocrisy of how society as a whole ignored some of the most vulnerable members of our so society even when the issues are right in front of us. I love it because it is shocking, uncomfortable, yet challenging and has sparked awareness and conversation on how to lower the statistics and help more kids.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As an artist and storyteller, I channel my creativity into unconventional yet deeply meaningful screenwriting and film directing. From my early years, where I eagerly wrote as a small child to orchestrating plays for my cousins at family gatherings, storytelling has been my constant passion. Influenced by iconic films like “The Sound of Music” and “The Citizen Kane,” my imaginative escape from a challenging upbringing, as an only child who had lived in homeless shelters, ignited a lifelong love for creation.

Transitioning to the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts as a Theatre Major, I initially pursued acting. Still, it was the art of storytelling that became my beacon of hope when my confidence in acting waned. Moving on to film school at UNLV, my journey took me to Hollywood, where I gained valuable experience on major sets. However, life took a new turn when I became a mother.

Putting my dreams temporarily on hold to focus on family and faith, the creative itch persisted. During the pandemic, a rare and transformative opportunity presented itself when my father-in-law and his wife fully funded my first short film, “Mosquito.” This immersive experience served as a pivotal moment, providing me with a crash course in producing, directing, location scouting, and costuming, all in one film. Gratefully, my patient crew supported me throughout this remarkable journey.

Since then, I’ve crafted 10 short films, each contributing to the development of my unique style, voice, and vision. Collaboration remains at the heart of my creative process, a sentiment deeply rooted in my theatrical background. Witnessing a diverse group unite to bring forth a singular vision is a testament to the purest form of humanity for me.

As a black female film director, I navigate an industry with few counterparts, challenging labels and prejudices. Approaching the creation of my first Feature Film, I am on a mission to redefine filmmaking norms, intertwining captivating storytelling with visually appealing and entertaining elements. My distinct narratives, laden with symbolism and unafraid to take risks, explore the very essence of humanity.

Looking ahead, I am committed to producing works that not only challenge and inspire but also celebrate the rich tapestry of diverse perspectives of culture and identity. In my upcoming projects, including my first Feature Film, I aim to push the boundaries of what it means to be a filmmaker, particularly a black female one. My strength lies in my unconventional storytelling, symbolic depth, and a keen exploration of the core of humanity, setting me apart in the world of film.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Frequently, I find that many non-creatives might perceive me as a bit unconventional, especially considering I’m in my late 30s, balancing a family with three kids, a husband, and two cats while having created 11 short films in under three years. Some question why I choose a path that hasn’t yielded immediate income instead of pursuing something more financially stable. Believe me, I recognize the importance of establishing a secure life for my family, ensuring a safe environment, reliable transportation, and overall financial stability.

What many don’t understand is that, for me, creativity isn’t an either/or situation; it’s an “and.” Currently, I work as a full-time nanny while also passionately creating films. I strive to provide for my family’s needs while simultaneously nurturing and inspiring my children to pursue their dreams. Creativity is intrinsic to me; it’s not something I can switch off. Even as a nanny, I infuse creativity into my activities with the kids. This creative impulse has always been a part of me, evident when I worked in various roles, from being a secretary in an office to contributing to marketing events at Chic-fil-a.

Wherever I go, I bring creativity into play. Now, with filmmaking as my chosen medium of expression, I’m committed to continuously producing films, videos, or plays. Unlike some creatives driven solely by financial gain or fame, my motivation is pure love for the creative process.

If someone were to ask about my ultimate goal, it’s simple: to create works that genuinely inspire someone to their core. I believe stories are essential to society; they shape our actions, instill confidence, and contribute to personal development. It’s like a child donning a cape after a Batman story.

For non-creatives, I hope they can grasp that creativity is as crucial as practicality. Both elements are intertwined, much like the creative idea behind an architectural design and the practicality required to bring it to life. It takes creativity to act as the heart beat of humanity, and it takes practically to be the veins that allow life to flow. In every aspect of life, when creativity and practicality converge, the world becomes a more balanced and beautiful place.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As the orchestra played and the curtain lifted, I found myself seated in the darkness behind the stage wings during “Jekyll and Hyde” in high school, serving as a costume assistant after not being cast in the show. Chaos unfolded when actors, wearing new prop masks given to them just hours before the performance, started falling off the stage. At LVA in 2002, there were no teachers backstage; the responsibility rested on us to run the show while they observed from the audience. Despite the turmoil, from the audience’s viewpoint, the show was flawless—a testament to the theater mantra that the show must go on.

Throughout my filmmaking journey, I’ve faced challenges that could have derailed projects—funding issues, conflicts among actors or crew, wrong casting decisions, last-minute location changes, and unforeseen chaos on sets. Yet, I’m rarely deterred. The phrase “no” or “it can’t be done” irks me, and I resist operating in a controlled, boxed-in environment. Pressure propels me to work harder, making me akin to a diamond maker, as my best works often emerge from moments of extreme pressure.

When told I can’t do something, my response is a simple “watch me.” While I might not always know how I’ll accomplish a task, I invariably know why I should. The “why” becomes the fuel for my resilience—I go on because I believe in the story. Every story I tell holds immense significance for me, propelling me forward with a profound sense of purpose.

Success, for me, is not about fame or fortune but about strengthening my craft and surpassing previous achievements. I may be a latecomer to the filmmaking scene, with much to learn in a short time, but the mantra remains the same: I must go on. Even when lacking the ideal resources—whether it’s money, support, or time—I find a way to press forward, driven by an unwavering commitment to my vision.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celinaigwe.writerdirector?igshid=YzVkODRmOTdmMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celinaigwe.writerdirector
• Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/celinaigwe IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11379945/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk