CI-NEWS

I would like to direct films about my African Heritage” Constance Ejuma, Actress, Producer.

2020-08-24

No: 525

I would like to direct films about my African Heritage”

Constance Ejuma, Actress, Producer.

You are one of the African artists who have been selected to collaborate in Beyonce’s “Black is King” project. How did you get involved with this icon?

I came on board as an actress so I went through the typical casting process. My talent agent submitted my headshot to a casting director who then forwarded it to Beyonce’s team.

I ended up being one among hundreds of actors and performers chosen to help bring the project to life. Naturally, I identify myself with the story of this young boy who seeks his inner nature in this musical film. It’s difficult not to identify with an individual who’s on a journey of self-discovery, particularly in a world where oppression is the norm. Most people who watch the film can relate to the young protagonist’s experience.

The subject raised by “black is King” is topical given the context marked by the recognition of the rights of black Americans. How do you appreciate this critical moment in your host country?

At present, America is being forced to look at its ugly history of systemic racism, so the timing of “Black is King” is perfect. There are a myriad of emotions being felt across the country; anger and pain are chief among them. What this film offers is a reminder to black people that they have a rich heritage that’s as ancient and as elevated as European culture; it’s imperative that they connect to their roots in order to cultivate a sense of pride in that heritage.

You are one of the most seen African faces in the film industry in the United States. How did this Hollywood adventure start?

I’ve wanted to be an actress since I was a teenager so I started taking acting classes when I was fairly young and eventually got a degree in theatre.

I moved to Los Angeles shortly after completing university and started pursuing the film business in earnest. It hasn’t been easy but I can tell you that hard work, determination and consistency are the qualities that have led to my success so far.

“Ben and Ara”, a committed and militant film will remain as one of your landmark productions. What made you accept this role of a strong character?

“Ben and Ara” was collaboration between a friend and I, so I was able to exert a certain level of influence on how the story was told. The opportunity to produce a feature film was exciting to me because I knew I’d learn a lot from the experience. I also accepted the role because it was an opportunity to play a character that isn’t often represented in the mainstream.

As a woman, an actress and a producer, how do you use the cinema to defend your opinions and wage your battles?

Sometimes as an actress employed by others, I don’t always get to choose the stories I tell. As a producer, however, I have a great deal more power and participate in the decision making process in all areas related to the project.

This is how projects like “Ben and Ara”, “The German King” and “The Consequences” web series came about. Interestingly, projects I was hired to do small parts in like “Black Panther”, Black is King” and a Jennifer Lopez music video, “EL Anillio”, in which I played a warrior queen, somehow became associated with my brand.

This may seem like a coincidence on the surface, but I believe these opportunities came about because I set an intention for what I wanted my personal brand to represent and it just so happened that these projects were in alignment with that. “The German King” is a great example of a project that reflects my interest in African history and a subversion of the idea that Africa doesn’t have its own heroes.

To use your own words, it was a film that allowed me to wage a battle against the notion that heroes only exist in European and American history.

Can you tell us more about your experience in the hit movie “Black Panther”? How did you experience the steps of the casting, at the release of the film and its reception by the public through the shooting?

I had initially auditioned for the film in the regular way; my talent reps submitted me for a part, I went in for an audition, but did not get cast in a role. It wasn’t until a year later that someone from casting reached out to me with an opportunity to join the project in a different capacity. I was hired as a stunt performer, an area I had no previous experiences in but had to learn fight choreography in a very short period of time. Though I wasn’t one of the recognizable faces on screen, I was more than happy to have worked on the film as I was a huge fan of the director, Ryan Coogler. I was as swept away as everyone else by the energy the film generated and the worldwide recognition and love it received. Being part of this historic production brings me a sense of pride and validation. It has also made it very clear to me that I have a responsibility to represent the humanity of black people in all its splendor; good and bad.

From your style, we can see that you are a continuation of the idea generated by “Black Panther”, namely the pride of black skin or natural beauty. Don’t you worry about being constantly catalogued into specific roles? Especially those of African warriors, Amazon and never to get out?

My style was firmly established long before “Black Panther” came about and will continue to be what is based on my own tastes and principles, not what happens to be trending at the time. As far as archetypes go, the warrior queen isn’t a bad one to be associated with and I have no qualms about playing that role in this season of my life. On the other hand, contrary to what many may believe based on these famous projects, I’ve played roles that have been quite different from the warrior queen. Because I know that my creative range extends beyond this specific archetype, I have few concerns at the moment about being called to play this role.

What are your aspirations in Hollywood and what are your projects for the Cameroonian film industry?

My aspiration is to tell stories about aspects of the human condition that interest me. I would also like to write and direct films that reflect the beauty of my African heritage. I’ve been in discussion with a couple of Cameroonian directors and producers about film projects slated to shoot in Cameroon for some time now. The film production process always takes time but I’m confident that I’ll be in a locally produced film fairly soon.

Culled from Cameroon Tribune

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I would like to direct films about my African Heritage” Constance Ejuma, Actress, Producer.