I used Native Girl to promote Igbo language I used Native Girl to promote Igbo language —Judy Austin
By Would you say you are doing your dream job right now?
Unlike a lot of people, acting was never my dream. I had always dreamed of being a singer and a model. The modelling part I achieved but the music part didn’t really click. Venturing into acting all started the day I met Sylvester Madu, who is also an actor and a director. He auditioned me with his own camera and told me that I would do so well in the industry only if I gave it a trial. And that was how I started thinking about acting, to cut the long story short, he (Sylvester) gave me my first role too in a movie he was directing in Asaba called ‘Secret of the Riches’ and the rest is history.
So, do you still want to try music?
Well, singing is still my first love as I can sing really well and write songs too, any of my friends will attest to that, although I have never really sang in front of a crowd before except karaoke or my family and friends.
Why did you spearhead the movie, Native Girl?
You know in the industry most times people don’t get to act a very challenging role that would really showcase their talents. Most times, roles are given to the same group of actors, and I am not saying it’s wrong, but sometimes, it limits the chances of others in showcasing their own potentialities too. Now I thought to myself, the best way for me to show the world the stuff I’m made of was to produce my own film, by so doing, take on the most challenging role in it. I also got inspiration from my colleagues such as Ruth Kadiri and Chioma Okoye. I felt it was time to be my absolute best. And that was how the thought of producing my own job came along, even though I didn’t have any money at that time.
Was it hard convincing Yul Edochie to feature in Native Girl?
Not at all. I had told him I wanted to produce a movie and that I wanted him to direct it. He simply told me to find a story that will be both strong and also different. When he saw the scripts, he had no doubts. That was how ‘Native Girl’ came to light with the help of my director, Yul Edochie.
Why did you decide to go indigenously Igbo in the movie?
It’s not really an Igbo film, just that my character spoke Igbo. Look at the name of the movie, we needed to portray every aspect of her character including her mother tongue, Igbo.
You said you didn’t have money at the time, how did you go around financing the movie?
The way all the hustlers in the world do. It started with wanting to have a very good story first, and with the help of my director, Yul Edochie, we were able to create something magical. And that’s when I started looking for sponsors. I must confess, it wasn’t easy. Some of the people I met thought the investment was too small for them. It was so bad, I had my story for almost two years before we shot it.
How did you eventually fund the movie?
After two years of searching, an old friend of mine without asking plenty questions, told me he was going to support me with what he had. I completed the rest with all my savings. Yul also was a major help in supporting me. I believe as long as you don’t give up, you can achieve anything in this life.
Can you reveal what did it cost you to put ‘Native Girl’ together?
I spent a total of N4 million to produce the movie.
As a fresher and a woman did you encounter any sexual harassment throughout the process?
Not really. But I definitely got toasters, which is normal you know. But never a harassment.
What other challenges did you encounter during the shoot, as a first-time producer?
Somehow not much. I didn’t really encounter any serious problem other than the stress of production and all my artists were really nice.My director is one in a million kind of director that wants everything to go well.
What’s ‘Native Girl’ about?
I think it’s generally about the Igbo Language and culture. In this present time, it’s like we somehow don’t appreciate our native languages again. People teach their children how to speak English, but not their native tongue. People travel and come back and all of a sudden, they don’t speak their language again. The most painful part is that they’re irritated by those that speak their language. So, that’s what the movie is all about. Showing a girl that proudly speaks her language and a guy that’s irritated by it. Also teaching that we all should be proud of our language.
What role did comedy play in the movie?
Funny enough, the movie is really not a comedy movie, per say, but because my character is a village girl and speaks a lot of strong Igbo, it made it funny for people.
How did you select your cast?
I did the screening of characters with the help of my director as he knows more than me in that aspect.
How supportive were your parents when you joined the industry?
Oh! they didn’t have any problem with it. To them I am an adult.
Are you married?
No, am not married yet.
Some actresses have lamented how they lost their men after venturing into the movie industry. Do you have similar experience?
I wasn’t in any serious relationship when I started. So, I never experienced that.
What’s your most memorable moment as an actress?
The most memorable moment for me right now is shooting ‘Native Girl’. As it was very challenging and working with director Yul is not a joke. You must get it exactly as he is seeing it or nothing. The second one was a movie called (Orombo) where I acted as a tomboy. I had to learn how to ride a bicycle on set and still shot the same film with it. It was crazy.
Did you fall?
Lots of times. (Laughs).It was the first time learning how to ride a bicycle. But I was able to learn it in two days.
Are you fulfilled as an actress?
I’m very much fulfilled but also burning with the desire to do much more and be the best there is.
Aside movies, how else can we stop the Igbo Language from going into extinction?
That one is a very difficult task and I don’t think is something only one person can achieve.
But personally, the only way I know is through my work and my daily encounter with people that speak the language. As I love speaking Igbo to those that understand it, I also hope that through my work, I get to inspire people to embrace their languages as something to be proud of.
What next for Judith?
I’m just a model and the whole world is my runway. I can’t wait to wow everyone again very soon. And also, I’d like to encourage my family as I like calling my fans to never give up on any of their dreams just because it seems unattainable at that time. If I had given up, I wouldn’t be here today.
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