Ifan Ifeanyi Michael is a celebrity stylist, a brand consultant, and more recently, a filmmaker. Made Magazine recently featured him as the cover star for the ‘New-generation’ in celebration of his rise from having very little to becoming a filmmaker. His story is truly inspiring!
Here’s what Ifan Ifeanyi Michael shared with Made Magazine…
On his humble beginnings
I was chosen to act in a movie at the tender age of 5. After the movie, a few marketers/scouts approached me with so many promises, and at the age of 8, I finally yielded to one marketer in Lagos. I left Port-Harcourt for Lagos on a night bus with very little money.
When I got to Lagos, I called the marketer’s number, but it never went through. It was so late in the night, and I started wandering around Ojuelegba bridge, where the bus had stopped. Eventually, I slept by some mallams and area boys under the bridge of Masha that night. The next day I wandered around asking questions about Winny’s hotel and National Theatre, which I finally found because they said that’s where actors stay. Well, With time, I became friends with a lady who just liked me and became “The House Squatter.” I spent so many years scurrying around acting in movies, going for auditions, etc. Here I am working on my own movie and back to where it all started but in a different class dimension.
On his motivation
I will say diligence, perseverance, faith, and boldness have added up with the Grace of God to bring me to an expected end. “See ye a man diligent in his work; he shall receive his reward.”
On issues facing the Industry
Support and finances – Nigerians aren’t really supportive of their talents at all. People make mistakes, but instead of encouraging them, they turn it into some evil plot to ruin you. Some people want you to do a job for them almost free. I understand the country’s recession right now, but how do you expect those doing the job to feed? In the end, it’s all about favors to favors, but I believe with time, things will change.
On his decision to delve into producing movies
It has always been my heartthrob – the reason I came to Lagos was film. Everything I have done was just to be in film, so it was just automatic at this point to do what I love most.
On his experience working with Liz Benson
Working with Liz Benson was an honor. She is quite humble and a true cool mum. It was also challenging as we all know she is very professional for amateurs. So I had to get my priorities right.
On his next movie project
Still on ‘Lotanna.’ To avoid producing an underfunded movie, time is needed to make a movie “a never forget” I am not in haste because to get a classy product, time and money must be involved. Lotanna will be out this year.
To read the full interview, click here
Creative Team
Photography: Remi Adetiba
Fashion Director: Tokyo James
Model: Ifan Ifeanyi Michael
Clothes: Maxivive
Location: Kiki Melissa Studios
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