Veteran actress Winifred Ugwu-Iwunze, who was popular in the 1990s, has returned to Nollywood after many years away from the movie industry.
She featured in early before she suddenly left acting to focus on serving God.
Now, she is back and says she wants to produce films that will inspire and educate people.films like Aki na Ukwu, Lost to Lust, Last Party, and the TV series Heaven’s Gate
Why I Joined Nollywood
Winifred said she did not join Nollywood because of passion at first. She joined because of poverty.
She grew up in a humble family as the first daughter and felt responsible for helping her family. In 1998, she left Kaduna for Lagos to join the movie industry. Her mother was worried because she did not know anyone in Lagos.
When she arrived in Lagos, she went to Winis Hotel in Kilo, where actors usually gathered. That was where her journey in Nollywood began.
My First Big Break
M heOn her first day at Winis Hotel, she met actors on the set of The Last Party.
The movie featured the late St. Obi, Steph Nora-Okere, and Genevieve Nnaji.
She spoke to St. Obi in Hausa, and he advised her not to tell people she was new in Lagos so that nobody would take advantage of her.
She was later given the role of a senator’s wife.
Though she had never acted before, she accepted the role. She spent 24 hours shooting her scene because she was shy and nervous. But she pushed through and gained confidence.
Success in Nollywood
Winifred said prayer played a big role in her success. Actress Monalisa Chinda sometimes joined her in prayer and fasting.
Her role in Heaven’s Gate, produced by Zik Zulu Okafor, made her very popular because she appeared on television every Sunday.
Another major breakthrough came when she starred in Lost to Lust alongside Monalisa Chinda, Yemi Blaq, and Mercy Johnson-Okojie. After the movie’s promotion, she received about 16 movie scripts within two weeks.
Why I Quit Acting
At the peak of her career, she said God asked her to quit acting and serve Him fully. She struggled with the decision because she loved acting and needed the income.
She said she felt strongly called into ministry and was afraid of what would happen if she ignored the call.
Eventually, she left Nollywood.
Shortly after, she became pregnant with her son after years of waiting.
Life After Acting
Winifred now pastors Zion Gate Bible Church, which has its headquarters in Lagos and a branch in the United Kingdom.
Her church is involved in community work, including a food bank program that provides free food to people in need. She said her focus is to help people who are struggling and lift them up.
Her Return to Nollywood
She said God later told her to produce films again, but this time films that would inspire and transform lives.
Although she previously produced some short films that were not commercially successful, she now plans to return fully to Nollywood.
What Has Changed in Nollywood
According to her, today’s Nollywood storylines are too predictable. She believes the industry needs better scripts and more skills training.
She said in her time, actors focused strongly on developing their skills. She believes Nollywood can improve by investing in proper training centers and better storytelling.
