Emem Isong is a Nigerian
screenwriter
A screenwriter (also called scriptwriter, scribe, or scenarist) is a person who practices the craft of writing for visual mass media, known as screenwriting. These can include short films, feature-length films, television programs, television ...
,
film producer, and
film director
A film director or filmmaker is a person who controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the screenplay (or script) while guiding the film crew and actors in the fulfillment of that Goal, vision. The director has a key role ...
. She has become known primarily for films in the English language, and is a dominant figure in the
Nollywood
Nollywood, a portmanteau of Nigeria and Hollywood, is a sobriquet that originally referred to the Nigerian film industry. The origin of the term goes back to the early 2000s, traced to an article in ''The New York Times''. Due to the history ...
industry. Her second directed feature, ''
Code of Silence
A code of silence is a condition in effect when a person opts to withhold what is believed to be vital or important information voluntarily or involuntarily.
The code of silence is usually followed because of threat of force or danger to onese ...
'', which deals with rape in
Nigeria
Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It covers an area of . With Demographics of Nigeria, ...
, was released in 2015.
Early life and education
Emem, who is the first child in her family of 4 children, was born on 5 September and is from Ikono Local Government Area of
Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom is a States of Nigeria, state in the South South, South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It borders Cross River State to the east, Rivers State and Abia State to the west and north-west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The state ...
in Nigeria.
She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from the
University of Calabar
The University of Calabar is a federal university situated in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. It is one of Nigeria's second-generation federal universities. The University of Calabar was a campus of the University of Nigeria until 1975. ...
. Isong obtained a diploma in computer science from the Computer Science Institute (NCR).
Career
Emem Isong’s career in filmmaking began in 1994 when she wrote the script and co-produced the movie ''Jezebel''. Her very first solo production was for the movie ''Breaking Point'' (1996). She then went on to work with Remmy Jez for eight years as a producer of his movies. This relationship lasted till 2008 when she decided to end their working relationship. It was at this time that she co-produced the movie ''
Reloaded'' (2008).
She has written or produced films such as ''
Reloaded'', ''Breaking Point'', ''She Devil'', A ''Minute To Midnight'', ''Play Boy'', ''Private Sin'', ''Master Stroke'', ''Rumours'', ''Shattered Illusion'', ''Promise Me Forever'' and ''Emotional Crack'' (2003) (screenplay),
the latter of which was screened at the
African Film Festival in
New York
New York most commonly refers to:
* New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States
* New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York
New York may also refer to:
Places United Kingdom
* ...
City. She has also become known primarily for Yoruba language pictures and is a dominant figure in that industry.
The movies Emem Isong has been involved in are also noteworthy for being the launching grounds for various Nollywood talents including Stephanie Okereke, Dakore Egbuson among others.
In 2014, Isong directed her first feature film ''
Champagne
Champagne (; ) is a sparkling wine originated and produced in the Champagne wine region of France under the rules of the appellation, which demand specific vineyard practices, sourcing of grapes exclusively from designated places within it, spe ...
'', which had its premiere at the
Silverbird Galleria in
Victoria Island, Lagos.
In August 2015, she released the film ''
Code of Silence
A code of silence is a condition in effect when a person opts to withhold what is believed to be vital or important information voluntarily or involuntarily.
The code of silence is usually followed because of threat of force or danger to onese ...
'', her second directed feature film which she also produced, working with the Royal Arts Academy and Nollywood Workshop, an international NGO that aims to encourage change in the society through the use of movies.
The film, which deals with
rape in Nigeria, stars Makida Moka,
Patience Ozokwor,
Ini Edo
Iniobong Edo Ekim (born 23 April 1982) is a Nigerian actress. Ini Edo began her film career in 2000, and has featured in more than 200 movies since her debut.
In 2013, Ini Edo was a judge for the Miss Black Africa UK Pageant and De9jaSpirit ...
, and
Omoni Oboli
Omoni Oboli (born 22 April 1978) is a Nigerian actress, scriptwriter, film director, producer and digital filmmaker. She studied at the New York Film Academy and has written several screenplays, including The Figurine (2009), ''Anchor Baby (fil ...
.
Emem Isong’s expertise in the movie industry has also allowed her to be chosen as a speaker in the Afrinolly masterclass series and also as a judge for the MTN Afrinolly short film completion in 2013.
In her movies Emem Isong attempts above all to thrill the audience.
Legacy
Emem has also been listed as a maverick in the
New Nollywood movement which is categorized by filmmakers who are not just interested in producing movies, but in producing movies that can be considered substantial and artful products. She has worked with different writers such as Rita Onwurah, Karyn Udeh, Toiyoabasi Ekong, Jane Nwachukwu, and Vivian Chiji. Stars like
Adesua Etomi
Tolulope Adesua Etomi-Wellington (born 22 February 1988) commonly known as Adesua Etomi is a Nigerians, Nigerian actress and entrepreneur. She debuted her film career with ''Knocking on Heaven's Door (2014 film), Knocking On Heaven's Door'' ( ...
,
Nancy Isime and
Daniel Etim Effiong
Daniel Etim Effiong, also Daniel Etim-Effiong is a Nigerian Nollywood actor and film director.
Life and education
He was born in Jaji, Kaduna State, Nigeria and had lived in Benin City, Edo State; Lagos State and Abuja. His dad was in the Niger ...
. These movies are usually categorized by an extra effort made by the filmmakers to ensure not only the methods but also the tools of production employed by the filmmakers are of substantial quality. It is no longer about production for the sake of production but for art’s sake. These movies are also made to have domestic and international appeal as they are usually released in cinemas in Nigeria and in foreign cinemas. This shift from home video production to cinema viewing is also a category of this ''New Nollywood'' movement.
Emem Isong is also known for her role in founding the Royal Arts Academy in 2010 and her subsequent role as the academy’s CEO. The Royal Arts Academy which she started with Uduak Oguamanam, Anietie Isong, and actress Monalisa Chinda, is based in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria.
The academy has tasked itself with a mandate concerned with the empowerment of its students by giving them the necessary tools required to take part in all aspects of film creation and production. The academy is dedicated to producing students who cannot just compete and excel in the Nigerian film industry, but also in the international film industry.
Apart from teaching students what they need to begin a career in the movie industry, the academy also gives students the opportunity to win funding to help them begin their career by actually producing movies the general public can see.
Personal life
Emem Isong is known to be very private and prefers to stay mostly out of the public eye, she rarely grants interviews. This, according to her, is because she wishes her work to be consumed on its merits alone without her personal life influencing her viewers.
However, Isong is married to Misodi Akama
with whom she had twins with in 2016. She also has a son from a previous relationship.
Filmography
Emem Isong's film credits include:
Producer credits
Writer credits
Director credits
Awards and nominations
Awards received by Emem Isong include:
* ZAFAA Awards, in the category of Best Producer for the movie ''Memories of my Heart'' (2010)
* Wow Divas, Outstanding Contribution to Raising Awareness, Understanding and Hope to those Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and Advocating for them through her movie ''Silver Lining''(2012)
* Eloy Awards, Best Movie Producer of the Year for ''I’ll Take My Chances'' (2011)
*
Best of Nollywood, Special Recognition Award;
* Ntanla Awards, Industry Merit Awards.
* Nigeria’s Integrity Film Awards(HomeVida) in the category Family/Child Friendly Category for the movie ''Knocking on the Heavens Door'' (2014)
* Africa Movie Awards in the category of Best Scriptwriter for the movie ''Reloaded'' (2008)
* City Peoples Award in the categories of Best Producer of the Year, and Best Screenplay for the movie ''Reloaded'' (2008)
See also
*
List of Nigerian film producers
This is a list of notable Nigerian film producers.
* Funke Akindele
* Abdalla Uba Adamu
* Adegboyega Dosunmu Amororo II
* Adekunle Adejuyigbe
* Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino
* Afro Candy
* Aisha Augie-Kuta
* Akanimo Odon
* Akin Ogungbe
* Remi Abiola
...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Isong, Emem
Nigerian screenwriters
Nigerian film producers
Nigerian women film producers
Living people
University of Calabar alumni
Nigerian women film directors
Year of birth missing (living people)
Nigerian film directors
Actresses from Akwa Ibom State
People from Akwa Ibom State
21st-century Nigerian businesspeople
21st-century Nigerian businesswomen
20th-century Nigerian businesspeople
Nigerian women screenwriters