He is the author of “The Abyssinian Boy” and a nominee in the Creative Artist of the Year category of The Future Awards’ 2010. He was trained at Asian Academy of Film & TV. His debut film, The Distant Light, to be produced by DADA Films is based on 'The Water Goddess in Igbo Cosmology: Ogbuide of Oguta Lake," written by German anthropologist, Sabine Jell-Bahlsen and published by Africa World Press.
Let’s meet Mr Onyeka?
This is the part I hate most. But Onyeka Nwelue is a writer, filmmaker and teacher. I'm 22. Studied Sociology & Anthropology briefly at the University of Nigeria, before I went to train in a film school in India. Taught Graduate students at NSS College, Ottapalam, in Kerela, South India. I'm working on a film at the moment about Ogbuide.
How did it all begin, I mean your journey into creative writing and the movie industry?
I went to the seminary where I spent 6 years. I was an introvert and the only friends I had were found in books. I had no childhood. My parents made sure I was into books. So, I ended up rewriting all that I read. Then while also in the seminary, I wrote and directed plays, which were staged to people's satisfaction. I was a known figure in the seminary. I was one of those special students. I developed these things on my own and they never left me.
Wow, tell us about your new project (the movie)?
It is based on a book by a German woman who spent 26 years in Oguta, Imo State, writing about the people and their belief. It is centered on how well we know ourselves and what we can do to keep these African mythologies being studied and discussed in universities.
The movie is titled "The distant Light" right?
Yes.
What are the major challenges on this project?
Funding any movie is a major challenge. And the research that has gone into it. I have agreed and disagreed with Sabine, the German, on the script severally. She wanted me to rewrite some parts that she didn't like. That is just it. But it is all good.
There were rumours that you were planning a super movie for your book “The Abyssinian Boy” how’s that going?
It is not a rumour. Danish filmmaker, Lasse Lau indicated interest to make a movie out of the book and visited Nigeria. He met with my publisher and they negotiated and now, it is left for Lasse to work on this film.
Alright, Do you see a bright future for Nollywood?
Yes. Very bright. We need to be original. Stop using English language when not necessary. And we don't have to always long and crave for popular faces. We can go into the jungles and get people to act. Just ask them to face the camera and that is it.
Hahaahaaa. Okay let’s go a little personal, how come you spent six years in the Seminary and you’re an atheist?
It was on arriving the seminary that I realised that God was asleep. Then by the time I left, he never existed again. He was nowhere to be found. I was angry at him for some things, but then when I kept questioning him, he never responded, so I assumed he didn't believe. Now, I don't see myself believing in the existence of any GOD. It is unfortunate it happened to a seminarian.
Hmmmmm and your love life, anyone special???
I have decided never to talk about that part of my life, even as the entire world knows.
Okay, so when do we expect to see "The Distant Light" on the big screen?
2011. That is the year. Not sure when, but 2011, that year that I have promised a new dimension to Nollywood.
Thanks a lot Boss!!!
You are welcome, chairman/
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