Weekend Magazine: How did you get into filmmaking?
Regina Idu: I bumped into filmmaking. I was doing my Diploma in Mass Communication at the University of Jos, when I went for an audition for a film role and there I met some film students who also came for the auditions. We started talking and they told me about film school and before I knew it I was enrolling into the National Film Institute, (NFI) Jos.
WM: What is the most interesting part of the filmmaking process for you?
Idu: I really love the production stage of filmmaking, being on location and set makes a whole lot of sense. It is hard but when it all works out, it is such a great feeling.
WM: What is the most difficult part?
Idu: I feel production is also the most difficult part. The adrenaline rush of trying to make sure that the schedule is concluded on time while still maintaining a desired quality level.
WM: What attracts you to work on a movie?
Idu: The story. I love stories that matter that can intimate an audience to think.
WM: Please share with us your experience working on ‘The Lost Café.’
Idu: ‘The Lost Café’ was both my first feature and international film. I loved producing it and have always felt pulled towards producing more than directing. It was a huge learning process for me. There were lots of difficult moments but also lots of exhilarating moments.
WM: How was making this movie different from the others you have done?
Idu: The difference was that on other projects I needed to go to set shoot and that was it. But with ‘The Lost Café’ I had to go through the whole process of filmmaking and it did feel different. It is like giving birth to a baby. You prepare, wait and hope that when the film is ready it is what you envisioned.
WM: Some of the commentary on ‘The Lost Café’ pointed towards some exaggerated scenes like the lead character’s reaction to the old man at the café and the fact that the movie promoted Norway much more than it did Nigeria. What’s your take on these?
Idu: I feel that constructive criticism is good, otherwise how else would we learn to make better films the next time. ‘The Lost Café’ is a story of a Nigerian girl’s journey living in Europe. It is telling us how she sees Europe but at the same time comparing it to her home land. I feel that it promotes Nigeria as well as Norway, because it shows both cultures in this context. We didn’t need the Nigerian scenes to be more to make a statement.
WM: What movies have influenced you the most?
Idu: This is quite a difficult question. There are lots of movies that have been made. I like ‘Sound of Music,’ ‘The King and I,’ ‘The god Father,’ ‘Living in Bondage,’ and in recent times I do like Tyler Perry’s movies . We need to make movies that can resonate well amongst us Nigerians, not to make movies that appeal more to others.
WM: What was it like working with Kenneth Gyang?
Idu: Amazing! Kenneth and I go a long way back. When I was thinking of whom to direct the movie, I knew Kenneth would bring what I envisioned for the movie. He brings a concrete conciseness to a story. Kenneth sees a script he wants to work with and gives it all his attention and with this, it was easy for me to entrust ‘The Lost Café’ to him.
WM: What next from here?
Idu: Making more movies I hope. Something is in the pipeline now which I can’t talk about yet, but will let you know once confirmed.
WM: Is there any one you are looking forward to working with?
Idu: In terms of directors, I would like to work with Izu Ojukwu, Yinka Edward (again), Mildred Okwo. For actors I would like to work with Nse Etim, Somkele Iyamah and Shaffy Bello.
WM: Who is Regina away from a set?
Idu: Simple person who loves to be with family, and meet people.
