Izu Ojukwu, whose full name is Izuchukwu Ojukwu, is a renowned Nigerian film director, scriptwriter, editor, and cinematographer. He is widely recognized for his work in the Nigerian historical fiction drama film ’76,’ which was released in 2016.
Izuchukwu Ojukwu was born in the 1970s in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. He comes from a large polygamous family, being the fourth child among 20 siblings. He grew up and attended school in Jos. During his college years at St. John’s College in Jos, he developed a passion for filmmaking, which marked the beginning of his journey in the industry. Prior to that, he earned a living as a painter and artist, fostering his independence from a young age. His love for photography and movies further fueled his desire to pursue a career in these fields. He sought knowledge by visiting libraries, including the National Film Institute in Jos, to learn more about film production.
Izu Ojukwu’s career in filmmaking took root in the 1980s when he spent several years engaged in various film-related activities. He became familiar with projector operations and regularly watched Chinese and Indian movies in the projection room. Inspired by this experience, he built his projector and started screening movies from his father’s garage. To get an audience, he would invite kids to watch his films and asked for small donations in return. Throughout his journey, he embraced every opportunity to enhance his skills and knowledge in the field of filmmaking.
Over the years, Izu Ojukwu has been involved in numerous movie projects, some of which include:
- Moment of Bitterness (1996)
- A Home too Far (1997)
- Eva The River of Mystery (1998)
- Line of Duty (2003)
- Showdown (2000)
- The World is Mine (2001)
- Love Boat (2001)
- Eleventh Hour (2001)
- Desperadoes 1 & 2 (2001)
- Battle of Love (2003)
- Moving Train (2003)
- Across the Niger (2007)
- No One But You (2004)
- Otondo (2004)
- Iva (2004)
- GL 1 & 2 (2005)
- Sitanda (2006)
- Shut In (2006)
- Laviva (2007)
- Minority Tension (2007)
- White Waters (2007)
- Who Will Tell The President (2007)
- Cindy’s Note (2008)
- Distance Between (2008)
- Nnenda (2009)
- The Child (2009)
- Alero’s Symphony (2010)
- ’76 (2016)
- Power of 1 (2018)
You can find Izu Ojukwu on Instagram using the handle @izu_ojukwu.
Izu Ojukwu’s journey in the film industry showcases his dedication, talent, and passion for storytelling through the lens of a camera. His contributions to Nollywood have earned him both recognition and financial success.
FAQs
Who is Izu Ojukwu?
Izu Ojukwu is a renowned Nigerian filmmaker, director, and screenwriter known for his impactful storytelling and contribution to the Nollywood film industry. He gained prominence for directing award-winning films such as “Sitanda,” “White Waters,” and “’76.” His work is praised for its depth, historical accuracy, and strong narratives that often reflect African culture and history.
What are some notable works of Izu Ojukwu?
Some of Izu Ojukwu’s most notable works include “Sitanda,” which won several awards at the African Movie Academy Awards, “White Waters,” a critically acclaimed sports drama, and “’76,” a historical drama set during the military coup of 1976 in Nigeria. His films are widely regarded for their production quality and storytelling.
What is Izu Ojukwu’s educational background?
Izu Ojukwu is known to have a background in media and film studies, although specific institutions and degrees are not always detailed publicly. His practical experience in directing and storytelling has largely defined his career more than formal education.
What is Izu Ojukwu’s estimated net worth?
Izu Ojukwu’s estimated net worth is reported to be around $1 million to $2 million. His income sources include film directing, screenplay writing, and production deals, alongside endorsements and collaborations within the entertainment industry.
