'I don't do small boys, they are all about the face and body', Faith Ochibili

Eleanor Roosevelt says ‘the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’ but in reality it’s not just about the beauty, it’s about working hard to make them beautiful. Everyone has a beginning, everyone has a story to tell; s o m e p l e a s a n t , m a n y unpleasant. That’s how we all pay our dues to get to the top. However, it’s a little disappointing to know that only few young people of this generation fancy this simple logic of ascension. One of them is Faith Kelvins Ochubili, a budding star in Nollywood. 

F a i t h K e l v i n s Ochubili is a native of Amichi, Nnewi South local government area in Anam-bra State. She was b o r n into an average family of a business man a n d a fashion designer a s t h e second of four s i b l i n g s . Though in her early twenties, the final year student of theatre a r t s i n Anambra State U n i v e r s i t y found her way into the industry sometime in 2016 and h a s featured in a number of f i l m s including ‘Who Needs Love’, ‘Unbalanced’, ‘Slave to Lust’ and many more. In this interview with Yamilenu Bamgboye, she talks about h e r cha-llenges as a student and a practitioner and her dream of life after school. Do enjoy.

How do you balance school and work?

It hasn’t been easy for me but I just have to keep pushing, most times, I turn down movie roles because it clashes with very important courses here in school. But whenever I have the opportunity, I mean when I go for short breaks and holidays, I seize that opportunity to quickly run some jobs before school calls.

How has your studies impacted your acting?

It has made me more confident in myself, I mean I used to be a very shy girl. I am now outspoken, I‘ve also become very updated with recent happenings, news etc. My intellectuality has increased greatly, I communicate brilliantly with people, I proffer solutions especially when it has to do with creativity.

Which role did you play in ‘Slave to Lust’?

A bad girl… myself and my girls teach men that can’t control their libido lessons, we feed them, make them uncomfortable then strike. 

Strike like rape or something?

Hold them captive, keep them in a special room, you should go see the movie.Does that reflect a part of you in a way? Not at all. I just know how to deliver any role I’m given.

And other roles in general?

Other roles? Sometimes I use my personal experience to act better.

When they are related?

Exactly, like when I’m given a role that requires my tears, I mean real tears, I just have a quick flashback to when I lost my kid sister. Though I’ve learned how to cry professionally, I don’t only act but use the ‘magic if’. if this were to be me, how would I react? It means putting yourself, your whole being into the character’s situation. It helps stimulate our emotions as actors. 

Every actor I’ve come across have limits to what they can do on screen. What kind of things or roles define yours?

Honestly, I can play any role except roles that will have me go unclad. 

Apart from going unclad, what other things could make you reject roles?

I cannot kiss intensely too. Well, I have limits to these things, kissing and romance. I can do them but not intensely because of my religion but my personal hygiene is hugely inclusive. Funke Akindele for instance. Her roles are just straight to the point, interesting, normal and still catchy. She doesn’t have to kiss or romance to gain relevance and she’s one of the most po-pular Nigerian actresses. Chioma Akpotha, same thing. She rarely or never kisses or romances in movies and she’s of great relevance in the industry. 

You seem to know what you want. How are you sure you won’t shift grounds along your path?

Of course I won’t. I hope to maintain this path I’ve chosen for myself. I know it’s going to be hard but hopefully I pray to stand firm. I want to change the industry and not the industry changing me.

They say success has a way of bringing out the best of the worst or the worst of the best in man. What do you see success turning you into?

I don’t think being successful will change how I’ve been all my life. I believe it’ll make me be-tter in my daily life endeavours, it’ll make me give back to people that have always believed in me, not necessarily financially but building their initiatives, intuition of life, I mean people that look up to me. I see success as a stepping stone to grabbing beautiful things that is yet to come.

Well I think it will. What about the roles you jump at without being picky just because you want to be out there?

I always tell anyone I cross paths with that I am not desperate, so I can’t just jump on any given role. You know we’re always given the opportunity to read the script, internalize our lines and know the role to play. If it’s something I know I cannot do, I’ll politely back out. More so, if the story lines are incoherent.

You're a fine girl. You haven't had the big players in the industry pressure you for...you know.

I've several encounters with some Nollywood perverts, sex-for-role kind of men but I always turn it down politely. I can't give my body for something I know I'll get when i work harder, it's just a matter of time. 

If not for roles, what about attraction; do you crush on any of the big boys?

(Laughs) Alex Ekubo

Ah ah...he is a possibility then. Which ones do you look up to?

Mrs Funle Akindele Bello. I love this woman so much, her acting, her delivery, her body gesticulations, her facial expressions. She inspires me a whole lot. I wish to act alongside with her someday.

So do you crush on anyone in your campus or neighbourhood?

I don't think I crush on anyone on campus moreover, I don't do small boys they are just about the face and body.

Hmm… that's kind of deep but most girls s your age just think about now and not later.

In everything I do, I think about the future.

Can you start a family with a fellow actor?

I don't think so. I would love a no drama type of family, a man that will only give me his full support, care and attention. 

You think your present and future colleagues aren't capable of that?

Most actors are very easy to convince or confuse sef, brainwash especially the male actors. So I don't want that in my marriage.  I want my home to be respected, very private. 

Do you believe in predestination?

I do and I wait on it everyday, I believe God has destined me for greatness. I'll keep working hard and keep waiting on it.