Director Jeffwise: A Visionary in African Storytelling
Ehijie Jeffery Ebhodaghe, also known as Director Jeffwise, is making waves in the world of media and entertainment. Hailing from Edo State, Nigeria, Jeffwise is not just a filmmaker; he is a beacon of hope for African storytelling, bridging the gap between local narratives and the global stage. In an exclusive interview with Aderonke Adesanya, he opens up about his beginnings, the struggles he faced, and his aspirations for the future of African cinema.
Early Beginnings in Media
Jeffwise’s journey into the media landscape began unexpectedly. “My story is quite interesting,” he reflects. Starting as a camera operator in his church, he quickly became captivated by the intricacies of editing, directing, and technical broadcasting. His time at Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, where he studied Political Science, sharpened his skills in the media department of the Winners Chapel. “I realized then that media was not just about pictures. It was about inspiring people and connecting cultures through stories.”
Challenges of a Nigerian Media Entrepreneur
Transitioning from church projects to the broader Nigerian entertainment industry presented numerous hurdles for Jeffwise. “Capital was the biggest challenge,” he admits. The high costs of professional cameras, editing equipment, and the ongoing struggle with unreliable electricity tested his resolve. Besides, governmental support for media initiatives was severely lacking. Upon moving to the UK, he confronted a different set of challenges, including racial discrimination and the relentless pursuit of funding for ambitious projects. “Yet, each challenge has made me more resilient and innovative,” he asserts.
Embracing Nigerian Identity Abroad
Despite residing in the UK, Jeffwise remains deeply connected to his Nigerian roots. “I am proud of my Nigerian identity,” he emphasizes. “Our communal spirit and resilience inspire me.” For him, representing Nigeria on foreign soil means telling authentic stories that reflect the richness of Nigerian culture and values. It’s a mantle he carries with both pride and responsibility.
Recognition at the Africa-UK Trade and Investment Awards
Recently, Jeffwise was honored at the Africa-UK Trade and Investment Awards. “Receiving this award was a humbling experience,” he shares. The recognition was a testament to his dedication to creativity and innovation in the media space. “It validated our efforts in telling African stories and contributed to the UK economy.” Such accolades inspire him to keep pushing boundaries in his work.
Motivation for Future Achievements
Winning the award has also intensified his drive for greater impact. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” he notes. He hopes to inspire younger Africans with his achievements, showing them that dreaming big while starting small can lead to greatness. “Believe in your vision, work hard, and never settle for less,” he advises.
Navigating the Entertainment Landscape: Nigeria vs. UK
“Doing entertainment business in Nigeria is a double-edged sword,” he reflects. The vibrant creative industry often grapples with insufficient infrastructure and funding. However, the communal support can be a powerful motivator for budding creators. In contrast, the UK market demands patience and relationship-building, where trust takes time. Yet both environments provide invaluable lessons that contribute to his growth as a filmmaker.
Upcoming Movie Release
Exciting news is on the horizon as Jeffwise prepares to release a new film. This Nigerian-British short film focuses on themes of migration, faith, and cultural integration. “It follows Nigerians navigating life in the UK” while emphasizing resilience and moral values. “It’s about holding on to our beliefs while adapting to a new environment,” he explains.
The Global Rise of Nollywood
With Nollywood achieving global prestige, Jeffwise sees immense opportunities for entertainers abroad. He notes, “Nollywood’s success sets a standard for excellence that we can build upon.” It provides Indian filmmakers with credibility and opens doors for collaboration. “The success of Nollywood has paved the way for African filmmakers everywhere,” he states confidently.
Future of Homegrown Content
Looking ahead, Jeffwise envisions a bright future for homegrown content through increased collaboration among Nigerian entertainment stakeholders in the UK. He sees potential with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC. “Homegrown content has global appeal,” he asserts, aiming not just for films but for a complete creative ecosystem that includes broadcasting, advertising, and training.
Expanding Jeffwise Media
Beyond film production, Jeffwise is focused on expanding Jeffwise Media Global. His plans include establishing a multimedia academy aimed at training thousands in digital media, broadcast engineering, and creative arts. He plans to extend operations into Europe, America, and Asia, while remaining committed to youth empowerment in Africa. “I’m dedicated to telling untold African stories through media and technology,” he concludes.
Childhood Memories
Jeffwise’s roots trace back to Iki Opoji, in Edo State, Nigeria. Growing up in Uromi and attending various educational institutions reinforced the value of discipline and learning in him. “At just 14, I joined the media department of Living Faith Church,” he reminisces, recalling how watching live services sparked his passion for media. This early influence paved the way for the impactful career he enjoys today.
With an unwavering commitment to storytelling, Director Jeffwise continues to reshape the narrative of African cinema, inspiring future generations to embrace their roots while sharing their stories globally.