Exquisite magazine got an all-access pass to some cast and crew members of The Olive Season 2 movie, so here is our beautiful and graceful Theresa who played the role of Ehi. Let’s have a sneak peek at her personal life, so read up!
EM- PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
My name is Theresa Edem-Isemin, I’m an Actor, Writer, Director, filmmaker, lover of all things art, wife, and a Jesus girl.
EM- HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY?
Actively, at least a decade.
EM- WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO IT?
Because of my undying love for art. Acting is my first love, but I’ve carried on discovering other great loves in the art. I’ve always wanted to tell stories that educate, entertain and just make people happy.
EM- TIPS ON HOW YOU STARTED AND WHAT KEPT YOU MOTIVATED?
I started in the drama unit in church and then transitioned to an acting school to turn my talent into a skill. God is my biggest motivation.
EM- YOU ARE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH IN THE SOCIETY, HOW DID YOU GROW TO THIS LEVEL?
I’m constantly polishing my craft, reinventing myself, and evolving as a filmmaker, and let’s not forget the God factor. I am who I am by the grace of God.
EM- THE LONG AWAITED OLIVE SEASON 2 PREMIER IS HERE, TELL US A BIT OF WHAT TO EXPECT
Expect a mind-blowing, fantastic action-packed thriller. It will have you on the edge of your seat.
EM- A SNEAK PEAK OF WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR ROLE IN THE OLIVE SEASON 2
I think the world is about to finally meet Ehi or should I say, Abigail. The best to ever do it! Is she a hero or a villain? Watch season two to find out!
HOW EASY WAS IT TO FIT INTO THE ROLE YOU WERE GIVEN?
It was not easy at all! The character wears so many hats. Today she’s a wife and mother, tomorrow she is something else entirely. Becoming Ehi/Abigail was hectic. Thank God for the directors and the crew they helped me become the character.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR FAMILY LIFE AND WORK LIFE AS AN ACTRESS/CELEBRITY?
I compartmentalize. Work is work and family is family. I try to keep the two separate. Family comes first! My husband and my entire family love and support me so much that it makes everything easy. Family keeps me very grounded, I must say.
EM- WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE STARTING UP IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY?
Lack of proper representation, inadequate pay and not getting the type of roles I really wanted.
EM: IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO START YOUR CAREER OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
The one thing I would do differently is speaking up for myself from the get-go. It took me a while to find my voice in Nollywood.
EM- IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?
Hahaha… I think I’d call it ‘The Rise and Rise of Theresa Edem”.
EM- PLEASE KINDLY SHARE SOME OF YOUR SECRETS TO BECOMING SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR INDUSTRY WITH EM
1. God’s grace and Mercy.
2. Smart work.
3. Constant self-improvement and skill improvement.
4. Learning from others who have walked the path I want to walk.
5. Reinventing myself.
EM- WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO YOUTHS WITH THE ZEAL TO GROW IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY?
Don’t give up at the sight of any obstacle. Keep growing, unlearn, and relearn. Polish your skills and fix your eyes on the prize. Above all, hold unto God!
EM- PLEASE SHARE THE CONTACT DETAILS YOU WISH TO BE MADE PUBLIC
@theresaedem on Instagram, twitter and facebook
