Why I married in private – Emem Isong

Emem Isong

If there were two surprise real-life marriages in Nollywood this dying year, they are those of Nollywood producer Emem Isong and the Actors Guild of Nigeria President, Ibinabo Fiberesima. They have separately fulfilled their heart desires and, somehow, taught the world that delay is not a denial in the world of marriages.

While Fiberesima, who already had five kids for her earlier men, is hooked with US-based Uche Egbuka, Isong tied the knot with her Cameroonian sweetheart, Akama Misodi. But unlike Fiberesima who is making her wedding a public affair, Isong had hers quietly in her hometown, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Asked why she opted for a private deal, she says it is a matter of principle.

Isong explains, “There are some aspects of my life I want to keep private and this is one of them. All I can say is that we are two people who met, fell in love and decided to spend the rest of our lives together.”

About two weeks after the marriage, however, Isong will premiere her latest movie titled Champagne on Friday. With the movie coming alive at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos, Isong, who, though, has established herself as an outstanding producer, will be stepping out with her first feature-length movie.

Staring Majid Michel, Alexx Ekubo and South African actress, Rosemary Zimu, the film tells the story of a couple in an open marriage whose habit of dating unsuspecting people for money and other perks takes an unexpected and dangerous turn at a point. Shot in Johannesburg, South Africa and Houston Texas, U.S.A, Champagne also parades Tana Adelana, Mbong Amata, Susan Peters, Padita Agu and Anita Chris.

On her experience as the director, Isong says, “It was quite challenging and eye-opening. I now have a renewed respect and admiration for my directors. I also do not think it is something I might want to do a second time because of the challenges. ”

She adds that the project has gulped N20m so far.

“I am still spending on it, especially since I shot on two continents. I am hoping to make N200m in the cinemas when we eventually begin screening because of the quality of the work and expertise that has gone into the project,” she says.

Culled from Punch