Nollywood actress and director Sandra Okunzuwa has discussed the difficulties that female actors encounter in the movie industry.
Sandra Okunzuwa stated in an interview with Naijatimes that the expectations society has of actresses are significantly higher than those of their male counterparts.
Sandra claims that actresses are under a lot of pressure to keep up a professional appearance, which includes always dressed nicely.
Okunzuwa stressed the value of self-reflection and reminding oneself of one’s objectives and advancements in order to manage these demands.
The actress said:
“There’s societal pressure everywhere. But the pressure on actresses is immense. We constantly have to look good, dress up, and maintain a certain image. It’s a lot of work, and it can be quite overwhelming.”
She stressed the necessity of investing in one’s craft and personal brand, embracing continuous improvement.
Okunzuwa credited consistency, prayer, and resilience as essential factors in overcoming industry challenges.
“But then, you have to constantly remind yourself of where you are coming from and where you are heading. As an actress, you have to put a lot of investments into your craft and your brand as a person. I always tell myself that I am a work in progress and I am better than where I was yesterday. Consistency and prayer is the key,” she added.
Reflecting on her transition to cinema, Sandra Okunzuwa acknowledged the difficulties of securing opportunities.
“I realized that waiting for opportunities wasn’t going to cut it. I had to create my own. My determination led to the creation of her film, Something Like Gold. It was a challenging journey. I didn’t have the budget, but I had faith. I prayed I worked hard, and I sought support from family and friends. It was a true labour of love” she concluded.
