Popular filmmaker, Pascal Amanfo is a bit of everything; well-learned, well-travelled and a master in his chosen field.
In this interesting interview, the Awomma born movie director shares his thoughts on his craft, fashion and whatever else with the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine, AZUH LILIAN
Give us a brief background about yourself?
I am Pascal Amanfo… In very few words I like to say I am just a man chasing purposes, trying to fulfill destiny and hoping the boy, would be proud of the man I have become. I am from Awo-omamma in Imo State
What’s your educational background?
I am not the best fan of our educational systems with exalted and dysfunctional degrees… However, I have a tertiary education and in the real sense of education I like to think that I tick most boxes.
For how long have you been in the movie industry?
Give and take, 20yrs
What productions are you currently working on?
Currently on the distribution of the big screen release of my faith feature, God is African
When did you visit Nigeria last for a movie production?
I am usually in Nigeria almost every other month but sadly I haven’t been home in two years since March 2020; a mix of different factors
What is your marital status?
Single loving God and bettering myself
What makes a good movie director?
The profound ability to have a third eye, think in pictures and translate script to screen in the skills, precision and understanding
What makes a good movie?
A good movie is a good story with moments able to hold the viewers attention and communicate the lives, emotions and thoughts of characters in such a way that they come alive and establish their own reality
What do you like most about being a film maker?
The ability to just dream, let my imagination run wild and tell stories from my perspective.
What makes a good script?
Diction. Plot. Good climax! The ability to interweave different lives in twists and turns and not losing your audience but drawing them into the world of your own imagination.
What distinguishes Pascal Amanfo as a filmmaker?
They say I think crazy! I say out of the box!
Which of your movies gives you the greatest joy?
It would be hard to make pick. We make movies for the viewers and interestingly what you think you like might not be what they like. At every point I am living a particular story
Which of your movies don’t you like?
That would be unfair to the producer. Even director they say have a bad film!!!
Which is your highest selling movie?
I am not sure of the stars but House of Gold was pretty much a box office bit.
What has been happening to Pascal Amanfo?
Having a reawakening, seeking a closer relationship with God, reevaluating my priorities and being more intentional about living a life of purpose, impact and truth
What sells a film?
Various factors! All in the right combination of all the factors of production
What must one do to succeed in your line of business?
Never stop learning. Networking and improving your craft with a great belief in yourself.
What is your general assessment of Nollywood?
Evolving! Growing! Becoming a true industry
What is your state of origin?
Imo State
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
That pain is all part of the process and that greatness requires a measure of brokenness.
How many movies have you produced so far?
I am sorry this would take hours of trying to remember titles and listing them.
What kind of person is Pascal Amanfo?
A flawed man riding on God’s mercy and inexplicable grace. A man passionate about his dreams, hopes and ambitions. A man who refused to see the impossible!
How many awards do you have to your credit?
I have to count including the plaques that haven’t been mailed to me or were collected on my behalf. My most treasured award however is my Zafaa awards for the Best Screen Play. Writing is my first love. Spent years as a little unknown writer and a pen opened the world up to me
What is the greatest thing God has done for you?
Helping me to come to a point of knowing him personally and having a relationship with him not just as God but as my father. Another part of my greatest blessings would be my three kids
How would you describe your style?
Simple. Sanely classy!
When was the last time you wore a suit?
Almost every other week; Church ministry gives the need to look formal and I gladly swing on a suit anytime
Which is your favorite, corporate or native attire and why?
Corporate! I think I look better in them
What are your favorite colors?
Black, purple and deep blue. Sounds odd I have been told.
What is your favorite drink?
Apple juice! Feels like flavoured water to me
What is your favorite fashion accessory?
A male bracelet, I love them!
How do you relax?
A- seeing a movie. Taking time out to just do nothing. PlayStation with the kids. A bit of reading and complete isolation which helps me mentally detox
What is the most common thing in your wardrobe?
Jeans! Jeans!! Jeans!
What is your definition of a stylish man?
Style, poise, aura and just a bit of brains
Who is your best dressed Nigerian man and why?
RMD! Totally nails it, all the time across various fashion trends!
Where is the most fantastic place you have travelled to recently?
As recent as 2019, Israel
What does fashion mean to you?
A statement! A definition of who you are!
Describe your wardrobe?
A fair mix of everything. From crazy convas to classy corporate
What is the secret behind your youthful look?
Minding my business and doing life in my place at my place. No anti aging routine works better
Why did you decide to pitch your tent in Ghana and not Nigeria?
Life happened not premeditated! Work brought me here. I was spending more time and finding it hard to balance family and career so it became wise to have it all in one place
Which of your works will you say put you in the limelight?
Many. I have had different phrases of prominence. House of Gold was a huge commercial hit though
Which of your actors are your favorites that you would love to work with you?
Deyemi Okanlawon, Roselyn Ngissah, Esther Audu Ojire, Yvonne Jegede, Eddie Watson. They leave nothing behind for every role
What are the three things your fans don’t know about you?
I am big on politics. I have quiet political ambitions. I am an unrepentant dog lover! I breed many and I have a terrible social life. Sometimes I am a social misfit
What is your greatest achievement in a movie industry?
Having my film Boko Haram made in 2012 as the basis of a thesis in a university overseas
Have you ever had any bad press so far in your career?
Just one!
Who are your role models?
A few good and great men- Charles Inojie, Fela Durotoye, Paul Adefarasin and very lately, VP Yemi Osinbanjo
What is your advice for those aspiring to be a successful director like you?
Keep making films! Good or bad! Keep bettering yourself! Keep those pictures, dreams and ideas in your head alive! Some people will call you crazy but your greatness is locked in them
What is the highest amount you have spent on a fashion item?
A suit I bought in Oxford circus
What is your philosophy of life?
God gives life meaning! God, grace and contentment
Who are your close friends and what does friendship means to you?
Friendship means sincerity, truth and loyalty which I must say are rare to find. Friends? Maji Micheal, Timothy Bentun, Eddie Watson.
How long have you been growing your bears?
In different circles of a few months. I cut them every month and then
