Ene Oloja migrated to the United States in 1991 and he career has been largely quiet since 1993 when with other professionals, she staged a theatre production titled, ‘Echoes from the Diaspora’, telling a powerful story of the experiences of immigrants of color in the West. She reminds us in this movie that she is not a spent force exiled in the land of artistic obscurity. What stands out for me (and I could be wrong) is that to the best of my knowledge, she is the first made-and-branded-in-Nigeria actress to be cast alongside an Oscar Award winner. I will not fail to recognize the many other hard working professionals of Nigerian origin like Chiwetel Ejiofor (‘Inside Man’, 2006, alongside Denzel Washington), Sophie Okonedo (‘Hotel Rwanda’, 2004, alongside Don Cheadle) and others like them who ply their trade in Hollywood. These people make us proud as a nation and are beacons for the local Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) which has taken the West by storm. The likes of Ene Oloja who were forerunners of the booming Nigerian film industry, could play a bridge-building role by drawing the attention of Hollywood to the abounding talent of Nigerian theatre practitioners and film professionals.
Interestingly, I searched popular internet sites for film reviews for ‘The Brave One’ but none even so much as mentioned Ene Oloja in the cast. Well…if no one chooses to celebrate this brilliant Nigerian actress, I will! Great work Ene! We hope to see you deliver even greater and more central performances on your chosen stage.
I remember Cock Crow at Dawn and the role Ene played. Omoruyi, thanks for the narrative about the part she played in the Hollywood Movie. We have great talents in Nigeria and Africa in general. It's proper exposure that they all need. Kudos to Ene Oloja. I will look out for the movie"The Brave One".