Boundaries in Nollywood

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Jide Awobona has opened up about the demanding process behind his decision to play a female character in his latest film, Rise With Me, describing the role as one of the most physically and creatively challenging projects of his career. In an interview with Potpourri, Awobona said the transformation was intentional and rooted in his long-standing desire to push beyond familiar territory as a storyteller.

According to the actor, the decision to take on a female role was not driven by novelty alone. Instead, it was part of a deliberate effort to deliver a film that combines strong social messaging with an element of surprise that audiences would remember long after the credits roll.

A deliberate choice to do something different

Awobona explained that originality has always guided his work, whether as an actor or a producer. He told Potpourri that each project must offer something he has not explored before, both creatively and thematically.

“To start with, for every movie I produce, I always aim to do something I have not done before,” he said. “Aside from having a fantastic story, I love to include a wow factor in every project. There has to be something memorable to hold on to. There has to be a strong message. Beyond the message, the movie must carry weight, boldness, and audacity, something daring.”

He added that this philosophy has shaped his career choices over the years. Awobona pointed to earlier projects such as Inspector Jero and Amma as examples of works where he intentionally stepped outside conventional expectations. According to him, audiences familiar with his filmography have come to associate his name with unconventional roles and storytelling approaches.

“Those who are great followers of my work already know that Jide Awobona is known for doing something new, something out of the norm,” he said. “I did that with Inspector Jero, I did the same with Amma, and I have done it with some of my previous movies.”

Physical preparation and transformation

Taking on a female role in Rise With Me required more than a shift in performance style. Awobona said the physical demands of the role were intense and required months of preparation before filming began.

According to the actor, he stopped going to the gym three months ahead of the shoot in order to lose muscle mass and make his body more flexible. The goal, he explained, was to soften his physique so it could convincingly reflect the character he was portraying.

“I shed a lot to slim down, making my body flexible, like a canvas we could paint on,” Awobona told Potpourri.

The transformation did not end there. He also underwent extensive grooming to remove physical features that could undermine the illusion of the character on screen. Awobona said he shaved all body hair except the hair on his head, noting that any feature that made him appear overtly masculine had to go.

“I had to shave all my body hair except for the hair on my head,” he said. “Any part of my body that had hair that made me look like a man, I had to remove.”

Film analysts say such commitment reflects a growing trend in Nollywood, where actors are increasingly embracing physically demanding roles once more common in global cinema. The willingness to undergo visible transformation, they note, signals a shift toward more immersive performances in the industry.

More than entertainment

Beyond the physical challenge, Awobona stressed that Rise With Me was conceived as more than a dramatic experiment. He described the film as advocacy-driven, with themes that speak directly to the lived experiences of women.

According to him, one of the central messages of the film is the importance of solidarity among women. He said the story challenges social patterns where women are often pitted against one another, instead encouraging mutual support and understanding.

“Rise With Me is not just a movie, it is advocacy material,” Awobona said. “One of the messages is that women should learn to support one another rather than pull each other down.”

The film also addresses issues surrounding fertility and conception, a topic that remains sensitive in many Nigerian communities. Awobona said the story aims to reassure women trying to conceive that they have options and should not feel isolated or stigmatised.

“The film also encourages women trying to conceive to know that there are several options available if they want to,” he added.

Spotlight on hidden struggles

Another theme explored in Rise With Me is the pressure faced by public figures to appear strong, regardless of personal hardship. Awobona said the film touches on the private struggles of celebrities, particularly women, who often feel compelled to mask pain in order to maintain public expectations.

According to him, this aspect of the story reflects broader societal attitudes where vulnerability is discouraged, especially among those in the public eye. He noted that the film seeks to humanise such figures and create space for empathy.

“Amidst their pain, they often hide it to make everyone feel like they are fine,” Awobona said.

Observers say this angle gives the film added relevance at a time when conversations around mental health and emotional wellbeing are becoming more visible in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The release of Rise With Me comes amid ongoing debates about representation, gender roles, and storytelling depth in Nollywood. While cross-gender performances are not entirely new to Nigerian cinema, they have often been treated for comic effect. Awobona’s approach, however, positions the role within a serious narrative framework, using it as a tool to explore social issues rather than as a punchline.

Industry commentators suggest that this distinction is important. By grounding the performance in advocacy and character development, the film challenges audiences to engage with its themes rather than focus solely on the novelty of a male actor playing a female role.

As Rise With Me reaches audiences, attention will likely turn to how viewers respond to its themes and to Awobona’s performance. The film may also influence how Nollywood filmmakers approach socially driven stories and character transformation in future projects.

For Awobona, the project reinforces his stated commitment to risk-taking and message-driven filmmaking. Whether the film sparks broader conversations or inspires similar creative choices, it stands as another example of his willingness to test boundaries in pursuit of meaningful storytelling.

Jide Awobona’s account of his preparation for Rise With Me offers insight into the discipline and intention behind a role that demanded both physical change and emotional depth. By framing the film as advocacy rather than spectacle, he has positioned it within a growing movement in Nollywood that seeks to balance entertainment with social relevance. As audiences engage with the film, its impact may extend beyond the screen, prompting reflection on support, resilience, and the often unseen challenges women face in society.