From the football field to the film set, Uyoyou Adia’s creative journey is a story shaped by passion, curiosity and an unshakable desire to make people feel. Today, she stands as one of Nollywood’s most promising storytellers, a multiple award-winning filmmaker whose work is driven by passion.
Her journey began unexpectedly during a university strike, and that simple invitation revealed a new world where she finally felt at peace. Since then, Uyoyou has written, directed, and experimented her way into an industry she once admired from afar. In this exclusive interview with eelive.ng, she opens up about her transition from sports to cinema, the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career, and her mission to craft stories that stir emotions, spark reflection, and inspire the next generation of dreamers.
Hear her:
You began your journey as a footballer and eventually transitioned into filmmaking. How did that shift happen for you?
A: I realised early on that my path to football was only a dream but I didn’t exactly know I was going to be in Nollywood. The only thing I knew was that I didn’t want to do a regular 9-5 job. During one of the strikes while in Uni, I went to visit my brother, and he asked me if I was interested in acting in a short film. I said yes, and the rest is history.
From football to scriptwriting, directing, and producing—what inspired your move into the film industry, especially after your family initially discouraged your football dreams?
A: I won’t say my family discouraged me. My dad wanted me to play actually, but my mum didn’t want it. She apologised to me later. I have always been a lover of Nollywood. I always wondered how films were made. So when I got involved in the short film, I felt peace, I felt this is something I could do(acting). After a short while trying to pursue a career in acting, I began to find the behind-the-scenes of a set interesting, from writing to directing. Then I became an AD (first & second). At that point, I made up my mind to be a writer and director. I wanted to tell stories like the one I watched growing up, I wanted to make people feel all the emotions that film makes me feel. Filmmaking is life and it’s a passion, I now hold dear to my heart.
You won an award for a short film shot entirely on your phone. What sparked the idea for that project, and how did you bring it to life?
A: Lol. Curiosity sparked the idea. At the time, I was new in the industry and was curious enough to want to experiment, plus I wasn’t going to wait for anyone to give me a chance before I started something. My friends and I decided to do a short silent film, which we shot on my phone. It was a great time for me because nothing was holding me back. After my first short film shot on a phone, I made 2/3 more films with my phone. Just me, my friends, passion and a desire to make something out of the little we have.
You wrote, directed, acted in, and produced the film LIFE. What was that experience like for you, and in what ways did it influence your personal growth and creative process?
A: I wrote and directed L.I.F.E. I didn’t act in it, and Judith Audu produced it. It was a fantastic experience, especially because I did it with people dear to me, not just the actors and crew, but the executive producers as well. I got to a place in my career where I thought it was time I did/start something for myself and L.I.F.E was the perfect movie for that.
Personally, I started to think about my future in the industry, as a creative in a space where there are a lot of writers and directors, and I thought to myself, how long will I survive being a director for hire? It dawned on me that I needed to do something for myself. I needed to start building my table. Sourcing for funds was HARD, but that process taught me a lot about the business of the film. I had to pitch to potential executive producers, create decks etc. It made me realise that, as creatives, we focus so much on the art without realising that business knowledge is important. Creatively, I needed to make L.I.F.E good enough, especially with limited resources, grateful for family, friends and colleagues that came through for me one way or the other to make L.I.F.E a reality, I do not take it for granted.
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Are you currently working on any new projects? If so, could you share a bit about them?
A: Yes, I am. I am currently in post-production for my film EVI! I’m super excited, but this one is for so many reasons, and I can’t wait to share it with the world. EVI is a music drama that follows the life of Evi-Oghene Donald, a gifted but arrogant music star whose world collapses after she’s stripped of the little fame she has. EVI is set to release Q1 of 2026.
I am also working on two major series that we plan to shoot in 2026, watch out for it.
What is a typical working day like for you? Kindly give us a breakdown.
A: Hmmmm, it really depends on what I am doing, writing or directing. For writing, it starts off with an idea, of course, I run the idea by Judith to see/know how interesting it is.
Once we agree that it’s a strong idea to pursue, I start to develop it. The first thing I do is know my first scene and last scene vividly. Knowing how my character’s journey starts and how it ends is really important to me. While developing, I am reading “Save the cat” and watching films/shows that are similar. I start to draw out a scene-by-scene outline, after which I proceed to write. From the idea to development can take months, but that process makes the writing easy and less stressful. After taking another month to write and review the first draft, I send it off to Judith to read. Sometimes we read it together, out loud so we hear how the dialogue sounds. Then I do rewrite till we get the script to the point where it needs to be. Everything I just explained can literally take 3 months to over a year.
You wear many hats as a scriptwriter, director, and producer. How do you balance and manage these different roles effectively?
A: Well, I just wear the writing and directing hat. I can produce, but I don’t believe I should; it’s not for me, lol. When I write, I find it hard to separate the director in me during the process. Being a director helps my writing process a lot, and when I direct, I focus on directing, but the writer in me comes out as well to help, especially if I’m in a situation where scenes have to be dropped from the film; the writer in me makes that decision most of the time. I think if anyone can write and direct, they have a superpower because you soon realise writing is directing and directing is writing.
Since joining the industry in 2017, you’ve had the opportunity to work with several top celebrities. What advice would you give to young women who aspire to make a meaningful impact as you have?
A: I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with several top celebrities. One thing I know that helped me and still helps me is the fact that I know myself, I know who I am, I know what I want and I know where I’m going. I think it’s very important to know who you are, the industry has the tendency to change you. Know who you are and stand for what you believe.
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In your roles as scriptwriter, director, and producer, what major challenges have you faced, and how did you navigate or overcome them?
A: The major challenge for me is time and budget and as you know, time is money. I keep looking for ways to make sure things are done right and well with the little time/budget I have. Which is why, before production, we (Judith and I) make sure our pre-production is as tight as it can be.
You have achieved numerous milestones throughout your career. Which accomplishment stands out to you the most, and why?
A: Every accomplishment stands out for me o, lol. Because every milestone has gotten me to the next point/phase of my career. But if I were to pick, I’d pick the first time my short film #TheFourthSide got selected to screen at Nollywood Week Paris, when L.I.F.E got on Prime Video and when L.I.F.E got nominated for AMAA (NFVCB Best Nigerian Film).
As a multi-award-winning filmmaker, how do you personally define success?
A: Having plenty of money is my account and having my people benefit from the plenty money in my account. Seeing my people have plenty of money in their accounts. Making my mum proud. Making myself proud and telling stories that I want to tell, with boundaries.
What major impact do you hope to make on Nollywood?
A: That my films and journey inspire someone, anyone to dream and to want to do better. Not just in Nollywood but generally.