Nollywood actor, filmmaker and producer Jerry Amilo has begun auditions in Abuja to discover local talents for an upcoming movie project he described as a major Netflix production.
The audition, held on Tuesday at Nippon Grand Hotel, Abuja, attracted established and aspiring actors seeking opportunities in the film industry.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Amilo, Chief Executive Officer of New Movies Entertainment Studios, said the initiative was intended to showcase Abuja’s talent pool and potential as a filmmaking destination.
He said at least 47 actors would be selected, with 85 per cent of the film’s cast expected to come from Abuja. The movie’s working title is “Not My Destiny”.
Amilo said Abuja’s diverse population, languages and landscapes made the city suitable for film production, adding that local actors deserved greater access to opportunities traditionally concentrated in Lagos.
Salma Aminu, Mayor of the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s Abuja chapter, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important opportunity for actors to advance their careers.
Some audition participants also expressed excitement about the production. Ten-year-old actress Queen Elizabeth Abdullahi said she hoped to be selected, while aspiring actress Chioma Nwigbo said she was eager to demonstrate her abilities.
Actor Dansey Mbah called for more auditions in Abuja, urging filmmakers to create opportunities for both emerging and established performers.
Amilo said the turnout had impressed him, although he had expected at least 500 participants.
