Nigerian screen actress Amanda Oruh has opened up about the long and challenging path she took before gaining recognition in the film industry.
The actress, who plays the character Pinky in the film Lady, said she spent close to a decade attending auditions and facing repeated rejection while trying to establish herself as a performer.
According to Oruh, the years leading up to her breakthrough were marked by uncertainty, with periods when she had no acting jobs and often questioned whether pursuing a career in film was realistic.
Her persistence, however, eventually paid off when Lady premiered in Europe at the Berlin International Film Festival, popularly known as Berlinale. The screening received a standing ovation from the audience.
Oruh said the moment was deeply emotional for her as she watched herself on the big screen portraying Pinky.
The actress recalled being overwhelmed with emotion during the premiere, describing the experience as the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and hope.
Standing alongside her castmates on stage, she said the global audience turnout reinforced why she chose to keep pursuing acting despite the many setbacks.
The film, a collaboration between UK and Nigerian producers, explores the lives of women in Lagos as they navigate survival, friendship, and resilience.
Earlier in the year, the ensemble cast of Lady was honoured with the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting Ensemble at the Sundance Film Festival, further boosting the film’s international recognition.
For Oruh, the milestone represents not just personal success but also a reminder that persistence can eventually open doors in the competitive world of filmmaking.
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