I want to help redefine the African film industry-Filmmaker, Sandra Bremaud

The passion to want to tell the African stories right is one of the driving force for Sandra Bremaud, a proud wife, mother and CEO of SBEDYNASTY Production, a fast growing movie production outfit with two quality movies to show for it ‘ Love Bane’ and the soon to be released ‘ April Showers’ .

The Project Management Technology graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri in this chat with MUTIAT ALLI open up on her journey into the filmmaking world, what she is doing differently as a filmmaker, her soon to be released movie ‘ April shower’ movie in cinemas amongst others.

How did the whole journey begin and how has it been?

My journey into filmmaking has been pretty much self taught and I believe strongly that if you want to learn how to make films, just go out there and make some films. So far so good, the journey all started from my teenage years as a university undergraduate who was obsessed with movies and watching actors interpret every character. So this has been a childhood – teenage dream come true for me.

You recently released a new movie, April Showers; what inspired the movie and its title?

April showers are inspired by the hardworking, intelligent women that are striving, conquering in their fields of work through hardwork and their intelligence. I felt we aren’t cheering them enough, they are not being celebrated enough, instead they are being tagged, defined, etc

For example; don’t buy that house, men will run away from you oh, and see you are over ripe for marriage (laughs).

What lessons are viewers expected to take home?

Well, I think the viewers will definitely have something to take home; there are so many angles one can see it from and that are what makes April Showers a unique movie for every African. It’s a story that was told by an African for Africans.

Is this your first cinema movie? How was the experience like?

No, this is not my first; Love Bane was my first project. It was released in the cinema, Dec 2020. An April shower is my second project and it’s something I am confident will gain more grounds and give me a step up in the African cinemas.

When is April Showers hitting the cinemas?

We are expecting it in the cinemas by the end of September, hopefully as we are currently putting finishing touches to it; trying to dot our I’s and cross our T’s to make sure it’s worth every penny spent at the cinemas this September.

How was the experience like?

Learning and evolving process for me and I am confident that the challenges are making me better and more creative.

Can you mention some of stars on April Showers?

We have Enyinna Nwigwe, Lilian Esoro, Pere Egbi, Gbenga Titiloye, Gregory Ojefua, Thelma Ibemere, Anthony Monjaro, Kunle Remi, Priscilla Okpara, Sacha Ekama, Amaka Enoch and more.

What inspired your choice of cast and crew members?

I think each character defined which actor got which role.

What do you look out for before picking an actor/actress for a movie role?

Charisma; an actor has to be delightful, appealing, and enchanting to the viewers.

Understanding Human Behavior; some actors are knowledgeable of the human mind, and they know what’s required at a given moment by their audience. Then confidence, Intelligence, hard Work, highly imaginative and energy.

How has it been as a female filmmaker in a male dominated industry?

It has been a wonderful experience. It is also very possible to succeed as a female in such environment, despite the challenges. However, such challenges are what keep me going and never intimidated. In a nutshell my vision is my driving force. I want to help redefine the African film industry telling our African story the same way an American will tell an American story.

How was your first experience as a movie maker?

My first experience was amazing, thanks to my director, Mr. Richard Omos-Iboyi, and the script writer, Mrs. Pacass Adebayo. Mr. Richard guided me, was very patient with my anxiousness, the casts were very professional too, and that encouraged me a lot.

Ever considered settling down with a colleague?

I don marry oh (laughs), otherwise why not; there are some cool level headed dudes with what I have seen so far.