Emem Isong is an award-winning Nigerian filmmaker, screenwriter, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Royal Arts Academy. She is also a movie producer and a film distributor.
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Emem Isong’s Background
She was born on the 5th of September, as the first of four children of her parents. Emem hails from Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
After her primary and secondary education, she went on to obtain a diploma certificate in computer science from the Computer Science Institute. In addition, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from the University of Calabar. Emem Isong is married to Misodi Akama, and they are blessed with three children.
Emem Isong’s Career
Her career in filmmaking started when she wrote and co-produced the movie Jezebel in 1994. In 1996, she produced and independently funded her first movie – Breaking Point. After the successful production of Breaking Point, Remmy Jez employed her as a movie producer from the year 2000 – 2007.
In 2007, she took a break to birth her baby and returned in 2008. Afterward, she co-produced the movie – Reloaded with Desmond Elliot.
Emem Isong directed her first feature film – Champagne in 2004, and in August 2015, she released her second feature film – Code of Silence. Emem produced and directed the movie herself under the umbrella of the Royal Arts Academy. The movie also enjoyed the support of Nollywood Workshop. Nollywood Workshop is an international NGO that effect positive change in society through movies.
Because of her consistent show of expertise in the Nollywood movie industry, she was chosen as one of the speakers of the Afrinolly masterclass series. Emem was also one of the judges at the MTN Afrinolly short film competition in 2013.
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Movies Produced by Emem Isong
1994 – 2006
- Jezebel – 1994
- Breaking Point – 1996
- Private Sin – 2003
- Critical Decision – 2004
- For Real – 2004
- Masterstroke – 2004
- Promise Me Forever – 2004
- Behind Closed Doors – 2005
- Darkest Night – 2005
- Endless Lies – 2005
- Games Women Play – 2005
- Girls in the Hood – 2005
- I Feel U – 2005
- Men Do Cry – 2005
- Games Men Play – 2006
- Traumatized – 2006
2007 – 2016
- A Time To Love – 2007
- Unfinished Business – 2007
- Yahoo Millionaire – 2007
- Reloaded – 2008
- Edikan – 2009
- Kiss and Tell – 2010
- Bursting Out – 2010
- Holding Hope – 2010
- Memories of War – 2010
- I’ll Take My Chances – 2011
- Silver Lining – 2012
- Forgetting June – 2013
- Apaye – 2014
- Knocking on Heaven’s Door – 2014
- Don’t Cry For Me – 2015
- Ayamma – 2016
Movies Written By Emem Isong
- Jezebel – 1994
- Emotional Crack – 2003
- Enslaved – 2004
- Promise Me Forever – 2004
- Blind Obsession – 2005
- Darkest Night – 2005
- Fragile Pain – 2005
- I Feel U – 2005
- Games Men Play – 2006
- A Time to Love – 2007
- Unfinished Business – 2007
- Yahoo Millionaire – 2007
- Bursting Out – 2008
- Heartbeats – 2008
- Reloaded – 2008
- I’ll Take My Chances – 2011
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Movies Directed By Emem Isong
- Champagne – 2014
- Code of Silence – 2015
Royal Arts Academy
The Royal Arts Academy was established by Emem Isong in 2010, in Surulere, Lagos. Royal Arts Academy is a media school created to empower the Nigerian youth. The Academy tends to achieve this feat by teaching talented young people how to act, write scripts, and edit movies.
Asides from youth empowerment, Royal Arts Academy also produces, distributes, and markets Nollywood movies. Thus far, the academy has produced several award-winning movies including Guilty Pleasures, Bursting Out, Kiss and Tell, I’ll Take My Chances, Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, etc. Emem Isong is known to have discovered several ace actors and actresses in the Nigerian movie industry.
Emem Isong pioneered the production of Ibibio-speaking movies. Some of such movies include Mfana Ibagha, Ekaette, Uyai, Edikan, Uduakobong.
Quotes Of Emem Isong
“No one will believe in you until you believe in yourself. Keep the faith.”
“Content is king, and we must continually nurture the kingdom with great content.”
“It may seem far, but it’s closer than you think. Stay focused.”
“Your perspectives determine your outcomes.”
“You attract what is constantly on your mind, so think right.”
“Raise your standards, and people will meet you there.”
“Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you’ll look back, and realize they were the big things.”
Awards And Recognitions Of Emem Isong
- Best of Nollywood Awards
- She received the Ntanla Awards
- Emem Isong was honoured with the Industry Merit Awards.
- Africa Movie Awards in the category of Best Scriptwriter for the movie Reloaded – 2008
- City Peoples Award in the categories of Best Producer of the Year – 2008
- Best Screenplay for the movie Reloaded by the City Peoples Award – 2008
- ZAFAA Awards for the Best Producer for the movie Memories of my Heart – 2010
- Eloy Awards, Best Movie Producer of the Year for I’ll Take My Chances – 2011
- Wow Divas Award for outstanding contribution to raising awareness, understanding, and hope to those affected by autism spectrum disorder and advocating for them through the Silver Lining movie – 2012
- Nigeria’s Integrity Film Awards – Home Vida for the movie Knocking on the Heavens Door – 2014
Net Worth Of Emem Isong
According to afromoviehub.com, Emem Isong is estimated to be worth N41 million naira but we are sure she is worth a lot more.
Life Lesson From Emem Isong
You mustn’t build a career or business around the course you studied in your first degree. You should be open to other opportunities that you are passionate about. Emem Isong has a diploma in computer science and a degree in theatre arts. She has gone ahead to build a formidable career in the Nollywood industry with her theatre arts degree.
As entrepreneurs, you should always be flexible and willing to learn. Also, you don’t have to go back to spend long years in the university to change your career path. With a professional course, you’re good to go.
Image Credit: @ememisong (Instagram)
