Emem Isong
Emem Isong Misodi | |
|---|---|
Emem Isong in 2020 | |
| Born | Ikono, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria |
| Education | |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 1994 - present |
| Spouse | Misodi Akama |
| Children | 3 |
| Website | https://www.youtube.com/@EmemIsongTV |
Emem Isong ⓘ is a Nigerian screenwriter, film producer, and film director. She is primarily known for films in the English language, and is a prominent figure in the Nollywood industry. Her second feature as a director, Code of Silence, which deals with rape in Nigeria, was released in 2015.
Early life and education
Isong, the first of four children, was born on 5 September and is from Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria.[1] She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater arts from the University of Calabar and a diploma in computer science from the Computer Science Institute (NCR).[2] In 2024, she earned a doctorate degree in film and media arts from the University of the Creative Arts, United Kingdom.[3][4]
Career
Isong's career in filmmaking began in 1994 when she wrote the script and co-produced the film Jezebel. Her first solo production was Breaking Point (1996). She later worked with Remmy Jez for eight years as a producer. The professional relationship ended in 2008, after which she co-produced the film Reloaded.[5]
She has written or produced films such as Reloaded, Breaking Point, She Devil, A Minute To Midnight, Play Boy, Private Sin, Master Stroke, Rumours, Shattered Illusion, Promise Me Forever and Emotional Crack (screenplay).[6] The latter was screened at the African Film Festival in New York City.[7] She is also known for Yoruba language pictures and is a prominent figure in that industry.[8]
Isong's films featured early performances by Nollywood actors, including Stephanie Okereke and Dakore Egbuson.[9]
In 2014, Isong directed her first feature film Champagne, which had its premiere at the Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island, Lagos.[10] In August 2015, she released the film Code of Silence, her second directed feature film which she also produced, in collaboration with the Royal Arts Academy and Nollywood Workshop.[11] The film, which deals with rape in Nigeria, stars Makida Moka, Patience Ozokwor, Ini Edo, and Omoni Oboli.[12]
Isong has served as a speaker at the Afrinolly masterclass series and also as a judge for the MTN Afrinolly short film competition in 2013.[13][14]
Legacy
Isong has been described as a maverick in the New Nollywood movement which is categorized by filmmakers who are not just interested in producing films, but in creating substantial and artful works. She has collaborated with different writers such as Rita Onwurah, Karyn Udeh, Toiyoabasi Ekong, Jane Nwachukwu, and Vivian Chiji and her films have featured actors including Adesua Etomi, Nancy Isime and Daniel Etim Effiong. These films are usually categorised by an extra effort made by the filmmakers to ensure not only the methods but also the tools of production employed by the filmmakers are of substantial quality. It is no longer about production for the sake of production but for art's sake. These films are also made to have domestic and international appeal as they are usually released in Nigerian and foreign cinemas. This shift from home video production to cinema viewing is also a category of this New Nollywood movement.[15][16]
Isong is also known for her role in founding the Royal Arts Academy in 2010 and her subsequent role as the academy's CEO. The Royal Arts Academy which she started with Uduak Oguamanam, Anietie Isong, and actress Monalisa Chinda, is based in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria.[17] Its mandate is to empower students by giving them the necessary tools required to take part in all aspects of film creation and production preparing them to compete in both the Nigerian and international film industries.[18][19] Students are also given opportunities to win funding to produce films for public release.[20]
Personal life
Isong is known to be private and rarely grants interviews. This, according to her, is because she wishes her work to be consumed on its merits alone without her personal life influencing her viewers.[21] Isong is married to Misodi Akama,[10] with whom she has twins born in 2016.[22][23]
Filmography
Isong's film credits include:[24]
Producer
| Year | Film title |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Deafening Silence |
| 2023 | Yes to Forever |
| 2022 | Dance with Me |
| 2021 | A Bitter Pill |
| 2020 | Special Jollof |
| 2019 | Your Dream Girl |
| 2018 | Mr. & Mrs. Right |
| 2017 | Body Language |
| 2016 | Ayamma |
| 2015 | Don't Cry For Me |
| 2014 | Apaye |
| Knocking on Heaven's Door | |
| 2013 | Forgetting June |
| 2012 | Silver Lining |
| 2011 | I'll Take My Chances |
| 2010 | Kiss and Tell |
| Bursting Out | |
| Holding Hope | |
| Memories of War | |
| 2009 | Edikan |
| 2008 | Reloaded |
| 2007 | A Time To Love |
| Unfinished Business | |
| Yahoo Millionaire | |
| 2006 | Games Men Play |
| Traumatised | |
| 2005 | Behind Closed Doors |
| Darkest Night | |
| Endless Lies | |
| Games Women Play | |
| Girls in the Hood | |
| I Feel U | |
| Men Do Cry | |
| 2004 | Critical Decision |
| For Real | |
| Masterstroke | |
| Promise Me Forever | |
| 2003 | Private Sin |
| 1996 | Breaking Point |
| 1994 | Jezebel |
Writer
| Year | Film title |
|---|---|
| 2011 | I'll Take My Chances |
| 2008 | Bursting Out |
| Heartbeats | |
| Reloaded | |
| 2007 | A Time to Love |
| Unfinished Business | |
| Yahoo Millionaire | |
| 2006 | Games Men Play |
| 2005 | Blind Obsession |
| Darkest Night | |
| Fragile Pain | |
| I Feel U | |
| 2004 | Enslaved |
| Promise Me Forever | |
| 2003 | Emotional Crack |
| 1994 | Jezebel |
Director
| Year | Film title |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Champagne |
| 2015 | Code of Silence |
Awards and nominations
Awards received by Isong include:[25][26]
- ZAFAA Awards, in the category of Best Producer for the film Memories of my Heart (2010).
- Wow Divas, Outstanding Contribution to Raising Awareness, Understanding and Hope to those Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and Advocating for them through her film Silver Lining (2012).
- ELOY Awards, Best Movie Producer of the Year for I'll Take My Chances (2011).
- Best of Nollywood, Special Recognition Award.
- Ntanla Awards, Industry Merit Awards.
- Nigeria's Integrity Film Awards (HomeVida) in the category Family/Child Friendly Category for the film Knocking on the Heavens Door (2014).[27]
- Africa Movie Awards in the category of Best Scriptwriter for the film Reloaded (2008).
- City People Awards in the categories of Best Producer of the Year, and Best Screenplay for the film Reloaded (2008).
See also
References
- ^ "iROKOtv Nollywood Icon Birthday: Emem Isong". IrokoTV Blog. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ "Emem Isong". Sodas 'N' Popcorn. Archived from the original on 17 November 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
- ^ "Nollywood's Emem Misodi picks UCA for PhD". University for the Creative Arts - UCA. 13 December 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ Egwuatu, Somtochukwu (10 August 2024). "Emem Isong-Misode earns doctorate degree in film, media arts". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ Olehi. "How Emem Isong emerged Nollywood's most prolific filmmaker". Encomium. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ Epprecht, Marc (15 August 2008). Heterosexual Africa?: The History of an Idea from the Age of Exploration to the Age of AIDS. Ohio University Press. p. 215. ISBN 978-0-8214-4298-2.
- ^ "Emem Isong Biography/ Profile". Nigeria Movies Review. Archived from the original on 3 June 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ Miller, Jade L. (28 April 2016). Nollywood Central. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 82. ISBN 978-1-84457-694-4.
- ^ Lindsey Green-Simms; Unoma Azuah (2012). "The Video Closet: Nollywood's gay-themed movies". Transition (107). Indiana University Press: 32–49. JSTOR 10.2979/transition.107.32.
- ^ a b "Cute Couple! Emem Isong & Hubby Misodi Akama for 'Champagne' Movie Premiere". Bella Naija. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ "Emem Isong". African Women Leadership Organization. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ "Emem Isong makes case for rape victims in 'Code of Silence'". Vanguard. 15 August 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ "Afrinolly MasterClass Series With Charles Aniagolu and Emem Isong". Bits. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ "Emem Isong Biography/ Profile". Nigeria Movies Review. Archived from the original on 3 June 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ Haynes, Jonathan (1 January 2014). "Close-Up:Nollywood—A Worldly Creative Practice: "New Nollywood":Kunle Afolayan". Black Camera. 5 (2). Indiana University Press: 53–73. doi:10.2979/blackcamera.5.2.53. JSTOR 10.2979/blackcamera.5.2.53.
- ^ Alessandro Jedlowski (1 March 2014). "Nigerian Videos in the Global Arena: The Postcolonial Exotic Revisited". The Global South. 7 (1): 157–178. ISSN 1932-8656.
- ^ "Emem Isong opens acting academy". Nigeria Films. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ "About Us". Royal Arts Academy. Archived from the original on 14 October 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ "Emem Isong's Royal Arts Academy To Improve Film-Making in Nigeria". Nigeria Movie Network. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ Tosan (27 October 2015). "Royal Arts Academy spotlights Film Contest and Awards". Trendy Africa. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ Ekerete Udoh; Benjamin Njoku (16 July 2011). "Emem Isong opens up on her private life…Why I'm not married". Vanguard. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ "Nollywood Producer Emem Isong & her Twins in New Adorable Photos". Bella Naija. 20 July 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ Gbenga Bada (5 June 2015). "Movie producer pour encomium on son as he turns 8". Pulse. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ^ "Emem Isong". IMDb. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ "Star of the Week: Emem Isong". Africa Magic. Archived from the original on 24 November 2013. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ "Winners". Nigeria’s Integrity Film Awards. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ Ugonna, Chinenye (7 December 2014). "Dazzling Mirage, Knocking on Heavens Door shine at Nigeria awards". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
External links
Emem Isong at IMDb