Marriage Is Not My Focus- Mbong Amata

Nollywood actress,producer and ex-wife of Jeta, Mbong Amata had a a chat with Punch where she talks about her career, marriage and decision to become a producer. Excerpts:

 How have you fared as an actress since making your debut?
It’s been a glorious and beautiful ride, it’s been beautiful. A lot of ups and downs but what is life without that?

Growing up did you think you were going to become an actress?
I did not. Instead, I dreamt of becoming an ambassador, resolving conflicts and going on a world expedition.

When did you make your acting debut?
I made my acting debut in 2002. It was an epic film, Mutanda, which showcased the cultural heritage of Cross River State.

You have been in the industry for almost 13 years, why haven’t you featured in a lot of movies?

For starters, I had to take a break to raise a family, which was very important to me and still is.

Why did you decide to become a producer and how many films have you produced?

I wanted to step out of the acting circle for a while in order to try out the business/ administrative part of film- making. It’s been a fantastic experience. So far, I have produced two films.

Why did you establish the Tickle-Us Foundation?

I wanted to create a platform through which I can give back to the land where it all began.

Before now you used to feature in only movies produced by your ex-husband, Jeta Amata. In what ways did it aid or slow down your exposure in the film industry?

Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t always feature in only Jeta’s films. I attend open call auditions just like every other actor out there and I have been blessed with the opportunity of working with other directors/producers in the industry. I have worked with the likes of Desmond Elliot, Ikechukwu Onyeka, Lancelot Imasuen, Emem Isong and Moses Inwang to mention but a few.

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Do you see the both of you working together on a project in the future?

Maybe, maybe not. We have a great friendship and anything can happen.

How did being married to a filmmaker shape your career?

It did shape my career towards a positive direction because he protected me from a lot of things and also gave me insight into projects to align with.

Is there room for reconciliation?

Like I said, we are cool parents and love our beautiful seven-year-old daughter. We see every other day and it is not a rare sight to see us together.

How have you adjusted to being single again and advances from the opposite sex?

Life goes on after death or marriage. The advances come but that’s not my focus.

Are you still interested in getting married and this time what qualities would you be looking out for in a man?

Marriage isn’t my focus right now. I would rather put all my energy into building my career.