Ibrahim Chatta, a highly esteemed actor and filmmaker, recently celebrated his 50th birthday and sat down for an interview with Adeola Otemade to reflect on his career journey.
When asked about reaching the milestone of turning 50, Chatta expressed sincere gratitude for the grace he has received throughout his life. Despite not having a formal education and lacking a secondary school leaving certificate, he acknowledged that his determination and the opportunities provided by his craft have allowed him to connect with influential individuals in society. Chatta humbly attributed his success to the grace of God, rather than simply hard work, recognizing that divine intervention plays a crucial role in shaping one’s path.
Chatta’s life in the film industry has been a remarkable transformation from humble beginnings. He recalls a time when he would attend rehearsals, direct stage plays, and receive no compensation in return. Financial hardships prevented him from even visiting a barbershop or having regular meals. However, Chatta expressed gratitude for the significant change in his circumstances. He can now support himself and others, seeing himself as one of the fortunate individuals who have undergone transformative experiences.
Despite his educational limitations, Chatta explained that his ability to adapt to changing situations and align himself with prevailing trends has been a valuable gift. He acknowledged the dynamic nature of society and attributed his success to his faith in Allah and the ability to embrace change.
The topic of retirement arose during the conversation, and Chatta revealed his decision to step away from acting. He clarified that retirement does not mean completely leaving the movie industry but rather shifting his focus to other endeavors. Chatta emphasized his desire to create time for activities he loves, such as farming. He also mentioned his film company, where he has invested heavily and aims to serve as an intermediary between filmmakers and potential investors. Chatta’s goal is to provide opportunities to the younger generation, allowing them to excel beyond his own accomplishments. While he no longer wishes to be constantly on set as an actor, he still plans to make films and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share his dreams.
Chatta expressed his aspirations for the Nigerian film industry, emphasizing the importance of producing movies with high-quality equipment and budgets. He encouraged filmmakers to think beyond the existing market and create their own opportunities. He also mentioned his hope of eventually featuring in Hollywood films.
When asked about the current state of the industry, Chatta acknowledged the efforts of certain filmmakers who have raised the bar in terms of professionalism and content quality. However, he also highlighted the lack of passion among some newcomers, emphasizing the importance of genuine dedication to the craft. Chatta emphasized the need for meaningful storytelling and the conveyance of messages that educate and resonate with audiences. He acknowledged that the industry has its shortcomings, particularly in terms of content and professionalism, but expressed optimism for positive changes in professionalism and content development.
In summary, Ibrahim Chatta, a respected actor and filmmaker, reflected on his journey and expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have come his way. He discussed his decision to retire from acting while remaining involved in the industry through his film company. Chatta emphasized the importance of creating time for other passions and investing in the younger generation. He also shared his aspirations for the industry and emphasized the significance of storytelling and conveying meaningful messages through films.