Reginald Ebere is a prominent Nigerian movie-maker who has made invaluable historical impacts in many ways on the industry. Ebere has worked in several mediums as a filmmaker, from directing to writing and production. He is well-known and respected as a multi-talented individual in the Nigerian entertainment scene. In this post by Naijassador, we explore his early life, career, major works and contribution to the Nigeria Movie Industry. These are the 7 things to know about the late Reginald Ebere:
Early Career and Education
Reginald Ebere was a theatre arts graduate from the University of Jos. He went on to formal training in theatre arts and acting, which helped prepare him for his life as a filmmaker. This further enhanced his ability to craft character-driven and complex narratives. Before joining Nollywood, he was an ex-employee of Hints Magazine, owned by the former group managing director of NNPC, Emmanuel Kachikwu. This role helped him gain the skills and network he would need down the line in his film career.
Founding The Script Factory
Ebere’s passion for encouraging new talent and improving the standard of Nollywood filmmaking led him to create The Script Factory. Because of this initiative, he helped shape the careers of a lot of screenwriters and helped create an environment for excellence in that space.
Influential Works
Ebere has a prolific body of work, boasting numerous influential films. He is best known for scripting one of Nollywood’s most in-demand movies; the 1999 hit ‘Issakaba’. Other notable works such as “Last Burial”, “One God, One Nation”, “Venom of Justice” and “The God to Serve”. These films sum up his tale-telling acumen.
Launching Careers
He helped to make several Nollywood stars in the industry. The 1990 film “Venom of Justice” is widely believed to be what launched Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s acting career for which he holds credit. He was also instrumental in the careers of other notable actors and actresses including Kate Henshaw, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Bob Manuel-Udokwu—all top-level actors today.
Health Challenges
Reginald Ebere dealt with 2 strokes in a year which limited a lot his health status in 2018. The health crisis started when he collapsed on a movie set in Enugu. Ebere never gave up in his battle for life even as he laid on the bed for six years. His sad tale shed light on the travails of most practitioners in the industry that attracted public appeals for financial assistance from other colleagues like Sam Dede and Lancelot Imasuen. They publicly appealed to raise funds to support Ebere during his trying times.
Personal Life
Ebere was married to Maureen Ebere and together they had three children. Besides his career endeavours, he was also a Pastor with the Christ Embassy, illustrating his devotion to faith and community. The man behind the camera was a prominent filmmaker who could balance his career with familial commitments.
Published Author and Poet
Reginald Ebere was also a published poet and author besides his role in the film industry. His collection of poems, “Boundaries Of Heaven” stood as a metaphor for Nigeria by weaving the strands of arts and socio-politics in his works. This further highlighted his genius in literature and outlook on enlarging ideas through artistic endeavours.
Death
One of the well-respected Nollywood directors, screenwriters and producers, Reginald Ebere is no more. The sad news of Ebere’s death on Sunday was confirmed by Perekeme Odon, the National Secretary of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) which has sent a wave of mourning across the industry.
Finally,
The passing of Reginald Ebere marks the death of an era in Nollywood, yet his works will continue to impact Nollywood for ages to come. His life is a testament to excellence, perseverance and sacrifice that will be long remembered in Nigeria’s film history.
Written by Sarah Aboje
