(DDM) – Nigerian screen actress Amanda Oruh has opened up about the long and difficult journey she endured before achieving recognition in the film industry, revealing that she spent nearly a decade facing repeated rejections while pursuing her acting dreams.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the actress shared her experience while reflecting on her role as Pinky in the film Lady, a project that has recently gained international attention.
According to Oruh, her path to success was far from easy as she struggled for many years to secure acting opportunities.
She explained that the early years of her career were filled with auditions that rarely resulted in roles, leaving her uncertain about whether her dream of becoming a successful actress would ever materialise.
“Ten years of auditions, rejections, months without work, wondering if I was delusional for believing this could happen,” she said while recounting her experience.
Despite the setbacks, Oruh continued pursuing her passion for acting, determined not to abandon the career she had worked so hard to build.
Her perseverance eventually paid off when the film Lady premiered in Europe at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale.
The premiere marked a major milestone for the actress, as the film reportedly received a standing ovation from the international audience.
Oruh described the emotional moment of watching herself on the big screen as one of the most powerful experiences of her life.
According to her, seeing her performance in the role of Pinky brought back memories of the struggles she had endured while trying to establish herself in the industry.
“I watched myself as Pinky on that screen, and I cried. Not pretty tears, the kind that come from somewhere deep, where you’ve been holding pain and hope in equal measure for too long,” she said.
The actress also reflected on the significance of sharing the stage with her fellow cast members during the international screening.
She explained that seeing audiences from different parts of the world connect with a story centered on women living in Lagos reinforced her belief in the power of storytelling.
“Standing on that stage with my castmates and looking out at faces from all over the world who came to see this story about Lagos women, I felt it. This is why I didn’t quit,” she added.
The film Lady is a United Kingdom–Nigerian co-production that explores the lives of women navigating survival, friendship, and resilience in Lagos.
The story highlights themes of sisterhood and determination, offering an intimate look into the experiences of women facing challenges in a bustling urban environment.
The project has already gained recognition on the global stage.
Earlier this year, the ensemble cast of the film received the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting Ensemble at the Sundance Film Festival.
The award recognised the collective performance of the cast and further elevated the film’s international reputation.
Amanda Oruh is also known for her appearance in the popular Nigerian political drama King of Boys, which helped introduce her to a wider audience.
Her role in the production demonstrated her acting range and contributed to her growing recognition within Nollywood.
Industry observers note that Oruh’s story reflects the reality faced by many emerging actors who struggle for years before achieving visibility in the competitive film industry.
Her experience also highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience in creative careers where success can take years to materialise.
As her international recognition continues to grow, many fans and critics believe that Amanda Oruh’s breakthrough could open new opportunities for her within both Nollywood and global cinema.
