A Day in the Life

 

Broadening My World!

 

Dear Readers, Fans, & Fellow artists:

Yes, it’s been some time since the last update but so much has went on. I’ve learned so much from myself in the past few months. I realize that NO ONE can ever determine my path or faith but me.

I spoke briefly about my project in the last article but so much has changed since then. I can’t say too much about the project before we’re ready to release the details. But I will tell you this. It’s far from the original sizzle reel that I wanted to shoot. The concept, cast, crew has grown and has included some of Hollywood’s top filmmakers and International respect and admiration for this project. Details about the Director, Director of Photography, Producers, the crew and the wonderful cast to come very, very soon. So be on the look out for that.

Besides producing my film, I have been connecting with a lot of Nollywood’s elite in New York City.  Nollywood, for those who may not be familiar with, is known as Nigeria’s Hollywood. Nigerian films are on the rise, extremely popular in Africa and has spilled over onto U.S. soil. I attended the Nigerian Entertainment Awards a few weeks ago, courtesy of the lovely Chi Chi Anyanwu. I must admit, it was not what I expected but I was definitely entertained and had a great time.  I also attended the 1st Generation Nigerian Play Project in September.  Although it was a workshop, they really nailed it. The entire cast and production worked so hard to produce an insightful, empowering and very funny piece. There are so many stigmas about Africans, as a whole, from the world but hopefully ignorance will slowly dissipate when it comes to the perception of other cultures.

Another event I had the pleasure of going to was ‘Taste of Africa’ which was held at the Taj Lounge. Yvonne Orji, another talented actress and an extremely funny comedian, performed. Of course, she brought the house to tears of laughter with her comedy. Please check you local cable listings for Yvonne’s one hour comedy special on the Africa Channel.

Most of the network of black actors within New York City know of, heard of, or at least facebook friends with the talented Chi Chi Anyanwu. Chi Chi is one of the producers of the 1st Generation Nigerian Play Project but she is also a casting director as well.  “Say Grace Before Drowning”, a film Chi Chi casted, was selected and premiered at the Urbanworld Film Festival in September. I am so proud of Chi Chi for all her hard work, endless effort she puts in to a given  project and helping actors that come her way find opportunities to flex their craft.

I have been chosen to be one of the models for a well-known and popular  contemporary artist, Mickalene Thomas. She currently has her artwork displayed at the MoMa and at the Brooklyn Museum. Myself and Esosa Edosomwan, will be display in the form of a portrait, at a well known gallery in Manhattan starting in November. As soon as I get the date of the gallery opening and reception, I will update everyone. Mickalene’s art featuring myself and Esosa will be on display till the early 2011.

          There is so much more to update you with but I’ll save that for the next issue. I finally figured out how to operate twitter (lol). It can be addicting but I try not to abuse it by updating ridiculous things like “I’m eating now” or “I’m walking” or “I’m in the bathroom”. You’ll be surprised how many people update with statements like that. 

          Every day and night, I thank GOD for giving me the opportunity to follow my dreams. I am also thankful for the people He has placed in my life and especially thankful for those, with negative energy, He has removed from my life.  There are no excuses anymore, because I have the tools I need to get to where I will eventually be. It’s a matter knowing when to use the right tools at the right time. I’m learning from my talented peers and those who paved the way for us. Learning is eternal for me. School is always in session!

I am a woman on a mission…Mine!

As always, I thank you so much for supporting myself and NeoBlack Cinema Magazine. Sit back, buckle up and enjoy this ride with me. Stay tuned!!!!

-Nigerian Queen

Stay Blessed Everyone!

http://www.youtube.com/user/MsNatashaOnonogbo (Youtube Channel)

http://imdb.com/name/nm2967500 (Imdb)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natasha-Ononogbo-Official-Fan-Page/242224692336?v=wall  (fan page)

http://twitter.com/NatashaOnonogbo (twitter)

www.facebook.com/altruismthemovie

www.twitter.com/altruismmovie

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Introducing Natasha Ononogbo

Dear Reader,

I am an up and coming actress from the NJ/NYC area. Well, that is where I live but I’m originally from London, England.  My parents are from Nigeria and Trinidad.  What a mix right? I moved to New Jersey years ago and as a child I fell in love with basketball. I moved my way up to high school varsity and eventually was recruited to play for New Jersey City University Women’s Basketball Team. I took a break from that college and worked at The Wiz electronic store, which has closed down. I went back to school at a junior college and received my Associate’s degree in 2006. Coincidently in ‘06, I got laid off from my job as a secretary at a construction company. A month later, I followed my heart and passion in life and started acting. Honestly, I never took drama classes in high school or college. I guess at the time I was too much of a jock and would rather play ball.

In September 2006, I started doing my first background/extra work on Six Degrees. Then I got booked to work on American Gangster and received my waivers, which then made me eligible to join SAG.  I also had the opportunity to work on I Am Legend, and all 3 series of Law & Order and several other major film and TV shows since ‘06. But at the beginning of 2007, I quickly realized that I can not wait for others and decided to start making my own films.  First, I made a short film about secret agents. Now looking back on it, yeah it sucked. Then in 2008, I produced and had a supporting role in “Mr. Luv,” a comedy written and directed by Daniel Cooper. “Mr. Luv” made the International Black and Latino Film Festival of Hartford, Conn. Also in 2008, I got the opportunity to play Muddy Waters Girlfriend in Cadillac Records, starring Jeffrey Wright, Adrien Brody, Columbus Short, Eammon Walker, and Beyonce Knowles.

In 2009, I had my first directorial debut in A Shoulder to Cry On. I also wrote, produced, and co-starred in it as well. It’s a short film about domestic violence. This project means a lot to me because of the ongoing suffering that individuals live every day. To often we hear celebrities in the news about domestic violence and, of course, the media has a field day with the issue. But there is never a real solution or even digging down to the root of the problem. In addition to this project, I also have a documentary with a former abuser on camera telling us how he used to abuse his ex-wife. If this film helps at least one person in an abusive relationship, then it was all worth it. The abused need a voice and we can not keep silent anymore.

I have always known that I have an original look. Thank God I don’t get “oh you look just like so and so”. That is not always a good thing when it comes to the entertainment business.  I have also realized that there are not many Black actors in Film and TV, let alone dark-skinned actors. I am a dark-skinned actress and frankly, I want to see a rainbow on TV and in films. One of my goals as an actress is to become “The Leading Black Female Actress in Hollywood Action Films”. I am currently in the early stages of pre-production for my action short with hopes to shoot in May. I realize that in order for Hollywood’s producers and directors to know who I am, I have to create my own films and self-promote like crazy.  They will have no choice but to notice when other are talking about the same thing.

In this business, I believe that you have to make your own opportunities and never wait for others to give you your “Big Break”…I stay focused on what I want to accomplish, keep faith in God, stay strong, determined, focused and never let anyone discourage or sidetrack me from my goals.

I invite you to enjoy this ride with me, so stay tuned!!!!

This Nigerian Queen is Grinding Hard Body!!!

Stay Blessed!

On Monday, March 15th, from 4-7p.m., Natasha Ononogbo will be a guest speaker for T.R.U.C.E of the Harlem Children’s Zone discussing domestic violence. She will be showing clips of her film and documentary. There will also be a Q&A with the students of T.R.U.C.E after the screening. This event is for teenagers & adults.

Natasha Ononogbo will be  submitting her film,  “A Shoulder To Cry On,” to several film festivals in the U.S. and overseas. Below are the links to her previous works.

http://www.youtube.com/user/MsNatashaOnonogbo

http://imdb.com/name/nm2967500 (imdb link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uaHXLgyGt4 (“Cadillac Records” Clip)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiT0B2zpcyM (“A Shoulder To Cry On” Trailer)

www.myspace.com/tasha2569 (online profile)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natasha-Ononogbo-Official-Fan-Page/242224692336?v=wall (facebook fan page)

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