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Nollywood actress, producer, and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has opened up about her humble beginnings in the movie industry, revealing how a single visit to the National Theatre in Lagos became the turning point that shaped her journey into acting and screenwriting.
In a recent interview on Jay On Air TV Podcast, Kadiri reflected on her early struggles, recalling how her determination to escape her background and pursue a career in the arts led her to discover her passion for storytelling.
According to her, what started as a simple audition attempt turned into the beginning of a lifelong career.
Growing up in the slum and getting out of it wasn’t really easy, and I remember going to National Theatre. I went there, I wanted to act. I got there and there were like 1000 people or more, I just look everywhere, I said, ‘there’s no way I’m getting this role. The crowd is so much, there’s a lot of people that are intimidating you,’ and then I saw a notice that says screenwriting and stuff, I think maybe it was God. I just sha went into the office.
Kadiri explained that what followed next was nothing short of divine timing. Inside the office, she met a man who was teaching screenwriting to a small group of students. Coincidentally, one student hadn’t shown up, and Kadiri saw an opportunity.
I got there, I saw the man, he had three students I think they were waiting for the fourth one that one wasn’t coming. I said, ‘sir please me I want to write.’ He’s like, ‘you have to pay.’ I said, ‘I don’t have transport to even go home.’ He said, ‘okay you can come.’ So it was free. He added me to his class for free and he taught me the basics.
That one act of kindness, she said, became the foundation of her entire career.
Doing that basic literally got me to where I am today because when I wrote my first script, that movie became a hit. I wrote that script and the producer obviously did not believe in me. I think he sent it out. He sent it to Tonto Dike and Uche Jombo and a couple of them, and I think Tonto kept telling him, ‘oh this script, I really like it, I really like it.’
Despite the producer’s initial doubts, Kadiri’s passion and persistence kept her going. She revealed that she wasn’t even paid for her first script — but that didn’t matter to her. All she wanted was to be a part of the production.
He didn’t even want to pay me. I didn’t care, I was like, ‘just give me small role.’ So he came back and said, ‘okay let’s shoot it.’ I was just happy that they were going to shoot my film, my script. That one was a hit and the next one. That’s how it just started.
Kadiri’s story reflects the resilience and drive that have defined her career. From a young woman who could barely afford transport home, she has grown into one of Nollywood’s most successful filmmakers — known not only for her acting but also for her impressive writing and production credits.
Her journey stands as a powerful reminder that determination, humility, and the willingness to seize unexpected opportunities can turn even the smallest moment into a life-changing experience. Today, Ruth Kadiri’s name has become synonymous with consistency, creativity, and excellence in Nollywood — all rooted in that first chance encounter at the National Theatre.
Watch her speak below…
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