Legendary Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, widely known for his iconic roles alongside Osita Iheme in the early 2000s, has opened up about his humble beginnings in the Nigerian film industry, revealing that he earned only ₦500 for his very first movie role.
The beloved actor, fondly called Aki, shared this revelation while speaking as a coach and trainer during a masterclass session at the ongoing Filmhouse Africa Season 4: The Cinema Edition; a talent development platform for aspiring actors and filmmakers.
“In my first movie, they paid me ₦500, but I wasn’t particular about the money,” Ikedieze revealed. “Back then in school, I would leave classes just to attend auditions. I made 2.1 while juggling between lectures and film sets.”
Ikedieze, who studied Mass Communication at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu, explained that his passion for acting was the driving force behind his persistence even when financial rewards were almost non-existent.
He encouraged the young filmmakers and actors in attendance to remain focused on building their craft rather than chasing fame or quick money.
The award-winning star’s story drew applause from the audience, many of whom described his journey as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the power of dedication and hard work.
The Filmhouse Africa Season 4: The Cinema Edition continues to shine a spotlight on key voices in African cinema, offering mentorship and industry insights to up-and-coming creatives.
This year’s edition features 40 contestants living together in one house as they compete for a grand prize of ₦35 million, a brand-new car, and a recording deal.
The show premiered on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, and will air every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday on DStv Channel 262, GOtv Channel 129, and Startimes Channel 116.
With stories like Ikedieze’s inspiring the next generation, Filmhouse Africa continues to bridge the gap between dreams and the spotlight, nurturing the next wave of African cinema greats.
