Whenever Anthonieta Kalunta’s name pops up, her central role as Aisha, in Desmond Ovbiagele’s critically acclaimed movie, “The Milkmaid,” readily comes to mind. In the moving drama, Aisha and Zainab are Fulani sisters taken hostage by the extremist group that kidnapped more than 250 schoolgirls in 2014 from the town of Chibok. Aisha, a milkmaid, escaped abduction from terrorists, only to return to them in a bid to rescue her younger sister, Zainab. The first-timer and Theatre/Performing Arts graduate talks to Ferdinand Ekechukwu about her acting debut, experience on set of the movie, the character, Aisha, and more
Congratulations on the success of your performance on The Milkmaid. How have you been?
I’ve been great. Thank you
You are now widely talked about for your role in The Milkmaid, following your heroic depiction of Aisha which won hearts. Interestingly this is your screen acting debut. Take us through the process/offer that birthed your character in this movie?
In 2018, after I had graduated and was now waiting the call-up letter for NYSC. A lecturer in my department called me to inform me that some filmmakers were looking for an actress and she thinks I should try it out. I got in touch with director Desmond Ovbiagele, and then I was asked to audition in Taraba. I travelled for the audition and to my shock and pleasure I got casted to play the lead role.
What was the experience on set?
The experience was exhilarating. I was working with the best of the best in the industry, alongside some very talented actors. But most importantly, we were telling a beautiful story that delves into salient issues, so I was simply happy to be a part of it.
For a first time actress, lead role can be quite challenging how did you overcome it?
Well, I’ve played the lead role for stage productions many times and although they are different, I believe my stage background prepared me for screen in many ways. But in order to transit effectively, I studied and built myself for it. I had to read and listen to stories about survivors of insurgency in order to try to understand what they go through. And for the most part, in order to become that rural girl, I had to simply observe the girls in the community. Observe from videos.
Has your goal always been acting and entertainment?
Absolutely. Since I was 13, I wanted to be an actress. When it was time to go to the University, I applied for Theatre and Performing Arts and got the admission. A little over four years later, The Milkmaid came knocking. I believe it to be Fate.
Is there any difference between Anthonieta and Aisha in terms of character traits and was there daunts playing that role?
Well I’d say a straight up yes. Anthonieta is different from Aisha in so many ways that range from their temperaments to the kinds of decisions each is capable of making. I don’t think I view anything about playing Aisha as challenging but I’d tell you that this project was physically tasking and portraying emotions.
Has there been any offers to you for movie roles? Are we seeing you soon on the big screen?
Of course there have been offers. And about seeing me on the big screen, you definitely will. I live there now. LOL
Tell us about your background…
Uhm… My father is from Abia and mother from Imo state. I was born in Zaria, Kaduna state. I attained primary to secondary school there. I also earned a degree in Theatre and Performing Arts still in Zaria. During my years in the university, I started to build myself in acting and presenting; fields I currently work in now.
The Milkmaid story is based closely on the activities of insurgents in northeastern Nigeria (especially abduction of young girls) and you growing up in that part of the country and then been coincidentally tasked to play that role, how do you feel?
For me, I was glad this story was being told. So that people, detached from this reality; who unlike me, haven’t heard about these things closely may now at the very least know what these victims face. And one thing playing this role taught me is that I and those around equally have our parts to play in ensuring that there is proper reintegration for victims of insurgency.
Any awards and recognitions?
I’ve had many recognitions from Ynaija, Pulse Nigeria, Bella Naija, Net entertainment and a host of others. All of which I’m thankful for. I also got my first academy nomination from the just concluded AMAA Awards.
Aside acting, what are your other interests?
I have a whole lot of other interests but my baby, after acting, is presenting. At various points I’ve worked as a presenter for both radio and TV stations and I’d say it’s something I’m great at.
What scares you the most as a human?
Hmmm. I think that would be ‘not being able to give back to the community that raised me.
Who is Anthonieta? Tell us your likes and dislikes; your hobbies; turn on, turn offs; phobia, your favourite food, favourite colour, and things like that…
Anthonieta is a vibrant young girl interested in arts, social issues and human development. I like to eat out, hang out with friends and family and read crime novels. When around new people or unfamiliar faces, I’m really shy and may be perceived as introverted. I have a dislike, and it’s simple, beans. I dislike beans. Uhm. My favourite colour is lemon green. My favourite food is white rice and stew (can never go wrong). I like to be around goal oriented people and I’m turned off by things I perceive to be an aberration of values.
What’s the goal for you moving on as an actor/presenter?
My goal is to ensure that at every point, I’m working towards a better version of myself.
