Actor Shawn Faqua has described his experience working on the Nollywood film Aloma as rare, citing the script, cast, and overall professionalism on set as standout factors.
Speaking at NECLive 2025, Shawn revealed that he rarely comes across scripts that immediately capture his attention. “Maybe out of 20, one or two might jump at you. But when I’m able to cross the first four pages, then I know I have something,” he said. For Aloma, he said, that moment came instantly.
Shawn praised the screenplay for its depth and the complexity of the characters. “The character had a lot of arcs, which is what I loved. It had depth. And I was curious because it wasn’t just his character — the other characters were exciting to read,” he explained, adding that he immediately called the film’s director to learn more about the project.
He also commended his co-stars, particularly Folu Storms, who he said brought “softness to hard life.” Shawn was especially impressed with Ayo Maff, a newcomer balancing a music career with acting. “I never met him before. Blew me away, because I’m like, these people will not have time. He’s just starting his career. His career is taking off as a musician. Where’s he going to find time? Can he act? He came on set and the boy can act,” he said.
Reflecting on the collaborative nature of filmmaking, Shawn compared it to football, emphasizing that no one can afford to drop the ball. He highlighted the importance of cohesion on set, noting, “Even continuity, one small cup missing in a scene, we can wait another two hours until that cup comes. That’s how much cohesion we need on set.”
Shawn also spoke on the broader purpose of art and film. “A lot of times art imitates life, but it’s important we showcase things humanity can aspire to, especially in a clime like this where there’s quite a lot of despair and hopelessness,” he said.
Beyond creative work, he stressed the need for professionalism in Nollywood, urging actors and creatives to be comfortable with contracts and protecting intellectual property. He noted that the involvement of entertainment lawyers should not be seen as distrust but as a sign of maturity.
Aloma, directed by Chris Ihidero and produced by PinPoint Productions, is set to premiere in 2026.
