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Judith Audu

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Judith Audu
Judith Audu
Born
Judith Emike Audu

Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria
NationalityNigerian
CitizenshipNigerian
Alma materUniversity of Lagos
Occupation(s)Film producer, film director, TV producer, TV director, showrunner, actress, casting director, presenter, voice over artiste, blogger, model
Years active2004; 2010–present
Notable workJust Not Married
SpouseMorten Foght
Awards2016:Best of Nollywood Awards, Best Actress

Judith Emike Audu-Foght, professionally known as Judith Audu, is a Nigerian film and television producer, director, casting director, actress, presenter, model and blogger. She is widely known for her movie production credits which include Just Not Married,[1] The Family[2] and The Sessions. In 2019, she was listed among the YNAIJA 100 most Influential Nigerians in Film.[3]

As an award winning Nigerian actress and film maker, she is passionate about social justice and she has been supporting the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) since 2019.[4][5] She also uses her platform to educate on issues relating sexual and gender based violence; this influenced the creation of her film "Not Right" which raises awareness on the domestic violence in Nigerian society and also encourages women to voice out.[6] Judith Audu, been the currently, Nigeria's most sought after young producers in the movie industry; who began her career as an actress and has emerge to be a producer of international reckon. Her first feature film production "Just Not Married" was one of the eight Nollywood movies that was selected which premiered at the Toronto Film Festivals (TIFF) in Canada.[7]

Early life

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Audu was born in Navy Town, Ojo to a Naval Personnel father;[8] Audu Ali Audu and mother; Gift Salamat Audu. Her mother was a restaurateur and entrepreneur[8] that owned a chain of restaurants and a rental service for events. Judith has two brothers, elder brother Franklin Audu and a younger brother Abdulmalik Audu. She is the second child and only daughter. She is from the Auchi area of Edo State in the southern part of Nigeria.

Audu attended Navy Town Primary School,[9] Ojo, from 1988 to 1993, then proceeded to Navy Town Secondary School from 1993 to 1999, where she majored in the Arts. She then went to the Nigerian French Language Village, Badagry in 2001 and obtained a Diploma that she used in getting a Direct Entry into the University of Lagos in 2002.

In 2005, Audu obtained a B.A in French from the University of Lagos.[10] After her National Youth Service (NYSC) In Kebbi State in 2006/2007, She went back to the University of Lagos and applied for master's degree course in Public and International Affairs from 2008 to 2010, where she graduated with a degree in Masters of Public and International Affairs (MPIA).[10]

Career

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While at the University of Lagos, Audu joined a theater group[8] called the Campus Playhouse and took part in several stage productions. From there she auditioned to be a part of Theater 15 which was the most respected theater group in the University of Lagos at the time. It was from these theatre groups that Audu honed her acting skills and worked alongside Nigerian television personality Denrele Edun, actor/comedian Koffi and Director Wole Oguntokun.

In 2004, when the University of Lagos went on a ten-month strike,[11] Audu was invited by her colleague Denrele Edun to Alpha Vision Company where she auditioned for and got her first role on the small screen in Tajudeen Adepetu's TV Series, One Love.[11] In the same year, Audu officially registered herself as an actor with the Actor's Guild of Nigeria[12] and began attending auditions, through which she got a role in a Ghetto film by Femi Ogedegbe titled Tears of the Ghetto (Life is beautiful). At the end of the University strike, Audu went back to school and took a hiatus from acting,[11] although she did take a part in an independent children's series, Funtime, where she played the role of Vanessa.

During her compulsory National Youth Service, she was the presenter and producer of a programme on Kebbi State Television called French For Beginners and was also the Drama Troupe Director.[11]

In 2011, after completing her master's degree program, Audu attended an audition for a role in the television drama, Tinsel and got the role of a gynaecologist,[11] she has since been part of several Television Series like Emerald, Seekers, Burning Spears, Tinsel, Huzzel, 4 Walls, Comfort Zone, Rush, Funtime, Life is Beautiful, Case File, House Apart and Queens Drive.[10]

In 2014, Audu produced her first film, a short film on domestic violence titled 'Not Right',[13] which starred Omowunmi Dada, Ani Iyoho, Philip Festus and Judith Audu.

In 2014, Audu began airing a radio show on a popular online radio station, Igroove Radio tagged Meet the Actor With Judith Audu where she does personality chats with Actors from all over the world.[14]

In May 2016, Audu produced and premiered her first ever, full-length feature film, under her production company, Judith Audu Productions. The movie, titled Just Not Married[15] features Stan Nze, Rotimi Salami, Ijeoma Agu, Obutu Roland, Brutus Richard, Gregory Ojefua, Judith Audu and Perpetua Adefemi. The movie enjoyed rave reviews and topped cinema ratings across Nigeria in the first few weeks of its release.[1]

Personal life

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Judith Audu married[11] Morten Foght on 1 July 2011.

Audu is an avid blogger[16] and has two blogs: www.judithaudu.blogspot.com where she profiles up and coming artists and does entertainment news, and the other is www.playingwithrecipes.blogspot.com where she shares food recipes she plays with as she is also a foodie and loves experimenting and trying out recipes from all over the world.

Awards and recognition

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In 2013, she was nominated for the Best Female Actor Award 2013 at the Nigerian Broadcasting Merit Award.[17]

In December 2014, Audu won the award for Best Actress at the In-Short International Film Festival 2014 for her role in the short-film, Alpha Mom.[18]

Audu's short film Not Right, which she produced and starred in was nominated for the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards as 'Best Short Film',[19] the film was also nominated at the Best of Nollywood Awards, Nollywood Movie Awards and at the Abuja International Film Festival in 2014.[20]

In 2016, Audu won the award for Best Actress at the Best of Nollywood Awards for the movie Just Not Married. Audu won the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (African Film in English) for the movie Obsession at the 22nd African Film Awards in the UK in November 2018,[21] as well as at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival for her role in the movie Unfinished Business.[22]

In February 2020, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) named Audu as a "high profile supporter" for its "Telling the Real Story" (TRS) project.[23]

In April 2021, she was given a recognition award at the Eko Star Film and TV Awards.[24]

She also received a commendation for her work from the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in 2021.[25]

Year Event Prize Film Result
2013 Nigerian Broadcasting Merit Award Best Actress on TV - Emerald Nominated
2014 In-Short International Film Festival Best Actress Alpha Mom Won
2016 Nigerian Models & Achievers Awards Female Fast Rising Model Actor of the Year Self Nominated
Best of Nollywood Awards Best Actress Just Not Married Won
Abuja International Film Festival Best Actress Just Not Married Won
City People Movie Awards Best Movie Producer of the Year Just Not Married Nominated
ZAFAA Awards Movie Producer of the Year Just Not Married Won
2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Supporting Actress of the Year Self Nominated
The African Film Festival Best Actress Self Won
Nigeria Achievers Awards Next Rated Movie Producer of the Year Self Nominated
Campus Hubb Awards Best Youth Actress Self Nominated
2018 Starzz Awards Creative Movie Producer of the Year Self Nominated
Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival Best Supporting Actress Unfinished Business Won
African Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Obsession Won
ZAFAA Awards Movie Producer of the Year The Family Won
In-Short International Film Festival Best Director Mirabel Won
In-Short International Film Festival Best Short Film Mirabel Won
Best of Nollywood Awards Best Short Film Mirabel Won
Pearl International Film Festival Best Non-Ugandan Feature Film Just Not Married Won
2019 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival Best Nollywood Female Filmmaker Self Won
Best Director Short Film Mirabel Won
Abuja International Film Festival Outstanding Feature Film of the Year The Family Won
Golden Movie Awards, Ghana Best Comedy Film Bedroom Points Won
Golden Movie Awards, Ghana Best Comedy Film Bedroom Points Won
2020 Best of Nollywood Awards Director of the Year The Sessions Nominated
Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival Best Nollywood Director The Sessions Nominated
Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival Best Nollywood Actress The Sessions Won
Nollywood Entertainment & Leadership Awards Best Lead Actor Female The Family Won
The Intellects Giant Awards Movie Producer of the Year Self Won
Best of Nollywood Awards Best Social Message The Sessions Won
Best of Nollywood Awards Best Documentary Tame the Silent Killer (Documentary on Breast and Cervical Cancer) Won
2021 Eko Star Film & TV Awards Producers who make things Happen Self Won
2022 Nigerian Women Achievers Awards Producer of the Year Self Nominated

Filmography

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Production credits

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Year Title Role Director Notes
2021 The Kings Horseman (Elesin Oba) Producer Biyi Bandele A Netflix / EbonyLife Studios Production
Blood Sisters Producer Biyi Bandele / Kenneth Gyang A Netflix / EbonyLife Studios Production
Hook Up Producer Uyoyou Adia ROK Studios / Judith Audu Productions
2022 The Sessions Producer
Shanty Town Line Producer Dimeji Ajibola A Giant Media Studios Production
Special Friends Producer Uyoyou Adia ROK Studios / Judith Audu Productions
2020 The Ring Producer Uyoyou Adia ROK Studios / Judith Audu Productions
Nneka the Pretty Serpent Associate producer Tosin Igho A Play Network Studios Production
Rattlesnake Line Producer Ramsey Nouah A Play Network Studios Production
The Father Producer Uyoyou Adia A ROK Studios / Judith Audu Productions Production
2019 The Sessions Producer Judith Audu Judith Audu Productions
Diary of the Damned Producer Judith Audu A ROK Studios / Judith Audu Productions Production
Tame the Silent Killer (Documentary on Breast and Cervical Cancer) Producer Judith Audu Judith Audu Productions/ Nigerian Ports Authority
The Family Producer Judith Audu A ROK Studios / Judith Audu Productions Production
2018 #TheFourthSide Producer Uyoyou Adia Judith Audu Productions
For Priye Producer Moyin Ezekiel A Hi-Impact TV Production
Nigerian Trade Production Manager Jade Osiberu Produced by Jade Osiberu
Mirabel Producer Judith Audu A Judith Audu Production
Like Dominoes Producer Judith Audu A Hi-Impact TV Production
Bedroom Points Producer Judith Audu A Hi-Impact TV Production
Shelter Producer Moyin Ezekiel A Hi-Impact TV Production
2017 Walking With Shadows Production Manager Aoife O’ Kelly Produced by Oya Media LTD
Gold Statue Associate producer Tade Ogidan Produced by OGD Pictures/ Solution Media and Infotech
Stormy Hearts Producer Tope Alake Produced for Iroko / ROK TV
2016 HAKKUNDE Production Manager Asurf Oluseyi Amuwa Produced by Asurf Oluseyi Amuwa
SCORNED Production Manager Christiana Martin, Tokunbo Ahmed Produced by Christiana Martin, Tokunbo Ahmed
Candle Production Manager Taiwo Shittu Produced by Tamara Eteimo
2015 Hell or High Waters Production Manager Asurf Oluseyi Amuwa Produced by Asurf Oluseyi Amuwa
Just Not Married Producer Uduak-Obong Patrick Produced by Judith Audu
2014 Not Right Producer Uduak-Obong Patrick Produced by Judith Audu

Directorial credits

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Year Title Role
2018 Mirabel Director
Flipped Director
Morning Fix Director
Heart Break Director
Like Dominoes Director
Bedroom Points Director
2019 The Sessions Director
The Family Director
Diary of the Damned Director

Acting credits

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Year Title Role Director Notes
2004 One Love Chika Wasiu Onitilo TV series
Life is Beautiful Jossy Femi Ogedengbe Feature Film
Hammer Fela's Girl Izu Ojukwu Feature Film/Cameo Appearance
2006 Funtime Vanessa Nkiru Okonkwo TV series
2010 House Apart Sasha Tony Enejedu TV series
Huzzel Jennifer Davies Obiekea TV series
2011 Tinsel Gynecologist Tope Ogun,Victor Aghahowa and George Kura TV series (Recurring Role)
2012 The Journey Wunmi Femi Adewale TV series
2013 Emerald Mofe Tope Alake and John Njamah TV series
4 Walls Tutu's mother Kolade Shasi Short Film
Yes I Don't Sheyi Best Okoduwa Feature Film
Switch Sade Best Okoduwa Feature Film
Seekers Dupe Yemi Remi TV series
Burning Spears Omowunmi Segun Kayode TV series
Olorogun and Company Avwebo Segun Kayode TV series
Comfort Zone Nina Obi Osotule TV series
Love is Over-rated Chinelo Belinda Yanga Feature Film
2014 Stopping Kloe Evelyn Ehizojie Ojesebholo Mnet Original TV Film
Alpha Mum mother Akin Harrison Short Film
Out of Fire Angelina Ehizojie Ojesebholo Mnet Original TV Film
Not Right Funmi Uduak Obong Patrick Short Film
A Day with Death Kulapo Oluseyi Asurf Short Film
2015 Tales of Eve 5 Nengu Imoh Umoren TV series
Mama Osaro Goes Kinky Ehizojie Ojesebholo Comedy[26][27][28]
2016 Just Not Married Keji Anuola Uduak-Obong Patrick Feature Film, Produced by Judith Audu Productions, Blacreek Pictures and Asurf Films
2019 The Family Lead Judith Audu Feature Film, Produced by Judith Audu Productions, featuring Omowumi Dada, Judith Audu, Tina Mba, Mofe Duncan, Beverly Osu and more
#TheFourthSide Boss Uyoyou Adia Short Film
The Sessions Elohor Judith Audu Feature Film
2020 Nneka the Pretty Serpent Pathologist Tosin Igho Feature film
For Maria Ebun Pataki Tola Damilola Orimogunje
2021 Country Hard Iredia's Mum Paul Utomi Crime / Drama
2024 L.I.F.E. Restaurant Lady Uyoyou Adia Mystery

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Judith Audu's Just Not Married tops cinema ratings". The Nation Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 1 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  2. ^ "Judith Audu wraps up shoot of 'The Family'". TheNationNewspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  3. ^ "YNAIJA Presents the 100 Most Influential Nigerians in Film in 2019". Ynaija. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
  4. ^ "UNHCR-Judith Audu". unhcr.org. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  5. ^ "Judith Audu named UNHCR high profile supporter". Vanguard Nigeria. 14 February 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  6. ^ Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for. "Judith Audu". UNHCR. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  7. ^ "Judith Audu". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  8. ^ a b c "Sometimes I'm tempted to quit acting-Judith Audu, actress". Daily Sun Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 14 July 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  9. ^ "My mission as an actress —Judith Audu". The Nation Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 20 May 2012. Archived from the original on 15 April 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  10. ^ a b c "My FRUSTRATIONS as an actress—Nollywood actress Judith Audu". The Nation Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 29 June 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  11. ^ a b c d e f "Judith Audu: My Journey into the Movie Industry". New Telegraph Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 11 April 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  12. ^ "34 facts in the life of Nollywood actress Judith Audu". My Daily Newswatch. Lagos, Nigeria. 7 December 2013. Archived from the original on 11 April 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  13. ^ "Judith Audu set to release Not Right". The Nation Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 30 March 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  14. ^ "Judith Audu bags Deal with iGroove Radio". The Nation Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 16 November 2014. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
  15. ^ "Judith Audu Premieres Movie in Nigeria". Pulse Nigeria. Lagos, Nigeria. 7 May 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  16. ^ "Judith Audu challenges Linda Ikeji | National Mirror". National Mirror Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 30 March 2013. Archived from the original on 30 April 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  17. ^ "Nominees List". Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards. Lagos, Nigeria. 30 March 2013. Archived from the original on 15 April 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  18. ^ "With Alpha Mum, Judith Audu Steps Up". Guardian Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 27 December 2014. Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
  19. ^ "Judith Audu Ectstatic over AMVCA Nomination". Vanguard Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  20. ^ "Judith Audu Excited over 'Not Right' Nominations". The Nation Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  21. ^ "Winners of the 22nd African Film Awards 2018". African Voice Newspaper UK. London, England. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  22. ^ "ACTRESS JUDITH AUDU BAGS AWARD FROM TORONTO INTERNATIONAL NOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL". Daily independent Newspaper. Toronto, Canada. 2 September 2018. Archived from the original on 8 November 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  23. ^ "UNHCR Names Judith Audu as High Profile Supporter". Daily Independent. Edo, Nigeria. 20 February 2020. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  24. ^ "Dazzling Eko Star award for leading ladies of film, TV". guardian.ng. Toronto, Canada. 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  25. ^ "A Special Commendation of the Blessed Virgin and of Her Sorrow, Which is Beyond Price, Which She Suffered in the Passion of Her Son", Wisdom's Watch Upon the Hours, Catholic University of America Press, pp. 217–230, 4 January 2019, doi:10.2307/j.ctv9b2x5g.23, retrieved 22 July 2022
  26. ^ "MAMA OSARO GOES KINKY ….to save her marriage". Eminent Leaders Magazine. Ena Ofugara. Archived from the original on 19 July 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  27. ^ "Judith Audu, Ada Ameh, Charles Inojie star in new movie". Pulse Nigeria. Chidumga Izuzu. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  28. ^ "'Mama Osaro Goes Kinky': Judith Audu, Ada Ameh, Charles Inojie star in new movie". 1Push Naija. Ogbodo. Archived from the original on 26 May 2015. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
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