Read How Omotola And Genevieve Nnaji Managed Their Rivalry On Set Of Award Winning Movie 'Ije'

Keith L. Smith, an American cinematographer that worked on the award-winning movie, Ije, has confirmed that the perceived rivalry between two Nollywood heavyweights, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Genevieve Nnaji was pronounced on the set of the movie.

He noted that the duo were able to manage their rivalry on set in such a way that it didn’t interfere with their performance.

In a new chat with E24-7 magazine's editor in chief Biodun Kupoluyi, Keith said:

What’s your opinion about Omotola’s acting skills?

I worked with her on “Ije” and she was amazing and talented. She’s one of the most professional actors I’ve worked with. I’ve been shooting in Hollywood for about 17 years now, and to me she is one of the best. She was really focused. When I met the director of the movie, I was told that Omotola was the Angelina Jolie of Nigeria.

There is this perceived rivalry between Genevieve and Omotola, did they display this on set?

Let me tell you something: it was amazing. I did not see it, but I felt it. However, they were very professional with the way they got along. I knew there was something between them, and I had heard of it. But when they got in front of the camera, they put all that behind them, but whenever they finished their scenes, they went their separate ways.

What was the chemistry like between them off-set?

There wasn’t much. They both had their groups, and they were just distant. There wasn’t friction, but I noticed that they were apart from one another. They never hung out together. However, they’re both big stars.

Will you like to work with her (Omotola) again?

Yes, I’ll love to work with her again. I was very impressed with her.