Meet Michael Chineme Ike, the 23-Year-Old Game Changer in the Movie Industry

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Just like many other global celebrities out there who made it from nothing, Michael Chineme Ike, an indigene of Omasi-Agu in Ayamelum Local Government Area in Anambra State, has risen to become a game changer and influential personality in the Nigerian movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood.

Born in March 18, 1998, the 23-year-old Michael Chineme Ike attended Onitsha High School where he graduated in 2015 and proceeded to Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 2017 to study Theater and Film Studies.

In pursuance of his love for young creative minds, he established the Aurick Foundation (formerly known as YoungAuthor Foundation) in 2015, through which he has trained and empowered many young talents. In 2016, Michael singlehandedly sponsored the publication of books of over 20 young writers in Anambra State. 

Great feats of the strong men in Ayamelum would not be complete without Michael Chineme Ike recognized as the second person to ever write and publish the history of Ayamelum Local Government Area, including the entire eight towns in the area. He started the journey of writing this history from 2015 and launched it on December 31, 2018 where the Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Governor Willie Obiano, through the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, graced the launching ceremony of the masterpiece.

Ike's journey into filmmaking came  after he was cast for an American movie but could not make it as a result of the global pandemic which occurred in early 2020. In his resilient spirit, he took up the act of producing his own movies.
So far, he has over seven movies to his credits, viz:
1.Hustler (2021)
2. The Little Things That Matter (2020)
3. Web (2020)
4. Irreplaceable (2020)
5. Stranded (2022)
6. The Dreamers 2021 - till date)

He also co-produced:
1. Scar (2021)
2. This is my story (2020)
3. Like Filtered Water (web series 2021 - till date)
4. Moments with Oma (TV talk show 2021 - till date) — Director
5. Straight Talk with Benneth (TV talk show 2020 - till date) —Director and Producer.

He is the CEO of MICSTREAMS, an interactive next generation streaming platform open to different class and groups of people, bringing unadulterated African stories, and stories from across the world from unheard and uncelebrated artists to the fore.

MIC FILM INSTITUTE:

During the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, the young Nigerian filmmaker and author, Ike established a theatre group, MIC THEATER GROUP comprising of aspiring actors and filmmakers. The goal was to coach them and provide a platform for growth and to experience the industry. The group went on to produce three short films: The Little Things That Matter, Web, and The Irreplaceable, as well as a feature film, Hustler, shot in Nigeria and the United States of America and featuring actors from both countries. There were also several other commercial video productions by the teams for companies like, Graceland Homes Ltd, CadLands, Xfit Ltd and so many others. Many members of the group have improved over time, thereby becoming professionals in the craft. Many of them have also featured in, and produced several projects.

In August 2021, the group metamorphosed into an institute with the name MIC FILM INSTITUTE.

The aim is to have a curricular-based film institute where aspiring actors and filmmakers will be schooled, certified and guided on the trajectory to a successful career in filmmaking.

With all these exploits and accomplishments at just 23, one can then imagine what the future holds for this well-gifted and creative young lad, Michael Chineme Ike.

Indeed, Eleanor Roosevelt's age-long maxim that "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" stands sure here.