By Kennedy Onyegbado.
Those who argue that there is future for the Nigerian Film Industry can and indeed proudly point at Anita Caroline Odia, popularly known as Anita Keyss as a perfect example of a persona, who has broken free from imposed and self-imposed blockades that usually dragged behind, most individuals from achieving their dreams.
Anita Keyss who was born in Lagos as the first child of a beautician mother from Cameroon and a Father from Nigeria is a focused, dedicated and unique actress with an outstanding pedigree. Her life, talents and vision has been characterized by innovations and ingenuities.
Very assiduous, focused and result oriented; Miss Anita has over the years demonstrated her quest to being Nigeria’s fast rising screen goddess and filmmaker. She is the CEO of A KEYSS PRODUCTIONS through which she has produced several movies that has gone a long way in solidifying the Nigerian Film Industry.
A hardworking, innovative and strong team player, Anita got interested in acting while in college and consequently trained for acting at the Film Training Workshop in Abuja organized by the New York Film Academy. Thereafter featured, though un-credited, in some movies such as Real Wife (2012) and New Love (2013) where her talents and skills came to the fore.
Subsequently, in 2014, through her ‘A Keyss Productions’, she produced her first movie; ‘Beauty of The Mind’ wherein she played the role of a Supporting Actress, which earned 2 nominations at the International Film Festival in London. Also she got nominated for the Best independent Film Supporting Actress Award.
Sequel to the huge success of her fist production, Anita was poised to produce and feature in several other movies including: From the Street, Stay with Me, Ekwueme and His Investment (where she acted alongside the Popular Nkem Owoh and the multiple awards winning Daniel K. Daniel), Eno my Calabar love (alongside Ini Edo), and Ojuko The War Lord (alongside Queen Nwokoye and Eniola Badmus). Under A Keyss Productions, she Co-Produced Fast Cash (2015), produced Silver Spoon (2017), and Dry Tears (2019).
Her success in life could be pinned down to good education and hard work. After graduating from high school, Anita proceeded to the prestigious University of Calabar where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Beyond this, Miss Anita has been upbeat about morals and etiquettes in the Nigerian Film Industry. This was evident in her recent chat with Broadway TV wherein she was asked about her thoughts on nudity which seems to be the other of the day on social media.
In her response, the New Face of Elax Water noted thus: “You don’t have to expose your body to be popular. If you believe in yourself and in your talent, you don’t have to expose your body just to get fame. Look at the likes of Omotola, the likes of Genevieve, they didn’t go nude to get fame, they worked hard and it paid off”.
She further frowned at the notion of celebrities living for their fans. “I don’t think celebrities should live for their fans, it’s all about you doing what you feel you are comfortable with, and about believing in yourself. In this world, you can’t please people, so it’s about you pleasing yourself. So don’t live your life for anybody, live it for yourself”, she informed.
Giving her achievements so far, Anita Keyss as one of the Nigeria’s fast rising actress is a big boost to improving the already strong dynamism and functionality in the Nigerian Movie Industry and beyond.
- Kennedy Onyegbado is a Publicist and Heads Ken-Gbados Concepts Limited. Email: gbadoka@yahoo.com,
