The scion of legendary Richard Mofe-Damijo reflects on his experience while shooting the movie that dramatizes the complexity of cross-cultural marriages and hidden trauma.
Oghenetega (OGT) Ruminates on “Revelations” and His Early Craft
“Revelations” has already made an impression internationally before its upcoming theatrical release in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, the cross-cultural drama picked up multiple recognitions at the Utah International Film Festival, including Best International Film, Best Actor for Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Best Producer, Best Country Song, and an Honorable Mention for Best Supporting Actor awarded to Oghenetega. For the young actor who appears in his first cinema project, the recognition has been less about surprise and more about validation.
“I wouldn’t say it necessarily shaped my view; it more so confirmed what I already knew,” the younger Mofe-Damijo says in an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter. “It speaks volumes about how well the story was written and shot, and just how good the movie really is.”
Set for release on August 15, “Revelations” is a cross-continental film that merges Nigerian storytelling with American cinematic influences.
The story follows Kesiena Voke, a Nigerian immigrant who falls in love with an American oncologist named Melissa. Together they build a life and career in Utah, only to face growing emotional distance, infertility issues, and unresolved trauma from both their pasts.
Though Oghenetega doesn’t play the lead character, he appears in a supporting role that ultimately earned him honorable recognition at Utah.
One scene in “Revelations” stood out to the young actor. He remembers it clearly — and nervously, too. “It happened in Utah. My character had this really emotional scene where I had to cry,” he recalls. “That scene stressed me out so much because I can’t cry on command!” But despite the pressure, it became a learning moment. “Watching the other actors pull it off so effortlessly showed me the level of professionalism on set. Especially this one scene with my dad—when they said ‘action,’ the way the floodgates just opened for him was insane.”
Shooting the film alongside RMD, who also co-wrote, and executive produced the project, was a full-circle experience for Oghenetega. “That was a very, very crazy, humbling—and I’d honestly say—lifechanging experience,” he says. “I’ve always seen him in movies. That’s what I grew up on. But it’s a very different atmosphere when I’m working alongside him.”
Seeing his father at work in real time gave him a new level of appreciation. “I was honestly stunned by how good he is,” he says. “It was also fun—I got real-time coaching from him on set. He kept giving me tips and encouraging me as we were shooting.”
Even with the close personal bond, he says the lines between father and co-star never blurred. “I don’t think it clashed at all. My dad was consistent throughout. He was professional on set—but at the same time, he’s still my father, so I always respect him and his word,” he explains. “If anything, it pushed me to be more involved and do the best I could.”
That sense of mentorship extended beyond acting. RMD wanted him to understand the entire process of filmmaking. “Not just acting, but also the behind-the-scenes process. That gave me a whole new perspective on film,” Oghenetega says.
Though the role was emotionally demanding, he says he felt drawn to the character from the start. “I liked the complexity. I don’t want to give too much away since the movie hasn’t come out yet, but I felt a personal connection to [him]—what he wanted to accomplish, how his world kind of turns upside down.”
His preparation included multiple script readings and long conversations with director Martins Eze about how to play the role with honesty. “There was this phrase that kept coming up on set: ‘become the character.’ So I really did my best to become him.”
The film’s strength, in his eyes, also comes from its diverse cast. “It was really fun. Like I said earlier, I think it’s a fresh take,” he says. “The ensemble on this one was just very diverse. I think that just added more layers to what the film already had.”
That diversity didn’t feel forced or surface-level. He believes it contributed directly to the emotional range of the film. “It makes the film more relatable for different kinds of audiences because it’s not limited to just one group of people. Anybody can watch it and connect with at least one of the characters—even someone in the background or someone who’s only on screen for two seconds.”
Asked which cast member surprised him the most, Oghenetega doesn’t hesitate. “I think I’d have to say Nnamdi, who played Kofi. When I first met him during introductions, he came off as a very chill, lowkey guy. But when it was time to shoot his scenes, he just snapped right into character immediately.”
If he hadn’t been cast in his role, Kofi’s part would’ve been his next choice. “He’s a funny character, but he also has a lot of powerful scenes. I really liked his role. The actor who played Kofi—Nnamdi—did such a great job.”
The experience of being part of “Revelations” didn’t just sharpen his acting instincts — it introduced him to a level of discipline and teamwork he hadn’t encountered before. “The main thing it showed me is that I still have a lot of work to do. Being on set with that many professionals who are so good at their craft really pushes you to rise to their level.”
It also made him want to improve. “More than anything, it motivated me to work harder. The experience showed me that there are levels to this, and if I want to be the best, I have to train and work like the best.”
Though “Revelations” marks his big-screen entrance, it wasn’t the first time he’d been in front of a camera. “But it was definitely the first time I had a role in a film that was headed to the cinemas,” he clarifies. “It was nerve-wracking but also really exciting.”
The film was shot in 2024, and Oghenetega has spent the time since thinking about what comes next. “Right now, the next step is just taking on more acting roles. I’m still auditioning, still applying,” he says. “I’m looking to take more acting classes and just keep developing my craft.”
He’s still modelling too, and looking for the next opportunity to build on the foundation “Revelations” gave him. “Acting is something I genuinely enjoy. It’s always been a dream of mine; so, the chance to keep doing this would really be a blessing. Booking that next role and continuing to grow in the industry—that’s the goal.”
With its Nigerian release now on the horizon, the moment feels long overdue for Oghenetega. “We shot ‘Revelations’ in 2024—yeah! I believe it was 2024,” he recalls. “It’s wild thinking about how much time has passed. I’ve just been waiting patiently for people back home to finally see it.”