 |
Biography /
Filmography
Oliver Oscar Mbamara is originally
from Nigeria. After becoming an Attorney in Nigeria, he practiced Law while
simultaneously engaging in entertainment performances. He later moved to the
United States where he passed the New York Bar examination and was
subsequently admitted to practice as an Attorney. He is presently an
Administrative Judge of New York State.
Having engaged in theater and film while he was in Nigeria, Oliver continued
to write and perform on arrival in New York while not giving up on his legal
profession. In 2001, while performing a one-man poetic drama piece during
the book-signing event of his poetry book titled POEMS OF LIFE, he was
spotted and invited to play the lead role in an off-Broadway show titled
“THE PRISONER OF KALAKIRI” by Prof. Chudi Uwazuruike. He went on to direct
and also play the lead role in Zulu Sofola’s WEDLOCK OF THE GODS. At this
time, Oliver was also writing a book based on real life experiences of the
average African immigrant in the United States. With the popularity of the
Nigerian film industry called “Nollywood,” growing in leaps and bounds, in
2004, Oliver was convinced by some friends in the
industry to turn the book into a screenplay and he went ahead to collaborate
with two other producers to shoot it as one of the first African films to be
shot in the USA under the title, THIS AMERICA. The film turned out to be a
success and helped lay the foundation for the proliferation of other
subsequent African films and filmmakers in the African Diaspora today. The
much anticipated sequel to “This America,” titled ON THE RUN AGAIN is about
to be released.
Oliver has gone ahead to write and produce other films while also making his
mark as a published poet, playwright, and actor. His other works in film
include: writing and directing the epic feature film, SLAVE WARRIOR (based
on true-life experiences in a typical African society during the coming of
trans-Atlantic slave trade
www.SlaveWarrior.com).
Writing and directing the SPADE MOVIE feature film series; THE LAST
ASSIGNMENT and THE RETURN OF SPADE, which address the issue of artifacts and
human trafficking, slave labor, and forced prostitution (www.SpadeMovie.com).
Creating, writing, and directing the television comedy drama series titled
CULTURES, aimed at expressing and creating awareness and understanding for
immigrant cultures in America and the Diaspora (www.CulturesTVseries.com).
Oliver has a book of musical dance-drama titled FLAME OF LOVE which he hopes
will someday catch the attention of a Broadway producer.
Personal
Life and Appreciation
(In
Oliver's words) "As you would agree after
browsing through this website, effort has been made to tell you a lot
about my works and my humble self. I am just another Soul working towards
a balance. I have a lot to learn about life and do have my human frailties
to improve upon. If there is anything left untold about my life, it is
probably private and I do appreciate your understanding about this. Thank
you for stopping by and thank you for all your support and
encouragement.
More
blessings."
Hobbies/Pastime:
Oliver played soccer-league and still jumps at every opportunity to “tap some leather.” He was a martial arts student and teacher during his high school/college days and the essential tenets and disciplines of martial arts are still well imbibed in him. He enjoys photography and some of his shots are regularly being used in standard publications. Oliver enjoys cooking and being creative about dishes. He loves people who see the bright side and humor in everyday life, he appreciates open-minded individuals, and loves being around humble people.
Motto/Guiding Principles:
(Oliver is still learning and working on these principles)
· Forgive the past, learn the lessons, and look to the future.
· Love life, live the moment, but attach not to the pleasures.
· Do the best you can, and be content with what comes through.
· Have faith, but leave not for tomorrow what can be done today.
· Be positive in your thoughts, but reasonable in your expectations.
· Be hopeful and ambitious, but move to put your dreams to work.
· Believe if you will, but let your experience be your authority.
· Seek to know about life, but begin the quest with yourself.
· Life is the stage and man is the actor, but how’s the act?
|
 |
