Emem Isong

• Name — Emem Isong Misodi • Birthplace — Ikono, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria • Education — * University of Calabar (BA) • University of the Creative Arts (PhD) • Occupation — * Producer • screenwriter • director • Years Active — 1994 - present • Spouse — Misodi Akama • Children — 3 • Website — https: www.youtube.com/@EmemIsongTV

Isong, the first of four children, was born on 5 September and is from Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater arts from the University of Calabar and a diploma in computer science from the Computer Science Institute (NCR). In 2024, she earned a doctorate degree in film and media arts from the University of the Creative Arts, United Kingdom.

Isong's career in filmmaking began in 1994 when she wrote the script and co-produced the film Jezebel. Her first solo production was Breaking Point (1996). She later worked with Remmy Jez for eight years as a producer. The professional relationship ended in 2008, after which she co-produced the film Reloaded. She has written or produced films such as Reloaded, Breaking Point, She Devil, A Minute To Midnight, Play Boy, Private Sin, Master Stroke, Rumours, Shattered Illusion, Promise Me Forever and Emotional Crack (screenplay). The latter was screened at the African Film Festival in New York City. She is also known for Yoruba language pictures and is a prominent figure in that industry. Isong's films featured early performances by Nollywood actors, including Stephanie Okereke and Dakore Egbuson. In 2014, Isong directed her first feature film Champagne, which had its premiere at the Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island, Lagos. In August 2015, she released the film Code of Silence, her second directed feature film which she also produced, in collaboration with the Royal Arts Academy and Nollywood Workshop. The film, which deals with rape in Nigeria, stars Makida Moka, Patience Ozokwor, Ini Edo, and Omoni Oboli. Isong has served as a speaker at the Afrinolly masterclass series and also as a judge for the MTN Afrinolly short film competition in 2013.

Isong is known to be private and rarely grants interviews. This, according to her, is because she wishes her work to be consumed on its merits alone without her personal life influencing her viewers. Isong is married to Misodi Akama, with whom she has twins born in 2016.

Isong's film credits include:

• Year — Film title • 2024 — Deafening Silence • 2023 — Yes to Forever • 2022 — Dance with Me • 2021 — A Bitter Pill • 2020 — Special Jollof • 2019 — Your Dream Girl • 2018 — Mr. & Mrs. Right • 2017 — Body Language • 2016 — Ayamma • 2015 — Don't Cry For Me • 2014 — Apaye • Knocking on Heaven's Door • 2013 — Forgetting June • 2012 — Silver Lining • 2011 — I'll Take My Chances • 2010 — Kiss and Tell • Bursting Out • Holding Hope • Memories of War • 2009 — Edikan • 2008 — Reloaded • 2007 — A Time To Love • Unfinished Business • Yahoo Millionaire • 2006 — Games Men Play • Traumatised • 2005 — Behind Closed Doors • Darkest Night • Endless Lies • Games Women Play • Girls in the Hood • I Feel U • Men Do Cry • 2004 — Critical Decision • For Real • Masterstroke • Promise Me Forever • 2003 — Private Sin • 1996 — Breaking Point • 1994 — Jezebel

• Year — Film title • 2014 — Champagne • 2015 — Code of Silence