Clutch: Wow, that sounds interesting! Now, you also have a new movie coming out, All About Us, which boasts a knockout cast (Morgan Freeman, Ruby Dee, LaTanya Richardson Jackson). Tell us about it.On his family:
Boris: It’s a true story about a couple who are both filmmakers in Hollywood, who become disillusioned with the politics of the industry and the roadblocks they constantly encounter on their way to realizing their dream of being successful filmmakers. They travel all the way to Mississippi to find Morgan Freeman and persuade him to be in their movie. While on the road, they answer questions that have gone unanswered about what’s important in their life; what their priorities are and where family falls within the whole system of being successful. It’s a very interesting movie. I was attracted to it because it was a role that I usually don¢t get offered. I loved the passion Christine and Michael Swanson had for their script, and I wanted to be part of their journey. It was a true labor of love and teamwork was essential. The experience left me high on life and on family, and clear about one thing: When you put family first, the happiness that comes from that makes everything else fall into place.
Clutch: How was it working with such an amazing group of seasoned actors?
Boris: Well, Morgan Freeman made a cameo appearance, so I didn’t get to work with him at all actually. But, Ruby Dee, obviously is a legend on the screen. The energy on the set was just amazing. She’s just so wise, and talking to her and being in her presence was such an honor to me and everybody else as well. It was something I will never forget; it was truly an amazing experience.
Clutch: Since the movie is essentially about family, let’s talk about that. You and your wife (Nicole Ari Parker) are the proud parents of two beautiful children (Sophie, 3 and Nicolas, 1). What has fatherhood been like for you?
Boris: It’s absolutely amazing. It’s turned my life upside down. I could have never imagined it having such an impact, but it’s been the best experience of my life. It’s amazing every day. When you see those little people grow up and you start to notice little things in their personalities that remind you of yourself and your wife. They’ve taught me so much about myself and what’s truly important in life. Children give you invincibility in a way. Because all of a sudden, everything else becomes so unimportant and falls by the wayside. It makes you very relaxed about everything else. It takes the pressure off, but at the same time, it gives you a newfound purpose. It’s funny because we’re always talking about how we never remember what we were doing before kids. There was really no purpose in doing what we were doing, until we had children.
Clutch: Is it difficult juggling your home life with your hectic work schedule?
Boris: It’s a challenge; it’s harder sometimes than others. But I have an amazing wife who is on the same page when it comes to family. We decided that family comes first and that everything else comes second. So once you make that choice, it becomes a little easier because you’ve stripped yourself of those anxieties of not being in LA so much or not getting a certain job. All that stuff becomes unimportant very quickly. Once you embrace family and your kids and marriage, that becomes the nucleus of your life. Everything else happens sort of by itself. Everything falls into place.
Christine Swanson's celebrated feature All About Us (the companion film to her feature All About You) is an inspirational and refreshing romantic drama inspired by a true story. When a filmmaking couple hits a brick wall in Hollywood, they set off to Mississippi to find Morgan Freeman and persuade him to star in their next movie. When life gets in their way, the couple soon discovers what matters to them most. Beautifully told with stellar performances by Boris Kodjoe, Academy Award nominee Rudy Dee and special appearance by Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman against the backdrop of Hollywood and the Mississippi Delta, All About Us is an entertaining and heartfelt story that provides insightful commentary on the familial rifts that ambition often creates. [FAITH FILM WORKS]
In the April edition of Essence magazine, CNN's "American Morning" entertainment correspondent Lola Ogunnaike recently discussed with Pamela Edwards her move from print to television.
Lola Ogunnaike on how her personal style changed: You're not dressing for yourself anymore. You're dressing for viewers.
Lola even goes further by saying she's wouldn't mind being a trainer because "you wear sweats all day and make people look fabulous".
The former New York Times culture reporter also dished out a few of her favorite things which include a red patent leather Christian Louboutin pump, Marc Jacobs "daisy" perfume, a green Chaiken dress, and a purple Catherine Malandrino jacket.
Lola on Oprah Winfrey: It's the only time in my career that I've been starstruck. Oprah's so regal. I almost kiss the ring!
Lola however failed to talk about the huge ring on her wedding finger...hmm!
Full scan of Lola Ogunnaike's one-page editorial via ESSENCE.COM
Check out this youtube clip of Lola talking about racy Halloween costumes:
Photography: Chris Kolk/ Words: Pamela Edwards. credit: ESSENCE.COM
