Genoveva Umeh Continues Her Run With “The Herd”

Genoveva Umeh, who had her breakout moment in 2022, continues to solidify her status as one of Nollywood’s most promising talents. In her latest role, the award-winning actor stars as Derin, a young bride taken hostage in The Herd (directed by Daniel Etim Effiong), a tense thriller that explores the human cost of insecurity in Nigeria. 

Beyond the onscreen drama, Umeh is deeply intentional about the roles she chooses. For her, storytelling is cultural preservation. She credits her upbringing and immersion in Igbo traditions for shaping her commitment to authenticity in portraying Nigerian and African experiences.

“I love that I’m getting to tell Black stories. That is representative, representative of us, our ideologies, our emotions,” she tells me. “I appreciate that. I’m telling it with that. I’m telling it for us.”

In this interview, Umeh talks about her latest film experience in The Herd, Nollywood’s diverse storytelling, and what’s next for her.

The Herd tackles the heavy subject of insecurity in Nigeria. What drew you to this project, and how did you prepare emotionally for such an intense role?

The story drew me in immediately. I believe film should reflect real issues and raise awareness, and The Herd does exactly that. The reality of insecurity in Nigeria, especially the fear around road travel, is something almost every Nigerian, even those in the diaspora, can relate to. It felt important and timely to be part of a project that speaks to that collective experience.

It was also Daniel’s directorial debut, and having known him and trusted his vision and energy, I was excited to support him and take on the challenge. I love roles that push me and allow me to travel for work. I always say I go where the story takes me. To prepare, I watched real accounts from survivors of kidnappings and trauma. It was emotionally heavy, but necessary. I also researched the emotional and physical responses to loss and fear so I could understand what my character would be going through internally. Once on set, I allowed myself to be fully present and respond truthfully in the moment.

Can you tell us about your character? What did you find most compelling about her?

My character is a young woman on the brink of a new chapter in her life when everything is violently interrupted. What I found most compelling about her is her resilience. She begins in joy and hope, and then is forced into a traumatic situation designed to strip her of dignity, but she refuses to break. Through her, we see strength and the will to survive in the face of dehumanizing conditions.

As an actor, wearing the same dirty clothes every day and sitting in those uncomfortable conditions helped me tap into her emotional state. It wasn’t about recreating the exact experience; nothing can compare to the real thing, but those physical elements allowed me to channel frustration, fear, and anger into the character. That emotional truth is what drew me to her.

Working on a film about insecurity must have required research into real experiences. Did you meet with people affected by these issues, and how did their stories influence your performance?

I didn’t have to meet with anyone directly because I already have personal connections to these experiences. People in my family have gone through similar incidents, so I approached the role from a place of genuine fear and empathy.

I also drew from my own childhood memories of traveling alone by bus between Enugu and Lagos. On one trip, we were delayed due to reports of kidnappings, and I remember the anxiety, the uncertainty, and the need to stay calm even as a child. That experience of having to be strong in a moment of fear deeply informed my performance. It reminded me of how Nigerians often have to find courage and community in the midst of crisis, and I brought that resilience into the character.

As one of the leading characters, what was the dynamic like working with the ensemble cast? Were there any particularly memorable moments on set?

Working with the cast was an incredible experience. Everyone came with a deep sense of authenticity, and it felt like each person had been chosen specifically to bring this story to life. When I got to Abeokuta and met the rest of the cast, especially actors from the North, there was an immediate sense of purpose and unity.

I was especially excited to meet Amal Umar. I had seen her in MTV Shuga, and even though we weren’t in the same season, I admired her work. We bonded instantly. One of my favorite memories was after a long shoot day. We all went to a hotel nearby that had beautiful art and a cozy restaurant. We had dinner together, laughed, took videos, and just enjoyed being present. Moments like that reminded me why I love filmmaking; it’s not just about the final product, but the relationships we build and the memories we share while creating it.

Of all the characters you’ve played so far, which role has been the most challenging for you, and why?

The truth is every role challenges me in a different way, which I love. I don’t see challenges as obstacles but as opportunities to stretch myself as an actor. Whether it’s wearing a wedding dress for eleven days on The Herd or playing Ebun in Baby Farm, a character who is emotionally and physically lifeless, very different from my own personality, each role pushes me in its own way. I can’t single one out because I genuinely embrace every challenge as a privilege to grow and tell important stories.

Nollywood is evolving rapidly with more diverse storytelling. What changes in the industry are you most excited about, and what stories do you hope to see told?

I’m really excited about how Nollywood is expanding its vision. We’re experimenting more, collaborating across regions, and taking our technical craft seriously. What inspires me most is seeing actors and filmmakers investing in themselves beyond the screen, finding ways to add value to society. I’m passionate about advocacy, especially for young girls, and I want my work to have an impact beyond entertainment.

In terms of storytelling, I’d love to see more films that reflect our real social issues with honesty and depth, stories that raise awareness while still being entertaining. The Herd does this beautifully; it captures drama, action, culture, humor, and language while addressing insecurity in a meaningful way.

I’m not saying every story should be about hardship, but I believe film is a powerful tool for education and change. We can tell aspirational stories and still shine a light on important topics like women’s health, community safety, and social responsibility. Audiences connect deeply with stories that reflect their reality, and I hope we continue using film to spark awareness, conversation, and progress.

Since your breakout in 2022, how has your approach to acting evolved? What have you learned about yourself as a performer?

Since my breakout in 2022, my approach to acting has become much more intentional. I’ve had the privilege of helping filmmakers bring their visions to life, and that experience has pushed me to start exploring my own voice as a storyteller. I’m no longer just focused on performance, I’m thinking about the stories I want to tell and the impact I want to make.

I’m now in a phase where I want to create, produce, and build projects that reflect my perspective and add to the conversations happening in our industry. It feels like the right time to take that bold step, not just for myself, but for the audience that connects with my work.

What’s next for Genoveva?

What’s next for me is continuing to work with dreamers, people who tell grounded, self-aware stories that move audiences and challenge perspectives. I’m drawn to collaborators who care deeply about the craft and want to create work that makes people feel something.

I try not to limit myself to specific names or expectations because I believe my journey is unfolding in its own unique way. As the Bible says, “Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard what God has prepared.” So I’m focused on staying present, pursuing projects that inspire me, and trusting that every opportunity meant for me will come at the right time.