Jackie Appiah, one of Ghana's most prolific film actresses who has geared up to once again shake up the Ghanaian movie industry with a true life African story, has proved that when it comes to the word of God she is not found wanting.

In an interaction with The Saturday Statesman as to why some movie stars had been meeting their untimely deaths through motor accidents, the affable film star replied, "You see once you are born into this world,  you will by all means die one day. Even it is written in the Bible that everything has its beginning and the end”

Readers will recall that this paper published in its last edition that the Ghana Actors' Guild had planned to organise monthly prayer meetings for actors, actresses and artistes to pray to God for protection against the numerous motor accidents.

Asked whether she subscribed to that idea, Jackie answered in the affirmative and advised that her colleagues should not wait until one month before they pray. “Prayers must be on daily basis”, she exhorted.

On her new film, she said it was surely going to raise the movie industry to international level. Details of this masterpiece and certain information about Jackie’s life were revealed to The Saturday Statesman.

The movie, Pretty Queen, a rich Africa story, will be premiered on 26 July 2008 at the National Theatre. It was produced by AA Production Film and features Magid, Rama Brew, Ekow Smith and a whole lot of big stars.

Can you tell us something about your background?

I’m the last born of five children, a 100 percent Ashanti, and raised in Canada but when I was twelve years old my mother and I came to Ghana.

How did you get into the movie industry?

I quiet remember in 2000 I took part in a Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens competition. I emerged as the 1st runner up, so in 2001 the writer of Things We Do for Love a TV series approached me. I was then auditioned and eventually took part in the series in which I played the role as 'Enyonam’ to 2003. In 2004, I joined the movie industry.

What was your first movie?

My first movie was Divine Love which hit the screen in 2004.

What were some of the challenges that you faced?

It was very challenging for me because I had to get used to the camera, the settings and everything. So it was very difficult at the beginning.

What does one gain in being an actress or an actor?

Talking of benefits, you will get to know lots of people; you become a role model to people; you get VIP treatment, and people also appreciate you and a whole lot.

How would you compare the state of the previous film industry to the present?

At first the industry used to be good but then as the day passes by, things improve. Despite the fact that it slowed down for some time, it has stood on its feet again. And even in this present state, we now have the right locations to shoot our movies, the right costumes, good story lines, as compared to those days when we didn’t have all these.

What do you think are some of the challenges facing the industry?

The only problem I can say for now is the difficulties in getting a house to act in. You know, Ghanaians always like to see beautiful things but when we approach them for houses to use as locations they refuse to give us and even if we get them, the kind of hardships we go through are very terrible.

At times we can be restricted to use a house for just a day, which might not be possible because a whole film can take like months to complete. So we do herby appeal to the government to intervene.

Don’t you think the importation of foreign films into the country is one of the problems?

No, I don’t think so. At first it used to be a problem but now the producers and those in- charge have intervened and so it is no longer a problem to us because now all our shops contain more of our films than the foreign ones, and even across the world our films are reigning in the market. I’ve been traveling so I know what I am talking about.

How has acting changed your life?

For the positive aspect, I’m respected; I’ve gained popularity; I also get VIP treatment as I’ve stated earlier. But on the flip side, it has made me a reserved person because I no longer do what I used to do. At times when I attend parties, I can’t dance publicly because all eyes will be on me, which makes me uncomfortable.

How do people approach you outside movie?

A lot of people approach me in a good way. I get good comments from people; some will also call me and ask me to be their friend.

Has there be an instant where you had received any bad comment from anyone?

Never. I think it is because of the emotional roles that I always play, crying in movies always so people rather sympathize with me.

Are there any differences between Nigerian and Ghanaian movies?

No there is no difference. We are all the same with the same style of shooting. At first people used to patronize the Nigerian movies more than ours but now people prefer ours both at home and abroad.

How does it feel like acting with them, is it something extraordinary?

There is nothing extraordinary about it; they welcome us as their fellow colleagues?

How is their emolument like, as compared to what pertains here?

Ghana is ok. But you know that when one crosses borders to do business elsewhere, definitely the pay will increase.

How many awards have you received so far?

Two; one was the Best Actress and Supporting Role in Africa Movie Academy. I was nominated with Nigerian actresses like Genevieve, Stella Damascus, Rukia, and I emerged the winner. The second one was the recent ACRAG Award.

What do you think about the way some recipients degraded the Awards?

What I will say is that for the organizers to have sat down and thought of awarding us is a good thing and whatever form that the Award came it was just a recognition of your good work. so I think the organisers need to be commended since this is the second time after a long break.

How do you feel about these Awards?

It is a challenge for me to work harder and not to idle about.

Have you in any way been able to help the society?

Yes. I’ve helped people in many humanitarian ways but I don’t want to do it publicly.

Comparing yourself to Nadia, do you see yourself as a competitor?

No. We see ourselves as sisters but we don’t see ourselves as one being better than the other.

What do you do aside acting?

I’m a full time actress.

Are married?

What I will say is, I am managing a family.

How does your husband feel when he sees you kissing in a movie?

He understands it because there is no feeling attached to it.