Celebrating the women who have made a significant impact on Nollywood is always timely. These exceptional female filmmakers have broken barriers and continue to shape the industry in profound ways.
1. Funke Akindele
Known as Jenifa, Funke Akindele is a leading figure in Nollywood, excelling as an actress, producer, and director. Her films, including Tribe Called Judah and Omo Ghetto: The Saga, have been major box office hits. She initially gained fame with her role in the sitcom I Need to Know but later created her own successful sitcom Jenifa, earning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2009.
2. Bolanle Austen-Peters
A prominent Nigerian theatre and film director, Bolanle Austen-Peters is known for her work with BAP Productions and Terra Kulture. Her biopic on Funmilayo Ransome Kuti became the highest-grossing biopic in West Africa. Recent successes include House of Ga’a, which topped the Netflix Global Chart for Non-English Films, and Bling Lagosians.
3. Biodun Stephen
Biodun Stephen is celebrated for her family-oriented storytelling and relatable middle-class characters. Her films, such as Tiwa’s Baggage and Sobi’s Mystic, resonate deeply with audiences. She is the founder of Shutterspeed Projects and has received recognition for her work, including the AMVCA Award for Best Writer.
4. Mo Abudu
Mo Abudu, the CEO of Ebonylife Group, has made a significant impact on Nollywood through her film and media ventures. Her productions, including The Wedding Party and Blood Sisters, have achieved international success. Ebonylife Group’s partnerships with studios like Netflix and AMC Networks highlight her influence in the global film industry.
5. Kemi Adetiba
Renowned for her political thriller King of Boys and its sequel, Kemi Adetiba has also made her mark as a music video director. Her debut feature film, The Wedding Party, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Adetiba continues to be a leading director with her production company, Kemi Adetiba Visuals.
6. Jade Osiberu
Jadesola Osiberu, the founder of Greoh Studios, is known for her work on crime thrillers like Gangs of Lagos and romantic comedies such as Isoken. Her film Gangs of Lagos was the first Nigerian original to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. She has a three-year deal with Amazon to produce original TV series and films.
These women have not only excelled in their individual careers but have also paved the way for future generations in Nollywood.