Entertainment
Top Influential Women Shaping the Future of Nollywood’s Film Industry

Top Influential Women Shaping the Future of Nollywood’s Film Industry, As one of the largest film industries in the world, Nollywood has evolved significantly since its inception. Central to this evolution are the remarkable contributions of female filmmakers, who have redefined storytelling and the representation of women in African cinema.
The impact of these filmmakers extends beyond their individual works. They have paved the way for future generations of women in Nollywood, demonstrating that creative, administrative, and managerial roles are not bound by gender.
So, if you’re interested in exploring Nollywood, watching films by some of these notable female filmmakers will be an exciting ride.
1. Funke Akindele
Fondly called Jenifa, Funke Akindele is the queen of blockbusters, an actress, producer, and director. With numerous films exceeding box office expectations, she has honed her filmmaking skills, whether it’s acting on screen, producing, directing, she is a force. Her unique marketing style, often featuring effective social media and influencer marketing strategies, keep her audience eagerly anticipating her next release.

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Although her introduction to the film industry was through her role as Bisi in the popular sitcom, I Need to Know, she returned years later with her own sitcom Jenifa, which earned her the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2009. Some of her notable works include Tribe Called Judah, highest-grossing movie of the year; 2023, Omo Ghetto the Saga, She Must Obey, Jenifa’s Diary.
2. Bolanle Austen Peters
A pioneering figure in Nigerian theatre, Bolanle Austen-Peters is a multi-award-winning movie director, producer, theatre director, and cultural entrepreneur. She is the founder and artistic director of BAP Productions and the arts and culture center, Terra Kulture in Lagos. Her contribution to the arts and the Nollywood space are immeasurable. Her biopic on Funmilayo Ransome Kuti became the highest grossing biopic in West Africa.
Her recent movie, House of Ga’a, made it to the top 10 Netflix Global Chart for Non-English Films in the first week of its release. Austen-Peters is also the founder of Terra Academy for the Arts, an initiative in partnership with Mastercard Foundation aimed at empowering young people with skills to kickstart their careers in filmmaking. Some of her notable works include, Bling Lagosians, Man Of God, and Collision Course.
Biodun Stephen is a screenwriter, producer, and director widely recognized for incorporating family-oriented elements in her storytelling. Using natural settings and relatable middle-class characters, she has mastered the art of telling powerful stories that resonate with audiences. Her films often bear unique titles reflective of the protagonist, such as Tiwa’s Baggage, Ovy’s Voice, Ehi’s Bitters and Sobi’s Mystic, Sista are notable examples. She runs her production company, Shutterspeed Projects. In 2022, she won the AMVCA Award for Best Writer for her sitcom Introducing the Kujus. That same year, her film Breaded Life was nominated for Best Movie, West Africa, at the AMVCA. West Africa. Some of her other works include, Looking for Baami, All Shades of Wrong, Seven and a Half Dates.
A media entrepreneur, producer, and CEO of Ebonylife Group, Mo Abudu has made a significant impact on Nollywood since founding her company in 2014. Ebonylife Group includes EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Studios, and EbonyLife Creative Academy, a film school dedicated to teaching filmmaking skills. She also manages Ebonylife Place, a luxury entertainment resort in Lagos. Her first film as an executive producer was Fifty, and she later co-produced The Wedding Party (2016), which became a commercial success. Other films she has also executive-produced or co-produced include The Wedding Party 2, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Chief Daddy, Your Excellency and Òlòtūré. Her series, Blood Sisters made Netflix’s global Top 10 within days of its release, while Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. In March 2018, EbonyLife Media and Sony Pictures Television co-produced The Dahomey Warriors. In January 2020, AMC Networks announced its partnership with EbonyLife to produce Nigeria 2099, an afrofuturistic crime-drama created by EbonyLife. Mo Abudu’s partnerships with international studios such as Netflix, Starz and Lionsgate, BBC, Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Will Packer Productions have further solidified her influence in the global film industry.
Kemi Adetiba is widely recognized for her acclaimed political thriller, King of Boys, and its sequel, King of Boys: The Return of the King. Before her success in filmmaking, Kemi Adetiba had a prolific career in Music video directing. Some of her notable works in the music industry include Olamide’s Anifowose, Last Bus-Stop by Niyola, My Darlin by Tiwa Savage, My Place by Lynxx, Love to Love You by Niyola ft Banky W. Her short film Across a Bloodied Ocean was screened at the 2009 Pan Afric
an Film Festival and National Black Arts Festival. On September 8, 2016, her first feature film The Wedding Party (a Nigerian Rom-com film) premiered opening night at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), as the opening film of the City-to-City Spotlight. Earlier in 2024, she announced that her new feature, To Kill A Monkey had completed principal photography and would be premiering soon. She has solidified her place as one of Africa’s most successful directors, having worked not only with some of the continent’s biggest stars but also directing commercials for several international brands. Adetiba owns her production company Kemi Adetiba Visuals. (KAV)
4. Jade Osiberu
Jadesola Osiberu is a screenwriter, director, producer and the founder of Greoh Studios.
Although Jade is known for her knack for crime thrillers, as demonstrated in Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos, she has also produced romantic comedies like Isoken, and Sugar Rush. Her film, Gangs of Lagos, became the first Nigerian original film to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. In September 2022, Osiberu’s Greoh Studios signed a three-year deal with Amazon to develop and produce original scripted TV series and feature films. This partnership led to Gangs of Lagos winning Best Movie West Africa at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. In August 2024, Osebiru announced the release of her upcoming movie, Christmas in Lagos, which is set to debut on Prime Video this December. Other films to her credit include Ayinla, Rumour Has it, Gidi Up.
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Entertainment
Falz doubles down on stance that ‘Fornication isn't a sin’ amid backlash

Nigerian rapper and activist, Falz, has caused quite a stir online in the past 24 hours since posting that premarital sex isn’t a sin. Despite the immense backlash from Christians and other conservatives, he has not backed down or flinched on his stance.
Amid the controversy, the rapper took to X to double down on his views and clap back at the critics saying, “Only religion I know is Love. You should try it 🙃”
As would be expected, the backlash was swift from X users, who pooled into the comment section to refute his stance about love being a religion and his earlier post about fornication.
See some reactions below:
Last time you said fornication is not sin, I want to assume there’s no red line to multiple sexual partners, so how do you really define love?
I would like to know the creed of this your religion, I’m curious to query, hope it’s not all these stop-halfway dogmas. Love. Hmm.
Love is not a religion. Religion is built on doctrine, worship, and service to a higher power. Love is a natural emotion, not a structured belief system. You don’t ‘worship’ love. You feel it, choose it, or lose it.Enough of people saying they choose “Love” as a religion.🙄
You said fornication isn’t a sin, now you’re out here preaching ‘love is my only religion.’ Bro, if it’s Christianity you’re referencing, just know love there comes with commandments—not condoms. Try again.
You believe fornication isn’t a sin yet saying love is your religion? As in, do you know the meaning of love? By the way, what type of love are you talking about? Don’t go and give your life to Christ and stop allowing the devil to deceive u. Life is short, but eternity is long.
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Entertainment
Yvonne Orji Joins Forces with Zoey Martinson for Groundbreaking Ghanaian Film 'The Fisherman

Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, and producer Yvonne Orji has signed on as an executive producer for The Fisherman, the feature directorial debut of Zoey Martinson. Orji joins through her production for in & thru, lending her creative vision and industry support to the groundbreaking Ghanaian film. The Fisherman, a whimsical comedy, made history as Ghana’s first Official Selection, premiering at the 81st Venice Film Festival in 2024, winning the Fellini Medal, Enrico Fulchignoni Prize from UNESCO.
The Fisherman follows Atta Oko, a retired traditional fisherman whose life takes an unexpected turn when he’s partnered with a wise, yet sarcastic talking fish, whose purpose in Atta’s life is more than meets the eye. Together, they embark on an adventure from a rural village town to the big city of Accra, joined by three rebellious youths all pursuing their dream of owning a boat and attaining financial freedom.
Yvonne Orji, best known for her Emmy-nominated role on HBO’s Insecure, brings her comedic expertise and passion for storytelling to the project. Her involvement underscores the film’s commitment to diverse narratives and authentic representation.
Zoey is an extraordinary filmmaker with a distinct voice, and I’m honored to champion her vision for The Fisherman, as an EP,” said Yvonne Orji. “As a First-Generation, Nigerian immigrant, this story felt personal, yet relatable. It carries both emotional weight and cultural relevance, and I’m excited to support projects like these that push the narrative forward while spotlighting bold, underrepresented talent.
Directed and written by Zoey Martinson, The Fisherman features a talented cast including Ricky Adelayitar (Beasts of No Nation), Endurance Grand, William Lamptey, Kiki Romi, Adwoa Akoto (“I May Destroy You”) and Dulo Harris (“Tales From The Big Apple”). The film was produced by Luu Vision Media, with Kofi Owusu Afriyie and Korey Jackson (Godfather of Harlem) at the helm.
Writer-director Zoey Martinson brings her international comedic sensibility to the project, having written and directed for Mzansi Magic DStv, HBO Max, Hulu (Disney+), and Showtime. Her distinct voice blends genre with comedy.
Yvonne Orji is a comedian, actress, writer, producer and author. She has starred in such films as VACATION FRIENDS and THE BLACKENING. In addition to her movie roles, she’s also released two HBO standup specials: A WHOLE ME and MOMMA, I MADE IT! her debut book, Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into the Life of My Dreams, was released in 2021.
Supported by La Biennale di Venezia’s College Cinema lab.The Fisherman is currently seeking distribution. Orji and in & thru is repped by Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLP and The Lede Company.
For more information about The Fisherman and upcoming screenings, please visit the official website of www.TheFishermanFilm.com
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Entertainment
From the Kitchen to Cannes: Woof Studios Selects Ify’s Kitchen to Speak at Cannes LIONS Creators Forum

For the first time in the history of the LIONS Creators Forum, an African creator service agency will not just attend, but lead—and that agency is Woof Studios Africa, a rising powerhouse championing Africa’s boldest creators.
This June, Woof Studios will take a multi-country delegation of top creative talent from Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa to the iconic festival in Cannes, France. Billed for the 16th to 20th of June 2025 during the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, the LIONS Creators is a dedicated forum with a curated mix of exclusive learning and networking experiences for creators and those working on the broader creator economy.
Meet the Creators
The delegation includes some of Africa’s most exciting creative voices: Ifeyinwa Joan Mogekwu, the force behind Nigeria’s beloved culinary platform Ify’s Kitchen; dynamic South African duo Cent Twinz; Ghanaian visual artist and storyteller Enil Art (Israel Derrick Apeti); and South African entrepreneur, content creator, and speaker Mpoomy Ledwaba.
Together, they will not only attend but also feature in speaking sessions, brand activations, and creative showcases, bringing the bold spirit and innovation of Africa’s creative economy to the global stage.
Africa is not the future of creativity—we are the now, said Adetutu Laditan, Founder & Creative Director at Woof Studios. This is about more than visibility. It’s about rewriting the script on who shapes global culture. At Woof Studios, we believe in the power of African talent to shape the global creative landscape. We’re honoured and grateful to the Cannes Lions team for this opportunity to carry that message to Cannes on behalf of millions of African creators. Laditan added.
As the industry’s most prestigious stage, Cannes Lions 2025 represents a significant milestone for Woof Studios and the broader African creative ecosystem. From panel discussions to pop-up showcases, Woof Studios and its creator partners are set to show the world what African storytelling, strategy, and style truly mean.
About Woof Studios
Woof Studios is Africa’s leading Creator Service Provider (CSP), empowering a new generation of storytellers and creative entrepreneurs across the continent. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Nairobi to Accra and beyond, Woof Studios is building a bridge between African cultural capital and global creative opportunity.
Media Enquiries: Uri Onojake
events@glgcommunication.com

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