In celebration of the International Women’s Day, Pulse Movies highlight some of the most inspiring female directors and producers who are making impact in Nollywood industry, in no particular order.
Mo Abudu
Ever since Mo Abudu ventured into filmmaking, she has turned herself into a reputable auteur and a force on both the big screen.
Mo Abudu is the Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV and films. [Instagram/MoAbudu]
Her magic wand produced top Nollywood blockbusters like ‘The Wedding Party’ franchise, ‘Fifty,’ ‘The Royal Hotel Hibiscus.’ Abudu was also responsible for some TV production that includes ‘The Governor,’ ‘Desperate Housewives Africa,’ ‘Sons of the Caliphate,’ and ‘Fifty the Series.’
‘The Wedding Party’ and ‘The Wedding Party: Destination Dubai,’ which grossed hundreds of millions of Naira, are huge success currently ranking as the top two highest grossing Nollywood movies.
In 2017, Abudu was mentioned in The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of the ‘25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television alongside Angelica Guerra (Latin America), Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner(United Kingdom).
In 2018, Abudu made headlines again with ‘Chief Daddy’ after which she got herself a seat as one of the academy directors for the prestigious Emmys.
Biola Alabi
Biola Alabi is notable for spearheading the berth of one of Africa’s biggest movie awards, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, while she worked with Multichoice Nigeria.
Managing partner at Biola Alabi Media Consulting Firm, Biola Alabi
After her exit from the cable TV company, Alabi began working on her production house, Biola Alabi Media. The company delved into movie production and have successfully found space as a major player in the industry.
With the production of ‘Banana Island Ghost’ and ‘Lara & the beat,’ the company has made an impactful contribution to Nollywood.
Alabi went a step further to host a TV show on Arise Network. She has since been a host of the TV station coverage of the Academy Awards, Oscars since 2017.
Kemi Adetiba
Kemi Adetiba carved a niche for herself after shot series of music videos for top Nigerian musicians that included Olamide and Niyola.
Kemi Adetiba has become a leading light for several female filmmakers with her success.
A graduate of the New York Film Academy, Adetiba has worked as an On-Air Presenter, TV show host before she started shooting music videos.
A filmmaker, and television director whose works have appeared on Channel O, MTV Base, Soundcity TV, and BET, Kemi Adetiba made her entry into Nollywood when she worked on ‘Wedding Party 1’ for EbonyLife films.
Adetiba was also responsible for some issue based series and documentaries that include ‘Brotherhood’ and ‘King Women.’
The success of the feature film saw her making her second feature film, ‘King Of Boys,’ a political thriller that ruled 2018.
Aside from breaking her own record with ‘The Wedding Party 1,’ Adetiba was listed as a game changer in 2019.
According to a Nigerian economist, Bismarck Rewane, Kemi Adetiba amongst the 15 people who he believes will shape the country’s economy.
Tope Oshin
Tope Oshin was the only female director on M-Net’s hit soap opera ‘Tinsel’ in its first five seasons – she shot about 350 episodes of the show.
Tope Oshin’s movies in 2018 got several movie awards nominations.
She has produced and directed several acclaimed movies such as ‘Fifty,’ ‘Journey to Self,’ ‘In Line’ among others.
She is also known for directing series such as ‘Hush,’ ‘Hotel Majestic,’ ‘The Apprentice Africa,’ ‘Shuga’ (Season 3 and 6).
Oshin has also directed several short films including ‘The Young Smoker’, ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ and ‘New Horizons.’
In 2016, she directed the documentary, “Amaka’s Kin: The Women Of Nollywood,” a memorial to influential filmmaker Amaka Igwe, who died in 2014, and had before her death, paved the way for most female filmmakers.
In 2017, she shot the critically acclaimed movie, ‘We don’t live here anymore’ and in 2018, she returned to the cinemas with ‘Up North.’
Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji is one of the accomplished Nigerian movie stars with mentions in international media.
Genevieve Nnaji made a first with her movie, ‘Lionheart,’ which was released in 2018.[YouTube/MPM Premium]
The actress has featured in over 200 movies since her career kicked off 20 years ago. She also featured in the film ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ based on Chimamanda Ngozi’s book of the same name about the Nigerian-Biafran War from 1967-70.
In 2015, Nnaji made her debut as a producer when she co-produced ‘Road to yesterday’ which she also featured in.
In 2018, she made her directorial debut with the movie, ‘Lionheart.’ The movie became the first Nollywood movie to be acquired by Netflix before release. It was premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and got good reviews.
Nnaji has since signed a management deal with a top US talent management firm and has been working on new grounds to break into Hollywood.
Bolanle Austen-Peters
The managing director and founder of renowned Arts and Cultural organisation, Terra Culture, Bolanle Austen-Peters ventured into filmmaking with “93 Days,” a stirring depiction of how the deadly Ebola virus was contained in Lagos.
Bolanle Austen-Peters’ directorial debut, ‘The Blings Lagosians’ features top Nollywood actors. [Instagram/TheBlingsLagosians]
Bolanle Austen-Peters Production is popular for producing critically acclaimed musicals such as “SARO the Musical,” “WAKAA!” and “FELA and the Kalakuta Queens.”
In 2018, Bolanle Austen-Peters took it a notch higher as she made her directorial debut by shooting her second feature film, ‘The Blings Lagosians.’
Biodun Stephens
Biodun Stephens resigned her job as an On-Air Presenter to study filmmaking and scriptwriting at the London film academy.
Biodun Stephens is a filmmaker and writer that has been impacting the Nigerian movie industry. [Biodun Stephens]
Upon her return, she immersed herself into making a change in Nollywood and partnered with Koga Entertainment to make the movie, ‘The Visit,’ which went on to open doors for her.
Working with several individuals, Stephens made headlines again with the interesting drama, ‘Picture Perfect’ in 2017.
In 2018, Stephens joins Tope Oshin as one of the female filmmakers working with M-Net and Multichoice Nigeria to create content for Africa Magic.
Stephens is billed to released a faith-based feature film, ‘Joba’ in 2019.
Credit: pulse.ng
In an Instagram post, the director of ‘Wedding Party 1’ expressed how emotional she got finding out the success of her movie.
She wrote,
“If you know the journey it took to get here, you’ll understand why I’m emotional right now. God. Is. The. Greatest!!! #Hardwork#Consistency #GraceOfGod
#KOBFEVER #KOBSeason#KOBStillNumberOne Congratulations to the cast, the crew and everyone that has shown us goodwill!!!“
The filmmaker went further to note that the movie starring Sola Sobowale, Reminisce, IllBliss, Toni Tones and Adesua Etomi-Wellington has remained on the number one spot for the seven weeks.
Adetiba also announced that the movie is the fourth highest grossing Nollywood movie of all time and the longest running film at the number one spot in Nigerian territory.
Credit: pulse.ng
Thousands of young women gathered last weekend at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island to witness the maiden edition of Linda Ikeji’s self-made conference an off-shoot of the “I’d rather be self made” project. The event, which targeted aspiring and established female entrepreneurs, was organized by Africa’s famous blogger, Linda Ikeji.
Addressing over 2000 young women during her opening speech, Linda Ikeji stressed on the importance for older and accomplished women to share their stories, experience and lessons learned on their journey with those who are on their way up. This, she added, will give a boost to young people’s choice of career while helping them work towards their goal.
Speakers at the event include, founder Flying Doctors Nigeria, Dr. Ola Brown, On-Air personality and comedian Omotunde Adebowale David (Lolo 1 of Wazobia), filmmaker, television and video director, Kemi Adetiba, Nollywood actress and producer, Omoni Oboli, IT professional Foluso Gbadamosi, TV personality and media entrepreneur, Peace Hyde, founder House of Tara, Tara Fela Durotoye and former Lagos State Police Command, Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus.
The speakers were generous in the way they shared their experiences and charged up the women to dream big, plan wisely and be assertive in taking opportunities. They charged the young women to accept themselves the way they are, building on their various personalities.
While some shared lessons they had learnt on their journey to the top, encouraging these aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on the trade and not the tricks of the trade, other speakers encouraged all to live purposefully and ensure they empower themselves because within each one of them is the capability and the talent needed for success.
Nollywood is wearing a new feminine look and we are loving it! These awesome breed of female filmmakers are giving life to the Nigerian film industry and pushing film beyond its limits. We call them the table turners! They inspire us and we can’t help but celebrate them.
- Tope Oshin Ogun
She is a foremost filmmaker who prides herself as an Amaka’s kin. She kicked off her career as an actor and now sits as one of the most highly regarded and influential female directors in Nollywood. Her most respected works include box office record breaking movie Fifty, Journey to Self, Till Death Do Us Part, Hope and popular TV series such as Tinsel and Hotel Majestic. She is indeed giving the male folks a run for their money.
- Kemi Adetiba
Kemi is Nollywood’s latest superwoman! She made a ground breaking entrance into the film industry by directing 2016’s most watched and talked about romantic comedy, The Wedding Party. She is popularly known for her award winning directorial skills in music videos. She is a fierce visionary and we can’t wait to see what’s next up her sleeves.
- Blessing Effiom Egbe
Blessing is successfully carving a name for herself as one whose films we can always anticipate. She is a model turned actress, award winning producer and CEO of B’Concept Network Production. Some of her film releases include Two Brides and a Baby, One Room, This Thing Called Love, Iquo’s Journal, popular series Lekki Wives and much anticipated The Women.
- Stephanie Linus
Stephanie is more than just the looks. The model-turned-actress and producer has carved a spot for herself as one of the most inspiring filmmakers in Nollywood. In 2015, she got film lovers and critics gushing about her self-directed movie, Dry, where she strongly kicked against the societal abuse of the girl-child. The movie won her commendations from international film bodies as well as global awards.
- Omoni Oboli
Omoni makes us keep wanting more. When it comes to acting and directing, she makes the best of both worlds. She made her directorial debut with her 2014 movie, Being Mrs Elliot, which won her ELOY Awards’ Big Screen Actress of the year. Since then, there’s been no looking back. Her most recent film exploits include Wives on Strike, The First Lady and Okafor’s Law.
- Michelle Bello
She has had her feet in TV and music productions. Her first self-produced and directed 2007 feature film Small Boy got two nominations at the American Black Film Festival and two awards at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. Her second 2013 feature film Flower Girl won the ‘Best African Film’ at the 2013 Black International Film Festival and ‘Favourite New Nollywood Film’ at the UK Screen Nation Film and Television Awards 2014. It also earned her the ‘trailblazer’ award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
- Funke Akindele Bello
She is definitely one of Nollywood’s favourite female producers. In 1998, she made her acting debut in United Nations’ Sponsored TV Series I Need to Know. By 2009, she got her major industry break through the production of her award winning highly hilarious movie Jenifa. At present, she writes, co-directs and produces Jenifa’s Diary, a TV series and sequel to Jenifa, which is enjoying massive audience view in and outside the country.
- Mildred Okwo
She is a foremost film producer and critic. She has made quite a stay for herself in the industry and has become known for her excellently creative way of telling the typical Nigerian story through film. She serves as a member of the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee. Her directorial exploits include multiple award winning romantic-comedy film, The Meeting and the recently released film Surul’ere.
- Mary Remmy Njoku
The actress turned filmmaker took Nollywood by a bang in 2016 with the twin launch of her Film Studio, Rok, and SKY TV Channel, Rok on Sky. The Channel which prides itself as airing ‘awesome originals’ aims to promote African story contents to the world. The studio’s popular productions include TV series such as Husbands of Lagos, Bloodline and Single Ladies. She is definitely set to take Nollywood places.
Source: LeadingLadies Africa
The United We Stand campaign is an effort to raise awareness about the rampant issue of counterfeiting, intellectual property theft and piracy in Nigeria.
Spread across many industries, it brings together all who continue to deal with these issues that not only affects their revenue, but also the purity and integrity of their hard work in creating their products.
Date: Friday, February 24th, 2017.
Time: 11.00 am.
Venue: Filmhouse Cinemas, off Bisola Durosinmi Etti Drive, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Alongside renowned beauty entrepreneurs Tara Fela-Durotoye of House of Tara International and Oke Maduewesi of Zaron Cosmetics, members of the campaign collective include Funke Akindele-Bello, representing the entertainment industry and their struggle against intellectual property theft and illegal re-distribution; Temitayo Eyitayo of 24 Apparel standing in the gap for the producers of branded clothing and consumer goods fighting counterfeiting; Uzo Uzeoke sharing Emzor Pharmaceuticals’ battle against counterfeit medication and other products in the healthcare and wellness sector; and media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo speaking on the widespread issue as it persists and affects us all across all sectors and social classes, both as creators and consumers.
The Hon. Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar will deliver the keynote address to social influencers, entrepreneurs, small business owners and corporate body representatives, who have been invited to a stakeholder meeting towards finding a solution to these problems.
A moving documentary starring members of the campaign collective was directed by Kemi Adetiba and will also be screened at the meeting. In it, they recollect the journey from building their business to discovering their work is being illegally copied.
The campaign is a stand against injustice, imploring the Nigerian public to take the extra steps to preserve hard work and to ensure consumer safety. It is also a call for government and regulators to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and to encourage a change in consumer behaviour.
It’s 2017 and TW’s cover girl is talking and dreaming BIG just like they are, as their tenth-year dawns!
A real game changer with impeccable pedigree, Oluwakemi shares on getting the gig for ‘The Wedding Party’, the monster hit movie she recently directed; the awesome inspiration of a life long experience of positive feminine power within her family; and her desire to inspire many women to BE, through her project The King Women.
She says “It is a passion project about very strong women…They are accomplished, but there’s a back story to it.”
With an inborn knack for storytelling recognised by her NY film school professor, Kemi showed Nigerians and the rest of the world a taste of it, in her last feature film.
Read all about why this is just the beginning for her, as well as the emotional story of her personal insecurities and battle with fibroids…
Today’s Woman is out on the streets NOW at newsstands & vendors nationwide!
Source: Bellanaija
