As Women’s Day booms with celebrations of women, let’s celebrate some remarkable Nigerian female directors. These talented women have carved out successful careers for themselves. They have also played a crucial role in shaping Nollywood, Nigeria’s booming film industry.
Their exceptional skills, vision, and creativity shine through in their work. They craft compelling and thought-provoking stories that resonate with audiences across Nigeria and internationally. These directors are breaking down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry and leaving their mark on the world of cinema.
Here are the top 5 female directors in Nollywood who are currently producing some of the industry’s best films:
1. Jade Osiberu
Jadesola Osiberu is a true talent in the Nigerian film industry. She’s a skilled director, a great writer, and a great producer. Before directing movies, she honed her craft working on TV series like “Gidi Up” and “The Juice.”
Her first movie, “Isoken,” was a huge hit and even won an award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. Next came “Sugar Rush,” a romantic comedy starring famous Nollywood actors. Both critics and audiences loved the movie.
Jadesola’s achievements don’t stop there. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first African filmmaker to sign a special deal with Prime Video. Her movie, “Gangs of Lagos,” is set to be the first Nigerian original film on the platform. All this success proves her incredible talent, recognised with many awards throughout her career.
2. Kemi Adetiba
Kemi Adetiba is a superstar Nigerian filmmaker. She’s not just a director; she can also write and produce films and music videos. She started with a short film called “Across the Bloodied Ocean” in 2008. Then, in 2016, she directed the super-successful movie “The Wedding Party.”
Kemi kept the hits coming with “King of Boys” and its sequel. “King of Boys” was a record-breaker, staying in theatres for 14 weeks. On top of all that, Kemi directs music videos for famous Nigerian artists. Her work has been on MTV Base and BET!
She’s won awards for her films and music videos, proving she’s a super-talented filmmaker.
3. Mildred Okwo
Mildred Okwo is a big name in Nigerian film! She’s a director and producer who’s made a huge impact. Her first movie, “30 Days,” came out in 2005 and was a critical hit. It even got nominated for awards!
In 2012, she directed “The Meeting,” a romantic comedy-drama that became a box office success and won many awards.
Mildred kept making hit movies, like “Suru L’ere” in 2016 and “La Femme Anjola” in 2020. Her films have won awards in Nigeria and all over the world.
She’s such a talented filmmaker that she was nominated for a Best Director award and even featured in a BBC documentary. Today, she’s a role model for aspiring filmmakers in Nigeria.
4. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is a powerhouse in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Not only is she a talented director, but she’s also an actress and producer. She has won over audiences with her numerous skills.
Her acting style has a magnetic quality that quickly drew in fans. Many know her best for the iconic role she played in the TV series “Jenifa’s Diary.” This show became a household name across Nigeria and beyond its borders.
Funke isn’t just about acting; she’s also a force behind the camera. She’s produced and starred in several successful films. The movies include “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” “Battle on Buka Street,” and “Chief Daddy.” Interestingly, “Battle on Buka Street” currently holds the title of the highest-grossing Nigerian movie!
But her talents extend even further. Funke has successfully transitioned into directing as well. Her directorial debut came in 2011 with “Return of Jenifa.” The movie spun off of the popular TV series that launched her career. Since then, she’s continued to direct films like “Your Excellency” and “Moms at War.” All these show her well-rounded skillset in the entertainment world.
5. Tope Oshin
Temitope Oshin is a shining star among Nigerian film directors. Her exceptional talent lies in crafting beautiful stories that come alive on the big screen. With her unmatched directing skills, she has become a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Before captivating audiences with her feature films, Temitope honed her craft by directing episodes of popular African drama series like “MTV Naija Shuga,” “Tinsel,” “Hotel Majestic,” and “Hush.” This experience honed her skills and prepared her for even bigger projects.
Temitope’s directorial talents truly blossomed when she began directing feature films. She’s the mind behind successful movies like “New Horizons,” “Journey to Self,” “Up North,” and “New Money.” These films not only entertained audiences but also garnered recognition from industry heavyweights.
Today, Temitope is a role model for aspiring filmmakers. Her passion and dedication to her craft are truly inspiring. Undoubtedly, she will continue to leave her mark on the Nigerian film industry in the coming years.
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