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AFRICA’S film production industry was hit this year by revelations that Amazon Prime Video was getting out of the continent’s originals business but, in Nollywood, there are women who are rocking the world.
Three of these women, who are all filmmakers, — Mo Abudu, Funke Akindele and Jade Osiberu — have been honoured by The Hollywood Reporter in its prestigious list of the 40 Most Powerful Women in International Film. The expectation is that Nollywood will generate about US$14.82 billion next year.
Abudu, who pioneered African media, first as a talk show host, then TV and film producer and now theatre chain owner, has always found a way.
Her most recent project is the short film ‘Dust to Dreams’, directed by Idris Elba, that tapped funding from the African Export Import Bank’s new US$1 billion Creative Africa film fund.
Abudu believes the international industry still struggles to embrace the full spectrum of diverse stories.
“We need a systemic shift towards inclusion, recognising that diverse storytelling isn’t just about representation, it’s about unlocking a wealth of untapped creative potential.”
This accolade celebrates women who are elevating stories to the global stage and fostering new voices despite challenges in the film market.
The Hollywood Reporter highlighted Mo Abudu’s resilience and innovative spirit, stating, Funke Akindele, was praised for her multifaceted career and recent political engagement. Jade Osiberu, the founder of Greoh Studios was also commended for her artistic ambition and her innovative storytelling ability was highlighted in the magazine’s profile.
The magazine reported:
“Arguably the most artistically ambitious of a new generation of multihyphenate Nigerian producer-directors, Osiberu channelled her inner Scorsese to deliver elevated crime thriller Gangs of Lagos for Amazon.
“Her next feature, Everything Scatter, follows the stories of five young people whose lives intertwine over a day when street protests break out across Lagos.”
Reacting to the recognition, Mo Abudu expressed immense pride, stating:
“This recognition is a massive win for Nigeria. Seeing our nation celebrated for its incredible storytelling potential is so inspiring.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a movement pushing for a more inclusive film industry that embraces the power of diverse stories.”
Annually, Nollywood unfurls over 2,000 productions across diverse platforms.
Its strategic collaborations with global movie streaming giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Showmax have positioned Nollywood to export its rich culture and values worldwide. This global outreach is facilitated by compelling narratives crafted by some of Nigeria’s most talented producers and directors. — www.arise.tv.
Online Reporter