Nollywood filmmakers Mo Abudu, Funke Akindele, and Jade Osiberu have been honored by The Hollywood Reporter, making it onto the prestigious list of the 40 Most Powerful Women in International Film. This recognition highlights their significant contributions to bringing African stories to the global stage and nurturing new talent in the face of a challenging film market.
Despite the setback for Africa’s production industry when Amazon Prime Video exited the African originals business, Mo Abudu has continued to thrive. Known as a pioneer in African media, Abudu’s recent short film “Dust to Dreams,” directed by Idris Elba, received backing from the African Export-Import Bank’s $1 billion Creative Africa film fund. Emphasizing the importance of inclusion in international storytelling, Abudu stated, “Diverse storytelling isn’t just about representation; it’s about unlocking a wealth of untapped creative potential.”
Funke Akindele, who expanded her repertoire by venturing into politics with a run in the 2023 Lagos state gubernatorial elections, has also continued to shine in her film career. Her latest comedy, “A Tribe Called Judah,” in which she wore multiple hats as writer, director, producer, and star, has become the highest-grossing Nigerian movie ever, with earnings of $1.2 million.
Jade Osiberu, a leading figure in Nigerian cinema, has also made remarkable strides. She created the crime thriller “Gangs of Lagos” for Amazon and is currently working on her next film, “Everything Scatter,” which focuses on five young people during a day of protests in Lagos.
Reacting to the accolade, Mo Abudu expressed her pride, saying, “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.”
Other filmmakers honored on The Hollywood Reporter’s list include Maren Ade and Janine Jankowski (Germany), Lila Avilés (Mexico), Farhana Bhula (U.K.), and Clémence de Lampugnano (France).
Source: Africa News
