Funke Akindele’s directorial prowess takes Nollywood to new heights as her latest film, “A Tribe Called Judah,” makes history by becoming the first Nigerian movie to cross the unprecedented 1 billion naira mark at the box office. This groundbreaking achievement solidifies the film’s place in Nigerian cinema and underscores the global resonance of local productions.
In a momentous milestone for the Nigerian film industry, “A Tribe Called Judah,” helmed by Funke Akindele and co-directed by Adeoluwa Owu, has not just captivated audiences but redefined the narrative of Nigerian cinema’s potency. The film’s unparalleled success stands as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of homegrown storytelling in the face of global streaming giants like Netflix and Prime Video.
Kene Okwuosa, the Group CEO of FilmHouse Group, hailed this feat as a harbinger of a golden era for Nigerian cinema. He emphasised the significance of Funke Akindele’s accomplishment, attributing it to the unwavering support of audiences amid fierce competition from international streaming platforms. Okwuosa highlighted that ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ reached the 1 billion Naira milestone in record time, a testament to its widespread appeal and captivating narrative.
This milestone achievement, achieved within a month of its release, draws a stark comparison to the only other film to hit the 1 billion naira mark in the West African Box Office, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ distributed by FilmOne Entertainment in 2021. Akindele’s success story further underscores her cinematic dominance following the impressive performances of her earlier works, ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ in 2021 and ‘Battle on Buka Street’ in 2022, both grossing over 600 million naira each.
In essence, Funke Akindele’s exceptional directorial talent and storytelling prowess have not only rewritten the record books but have also reshaped the landscape of Nigerian cinema, cementing her status as the foremost pioneer in the industry. As ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ continues its phenomenal run, it symbolises the triumph of local narratives and the audience’s unwavering support for indigenous storytelling on the global stage.
