Nollywood is in the middle of a global breakthrough, and Barbara Babarinsa is one of the people making it happen. She leads production at FilmOne Studios, the largest production and distribution powerhouse in West Africa. As Head of Production, her task is clear but far from simple: to champion Nollywood stories that reflect cultural truth while reaching audiences across the globe. “It’s an office that entails a lot of Nollywood titles and stories passing through your office and ensuring that the stories that are being put forward are stories that actually represent us, that are authentic and also… commercially and globally viable,” she states.
Her career has been a steady climb shaped by theatre, indigenous storytelling, and a deep passion for cinema. Barbara began her journey with FilmOne as a production manager on ‘Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards’. That opportunity paved the way for her to produce ‘Adire’ before she eventually assumed her current leadership position. Looking back, she sees a certain inevitability in the trajectory, though she emphasises the work and learning it has required.
That path has led her to oversee the operations of what is widely considered the largest production and distribution company in West Africa. The scope of responsibility is daunting, yet Barbara embraces it with gratitude. “Looking at the number of titles that we actually have on our plate at FilmOne Studios, it’s a huge responsibility. FilmOne is the biggest production and distribution company in West Africa. It’s a very heavy role to fill. And looking at the success stories and the integrity of FilmOne Studios, I’m happy that I am associated with it and I can also learn from it and also give back in my own experience. So it’s so humbling.”
Barbara’s philosophy of storytelling is rooted in authenticity. For her, a Nollywood film cannot be judged only by box office numbers or festival selections—it must resonate with audiences across different cultures while remaining grounded in its African identity. “Firstly, our stories have to be authentic. They have to be global. They have to have a very high production scale. And it has to resonate with everyone watching, whether you’re African or whether you’re in the United States or in the United Kingdom. It has to tell a story.”
This balance—local authenticity with global accessibility—is what Barbara considers FilmOne’s distinctive strength. The studio’s track record speaks for itself, with a slate of productions that have both entertained Nigerian audiences and made waves internationally. For Barbara, this dual mission is non-negotiable. Nollywood must remain true to itself while expanding its influence. “We are organically pushing stories that have travelled,” she declares, emphasising the studio’s global outlook.
FilmOne’s impact, she notes, goes beyond its own titles. For more than a decade, the company has been a vital resource for filmmakers, providing support that stretches across funding, story development, and production consultancy. In her words, “FilmOne is the powerhouse that has made and supported filmmakers across the years, over 10 years. So we are still true to that, telling authentic stories, telling globally accepted stories and supporting filmmakers in terms of funding, in terms of story development, and in terms of production consultancy. We do all of it.”
For someone who began her career in theatre, the transition into film production and now studio leadership represents both a personal and professional evolution. She admits that the job demands constant listening and learning, as the industry itself evolves rapidly. The challenges are numerous, but for Barbara, they are outweighed by the reward of seeing Nollywood stories take their place on the world stage.
There is also a clear sense of purpose in how she approaches her work. She doesn’t speak of film in abstract terms but rather as a cultural tool—one that can represent Africa truthfully, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges across continents. This vision aligns with FilmOne’s mission but is also deeply personal for her. Storytelling, she says, is something she would “leap about” whenever the opportunity arises to tell something authentic.
In an industry that continues to grow in ambition and scale, Barbara Babarinsa represents a generation of film executives determined to keep Nollywood honest while pushing it forward. Her leadership is marked by a respect for heritage and a keen awareness of global opportunities. It is this balance—between humility and ambition, tradition and innovation—that defines her role.
As she looks ahead, Barbara’s excitement is palpable. With FilmOne’s packed slate and its continued role in supporting Nigeria’s most daring filmmakers, she knows the future of Nollywood is expansive. “Absolutely, I’m looking forward to it,” she says with a smile. And in her hands, Nollywood’s stories may travel even farther, without ever losing their roots.
