Funke Akindele has built a career that stands out in Nigerian cinema, turning her work into a force that pulls in massive audiences and reshapes how stories from Nollywood reach people around the world. She started as an actress in the late 1990s, but her shift to directing and producing has set her apart, making her the first filmmaker to cross the one billion naira mark at the box office not once, but three times.
Her films A Tribe Called Judah, Battle on Buka Street, and now Behind the Scenes have each pulled in over that benchmark, proving her grasp on what Nigerian viewers want: relatable tales mixed with humor, family drama, and a touch of real-life grit. This success hasn’t stayed local; January 2026, Akindele pushed Behind the Scenes into U.S. theaters through Regal Cinemas, marking a clear step toward building a global presence without leaning on big streaming platforms like Netflix.
Her journey reflects a playbook that’s all her own, showing that Nollywood can thrive internationally through smart theatrical strategies, strong diaspora connections, and a focus on quality storytelling. Akindele’s approach challenges the idea that African films need Western streamers to break out; instead, she’s betting on direct audience engagement and partnerships that highlight the industry’s independence. As Nollywood faces shifts, with platforms like Netflix pulling back from heavy investments in Nigerian content, her moves offer a model for others to follow.
Akindele’s early days in the industry laid the foundation for this rise. Born in 1977 in Lagos, she studied law at the University of Lagos but found her calling in acting after appearing in the 1998 TV series I Need to Know, where she played a curious teenager named Bisi. That role opened doors, leading to parts in Yoruba-language films and eventually English-language projects. By the mid-2000s, she created the Jenifa character in the 2008 film Jenifa, a street-smart young woman navigating life with wit and resilience. The role became iconic, spawning a TV series, Jenifa’s Diary, that ran for years and earned her widespread recognition. Data from industry reports shows that Jenifa’s Diary alone boosted her profile, drawing millions of viewers and establishing her as a household name in Nigeria and among African communities abroad.
Her transition to directing came with films like Your Excellency in 2019, a political satire that explored corruption and ambition. While it didn’t hit billion-naira status, it sharpened her skills in blending comedy with social commentary. Akindele’s films often draw from everyday Nigerian experiences; family ties, economic struggles, and cultural clashes. This resonance has driven her box office wins. According to reports, her production company, Funke Akindele Network, emphasizes tight scripts and ensemble casts, pulling in talent from across Nollywood to create films that feel authentic and engaging.
The first billion-naira breakthrough came with Battle on Buka Street in 2022. The movie follows two rival women running food stalls in a bustling Lagos market, their feud escalating into hilarious chaos while touching on themes of forgiveness and community. It grossed over one billion naira in Nigeria, a feat that stunned the industry at the time. Critics noted how Akindele’s direction captured the vibrancy of street life, with sharp dialogue and physical comedy that appealed to urban audiences. Box office trackers reported it as one of the highest-earning Nollywood films that year, surpassing many Hollywood imports in local theaters. This success wasn’t just about numbers; it showed Akindele’s ability to market her work effectively, using social media and fan events to build buzz.
Then came A Tribe Called Judah in 2023, which pushed the envelope further. The story centers on a single mother and her five sons from different fathers, each representing a Nigerian ethnic group, as they plot a heist to save their family. It blended crime caper elements with heartfelt moments, addressing unity in diversity amid Nigeria’s cultural mosaic. The film shattered records, becoming the fastest to reach one billion naira and eventually grossing over that amount, making Akindele the queen of the box office. Industry analysts pointed out how it tapped into post-pandemic cravings for feel-good stories, with Akindele’s performance as the matriarch earning praise for its depth. This movie also hinted at her global ambitions, as it found limited screenings in the UK through diaspora-focused distributors.
Behind the Scenes, released in late 2025, sealed her trilogy of billion-naira hits. The film dives into the world of Nollywood itself, following a young actress navigating fame, betrayal, and personal growth amid the chaos of film production. Akindele directs and stars, playing a no-nonsense producer whose tough exterior hides vulnerabilities. Early reports showed it grossing 1.77 billion naira in Nigeria, with strong word-of-mouth driving repeat viewings. What sets this one apart is its meta-layer; it critiques the industry while celebrating it, with cameos from real Nollywood stars adding authenticity. Viewers have shared on social platforms how the film’s emotional arcs, from laughter to tears, mirror real-life struggles in creative fields. Scarlet Gomez and Uzor Arukwe’s performances have been highlighted for their intensity, contributing to the film’s 10/10 ratings from fans.
This latest success coincides with Akindele’s bold push into international markets. In January 2026, Behind the Scenes expanded to Regal Cinemas across the U.S., starting screenings on January 9. This move targets the growing Nigerian-American community, estimated at over 400,000 people, who crave content from home. Akindele promoted it heavily on social media, sharing excitement about bringing the film to American audiences and encouraging ticket purchases directly through Regal’s site. Similarly, the UK saw continued screenings at select Odeon cinemas, building on the film’s strong debut there, where it earned £42,000 in its opening weeks. Fans in Ireland and Canada also got access, with Canadian showings at Landmark Cinemas starting January 16.
Akindele’s strategy here is straightforward yet effective: partner with established theater chains that have reach in diaspora hubs. She avoids the high costs and content control of streaming deals, opting instead for theatrical runs that generate direct revenue and build hype through live events. For instance, she organized meet-and-greets at cinemas, giving away gifts to attendees, which boosted turnout. This hands-on approach echoes her domestic marketing, where she uses her massive following—over 15 million on Instagram—to drive traffic to theaters.
This playbook proves Nollywood’s viability beyond Netflix. The streamer, which once poured money into African content, has scaled back in Nigeria, canceling originals and slowing acquisitions due to market challenges. Reports indicate Netflix’s retreat could hurt the industry, but Akindele’s success shows alternatives exist. By focusing on theaters, she taps into the communal viewing experience that streaming can’t replicate, especially for comedies like hers that thrive on shared laughter. Diaspora audiences, hungry for cultural connections, have responded well; Behind the Scenes extended its UK run due to demand, highlighting global appetite for Nigerian stories.
Broader industry trends support this shift. Nollywood produced over 2,500 films annually pre-pandemic, but quality focus has grown, with box office revenues climbing despite global slumps. Akindele’s films contribute significantly, with her top five grossers all under her belt, totaling over six billion naira. Her method involves owning the production process end-to-end, from script to distribution, reducing reliance on external funding. She also combats piracy by urging fans to support official releases, as seen in her appeals to UK viewers.
Looking ahead, Akindele’s expansion could inspire more Nollywood filmmakers to pursue theatrical routes abroad. Her previous film, Everybody Loves Jenifa, premiered in 10 countries across four continents, setting a precedent. With Behind the Scenes, she’s reinforcing that model, potentially opening doors for collaborations with international distributors. Challenges remain, like high marketing costs and competition from Hollywood, but her track record suggests resilience. Fans rave about the film’s emotional depth, with one viewer noting it as the perfect start to the year. Others praise the cast’s versatility, underscoring Akindele’s talent-spotting skills.
In essence, Funke Akindele’s global push with Behind the Scenes marks a turning point for Nollywood. She’s not waiting for invitations from big platforms; she’s creating her own paths, proving that with strong stories and strategic outreach, African cinema can stand tall on the world stage. Her billion-naira crown isn’t just about money; it’s about influence, showing how one woman’s vision can elevate an entire industry. As screenings continue in the U.S. and beyond, her playbook might just become the standard for going global without losing touch with roots.
