Nollywood filmmakers Mo Abudu, Jade Osiberu, and Funke Akindele have been recognized among the top 40 Most Powerful Women in International Film by The Hollywood Reporter.
The Hollywood Reporter’s list of the 40 Most Powerful Women in International Film celebrates women who have made significant contributions to the global film industry, nurturing new voices despite the challenges of the competitive film market.
Some of these women are:
Mo Abudu (CEO, EbonyLife Media)
Despite setbacks such as Amazon Prime Video’s departure from African originals, Abudu, a pioneer in African media, continues to thrive.
Her recent project, the short film “Dust to Dreams” directed by Idris Elba, secured funding from the African Export-Import Bank’s $1 billion Creative Africa film fund. Abudu advocates for the international industry to embrace diverse stories, emphasizing that “diverse storytelling isn’t just about representation; it’s about unlocking a wealth of untapped creative potential.”
Funke Akindele (Producer, Film One Entertainment)
In addition to her roles as an actor, writer, director, and producer, Akindele added politician to her resume when she ran for the 2023 Lagos state gubernatorial elections.
Despite her party’s loss, her career flourished. Her latest comedy, “A Tribe Called Judah,” which she wrote, directed, produced, and starred in, became the highest-grossing Nigerian movie ever, earning $1.2 million.
Jade Osiberu (Founder, Greoh Studios)
Osiberu, a prominent figure among Nigerian producer-directors, created the crime thriller “Gangs of Lagos” for Amazon.
Her upcoming film, “Everything Scatter,” follows five young people during a day of protests in Lagos.
Mo Abudu expressed her pride in the recognition, 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.”
The Hollywood Reporter’s list also includes other notable filmmakers such as Maren Ade and Janine Jankowski, co-founders of Komplizen Film (Germany), Lila Avilés, producer at Limerencia Films (Mexico), Farhana Bhula, Head of Creative at Film4 (U.K.), and Clémence de Lampugnano, Artistic Adviser at TF1 Film Production (France).
