Meet top 10 trailblazing female producers shaping Nollywood

The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, has grown into a global powerhouse, ranking among the largest film industries in the world in terms of production volume.

Over the years, it has evolved significantly, producing movies that not only entertain but also address pressing social issues, celebrate African culture, and showcase the rich heritage of Nigeria.

While Nollywood has traditionally been male-dominated, an increasing number of female filmmakers have emerged, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative storytelling, and remarkable creativity to the industry.

These women are redefining Nollywood, breaking barriers, and proving that female voices are crucial in shaping the narratives of African cinema.

Their contributions extend beyond directing and producing; they are also scriptwriters, actresses, and business executives, ensuring that Nollywood remains dynamic and competitive on the global stage.

In 2025, these ten outstanding female filmmakers have made significant impacts, driving the industry forward with their unique storytelling, technical expertise, and business acumen.

From blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed independent films, these women continue to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of storytellers.

Here are the top 10 female Nollywood filmmakers recognized for their outstanding work in film production, directing, and storytelling.

1. Funke Akindele

Born on August 24, 1977, Funke Akindele is one of the most successful Nollywood filmmakers. She studied Mass Communication at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and Law at the University of Lagos. Akindele gained fame with the UNFPA-sponsored TV series I Need to Know (1998–2002) and cemented her place in Nollywood with the self-produced movie Jenifa (2008).

Her films, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street, and A Tribe Called Judah, are among the highest-grossing movies in Nigeria. She has received numerous awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress and the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best TV Series.

2. Mo Abudu

Mosunmola “Mo” Abudu, born on September 11, 1964, is a media mogul and filmmaker. She founded EbonyLife TV in 2006 and later established EbonyLife Films in 2014. Her debut film, Fifty (2015), was a critical success, followed by The Wedding Party, which became one of Nigeria’s highest-grossing films.

Her recent short films, Iyawo Mi (My Wife) and Her Perfect Life, focus on mental health awareness. In 2019, she received MIPTV’s Médailles d’Honneur in Cannes and was listed among the Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in the UK in 2020.

3. Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi

Toyin Abraham, born on September 5, 1980, in Edo State, is a leading actress and filmmaker. She studied Marketing at Ibadan State Polytechnic. Known for her unique acting style, she has produced and starred in multiple box-office hits, including Ijakumo, one of Nollywood’s highest-ranking films in 2022.

She has won Best Supporting Actress at the Five Continents International Film Festival and Best Actress in a Drama at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

4. Kemi Adetiba

Born on January 8, 1980, Kemi Adetiba transitioned from a career in broadcasting to filmmaking. She gained prominence with King of Boys (2018), a political crime thriller that became a major hit.

Adetiba has directed numerous award-winning music videos and films. Her accolades include Best Female Video at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Best Music Video Director at the City People Entertainment Awards.

5. Jade Osiberu

Jade Osiberu, born on August 18, 1985, has a background in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Manchester. She transitioned into filmmaking, creating award-winning series such as Gidi Up and Skinny Girls in Transit.

Her films, Brotherhood, Gangs of Lagos, and Everything Scatter, have been widely acclaimed. In 2018, she won the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award for Best Director. She founded Tribe85 Productions to tell African stories on a global scale.

6. Omoni Oboli

Omoni Oboli, born on April 22, 1978, studied French at the University of Benin before attending the New York Film Academy. She started acting in the 1990s and later ventured into filmmaking.

She co-produced The Rivals, which won Best International Drama at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. Her directorial works include Okafor’s Law, Wives on Strike, The First Lady, and Being Mrs. Elliot.

7. Ruth Kadiri

Ruth Kadiri, born on March 24, 1988, in Benin City, holds degrees in Mass Communication and Business Administration. She has built a reputation as a screenwriter, producer, and actress.

Her works include Heart of a Fighter, Sincerity, Ladies Men, and Over the Edge.
She won Actress of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2015) and Best Actress at the City People Movie Awards (2018).

8. Bolaji Ogunmola

Bolaji Ogunmola studied Business Administration at the National Open University of Nigeria and trained at the Royal Arts Academy. She gained fame from the reality TV show Next Movie Star in 2013.

Her breakout role in Sobi’s Mystic earned her recognition, and in 2020, she won Revelation of the Year at the Best of Nollywood Awards. She has since produced several successful films.

9. Tope Oshin

Tope Oshin, born on June 10, 1979, studied Economics at Lagos State University before shifting to filmmaking. She trained at the Colorado Film School and Met Film School.

She directed hit projects like Hotel Majestic, Hush, Up North, and New Horizons. She also produced the documentary Amaka’s Kin: The Women of Nollywood, highlighting the challenges female directors face in a male-dominated industry.

10. Mary Remmy Njoku

Mary Remmy Njoku, born on March 20, 1985, is a film producer, actress, and entrepreneur. She studied English at Lagos State University and later attended the London Film Academy.

Through her production company, Rok Studios, she has produced over 500 films and 25 TV series. She also launched ROK 2 and ROK 3 on DSTV, further expanding Nollywood’s reach.