Beyond International Women’s Day: Honouring Nollywood’s Female Trailblazers

In an industry once dominated by male voices, female filmmakers and actresses are reshaping narratives, setting new standards, and paving the way for future generations. These women are not just telling stories; they are building legacies.

From breaking box office records to redefining genres, Nollywood’s leading women continue to push creative boundaries. Their works go beyond entertainment, serving as cultural milestones that highlight history, identity, and social issues. They are leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates, shaping the industry and inspiring millions across Africa and beyond.

Here, we celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Nollywood’s female trailblazers—both established icons and rising stars—who are redefining storytelling and proving that their voices are not just necessary but essential.

Directors Leading the Charge

Bolanle Austen-Peters — Cultural Storytelling Director

Austen-Peters has carved a niche for herself with epic and culturally rich storytelling. Her work on “House of Ga’a” and “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” bridges the gap between theatre and cinema, highlighting themes of history, culture, and social justice.

Kemi Adetiba — Bruce Lee of Visuals

Since her groundbreaking debut with “The Wedding Party” (2016), Adetiba has been known for her daring visuals and bold storytelling. Her political drama “King of Boys” (2018) further cemented her influence, redefining what is possible in Nollywood filmmaking.

Funke Akindele — The Box Office Director

Akindele’s dominance at the Nigerian box office is unmatched. With films like “Everybody Loves Jennifer” “A Tribe Called Judah”, “Omo Ghetto: The Saga”, and “Battle on Buka Street”, she has grossed over N4.5 billion, proving that commercial success and meaningful storytelling can go hand in hand.

Jade Osiberu — Crime and Action Director

Osiberu has redefined the action-crime genre in Nollywood. With films like “Brotherhood” and “Gangs of Lagos”, she combines high-stakes storytelling with striking cinematography, offering audiences a thrilling cinematic experience.

Biodun Stephen — Emotion-Evoking Director

Stephen’s strength lies in her ability to create deeply emotional narratives. From “Momiwa”, “Sista” “Breaded Life” to “A Simple Lie”, she crafts relatable stories laced with humor and heart, making her one of Nollywood’s most consistent directors.

Actresses Redefining the Screen 

Funke Akindele 

Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele is one of Nollywood’s most accomplished filmmakers and actresses. Her breakout role in Jenifa launched her into stardom, and she has since amassed multiple Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). As the highest-grossing director in Nigeria, with her 2024 film “Everybody Loves Jenifa” setting records, Akindele continues to push boundaries. Beyond entertainment, she serves as a UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for HIV awareness in Nigeria.

Rahama Sadau 

Rahama Ibrahim Sadau transitioned from Kannywood to Nollywood, earning acclaim in films like “Up North” and “Sons of the Caliphate”. She is not only an actress but also an entrepreneur, owning Sadau Beauty and Yogohamy, and a philanthropist through her Ray of Hope Foundation.

Kehinde Bankole

From her debut in” Super Story” to a standout performance as “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” in the 2024 biopic, Kehinde Bankole has proven her versatility. A former beauty queen turned award-winning actress, she remains a force in Nollywood. Through the Kehinde Bankole Foundation, she extends her influence to social causes.

Genoveva Umeh

A British-Nigerian actress, Genoveva Umeh gained international recognition with” Blood Sisters” and “Far From Home”. Winning Best Supporting Actress at AMVCA 2024 for “Breath of Life”, she continues to make waves in both Nollywood and global cinema.

Bimbo Ademoye 

Known for her comedic brilliance and dramatic depth, Bimbo Ademoye’s “Iya Barakat Teropi Sextion” has captivated audiences online. An AMVCA-winning actress, she remains a dominant figure in both mainstream and digital Nollywood.

Wunmi Toriola 

A leading name in Yoruba Nollywood, Wunmi Toriola’s 2024 film “Queen Lateefah” grossed ₦150 million in just 12 days, making her the second highest-grossing lead actress of the year.

Bolaji Ogunmola

A filmmaker and actress, Bolaji Ogunmola advocates for body inclusivity in the industry. Her latest project, “Summer Rain”, marks her cinematic debut as a producer, further establishing her as a powerhouse in Nollywood.

Bisola Aiyeola 

A multi-talented entertainer, Bisola Aiyeola has evolved from Project Fame and Big Brother Naija into a top actress and producer. Her initiative, Brown Girls Magic, empowers women and promotes self-care.

Rising Stars 

Detola Jones

An emerging talent, Detola Jones has impressed audiences with roles in “Love Lockdown” and “Red Circle”. Often likened to Genevieve Nnaji, she is one to watch in Nollywood.

Miwa Olorunfemi 

A rising star, Miwa Olorunfemi gained recognition with her role in the 2019 TV series “Halita”. She has since built a strong presence on social media and starred in films like Ijogbon and Interlocked Hearts. An advocate for mental health awareness, Olorunfemi represents a new generation of actresses using their platforms for positive impact.

Uzoamaka Aniunoh 

A rising star in both film and literature, Uzoamaka Aniunoh’s performances in” Mami Wata” and “Diiche” have earned her critical acclaim. Her short film “Love Language”showcases her storytelling prowess beyond acting.