Nigeria is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups, and vibrant entertainment industry. Its film industry, also known as Nollywood, is one of the most vibrant and productive in Africa. Over the years, several talented and dedicated female directors have emerged in the industry, contributing immensely to its growth and development.
In this article, we’ll take a look at nine of the most sought-after female directors in Nigeria and some of the works they have directed.
The 9 Most Sought-After Female Directors In Nigeria
Kemi Adetiba
Kemi Adetiba is very multi-talented. She is a filmmaker, director and television host. She is best known for directing the critically acclaimed movie The Wedding Party and its sequel, The Wedding Party 2. Adetiba’s works have earned her several awards, including the Best Director award at the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
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Tope Oshin
Tope Oshin is another highly sought-after female director in Nigeria. She is a renowned Nigerian filmmaker, director, and producer. She started her career as a TV presenter before venturing into filmmaking.
Tope has directed several award-winning TV series and movies, including Amaka’s Kin, New Horizons, Fifty, Tinsel, New Money, Up North. She has also directed music videos for notable Nigerian artists like Tiwa Savage and Waje.
Oshin has won numerous awards for her work, including the Best TV Drama Director award at the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
Mildred Okwo
Mildred Okwo is a renowned Nigerian filmmaker and director who has been in the industry for over two decades. She is best known for her work on the movies The Meeting, La Femme Anjola, and Surulere. Okwo has received several awards for her work, including the Best Director award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Omoni Oboli
Omoni Oboli is a popular Nigerian actress, scriptwriter, producer, and director. She was born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. She started her career in 1996, and in 2014, she made her directorial debut with the movie Being Mrs. Elliot.
The movie, which starred Nollywood heavyweights like Majid Michel and Ini Edo, received critical acclaim and won several awards. Omoni has since directed other successful movies like The First Lady, Wives on Strike, and Love is War.
Oboli has won several awards for her work, including the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2010 Best of Nollywood Awards.
Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji is a Nigerian actress, producer, and director. She directed her first movie, Lionheart, in 2018 which became the first Nigerian movie to be acquired by Netflix. As well as receiving the Best Actress award during the 2005 African Movie Academy Awards, She also took home several awards for her work.
Chika Anadu
Chika Anadu is a Nigerian film director and screenwriter known for her work on the movie B For Boy. The movie won the Audience Award and the Best Nigerian Film Award at the 2013 African International Film Festival. Anadu has also won several other awards for her work, including the Best Director award at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is a prominent female director in Nigeria who has made significant contributions to the film industry. She began her career in the entertainment industry as an actress and gained popularity for her role as Jenifa in the Yoruba movie, Jenifa.
In 2008, Akindele made her directorial debut with the movie, Omo Ghetto, which was a huge success and became the highest-grossing Nigerian film at the time. She later directed the sequel, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, which was released in 2020 and also became a box office success.
Akindele has won several awards and recognitions for her work as an actress, director, and producer.
Kehinde Bankole
Kehinde Bankole is a Nigerian actress and director known for her work on the movies October 1 and The Coffin Salesman. Bankole won the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for her role in October 1.
Jade Osiberu
Jade Osiberu is a Nigerian filmmaker, director, and producer. She started her career as a lawyer before venturing into filmmaking. Jade has directed several successful movies and TV series, including Isoken, Sugar Rush, and Assistant Madams. Her works have received critical acclaim and won several awards.
Other Prominent Female Directors In Nigeria
It’s worth noting that there are many talented female directors in Nigeria who may not be as well-known but have also made remarkable contributions to the film industry.
Here is a list of other prominent female directors in Nigeria:
- Chineze Anyaene
- Blessing Egbe
- Belinda Yanga-Agedah
- Michelle Bello
- Remi Vaughan-Richards
- Stephanie Okereke Linus
- Emem Isong
- Iretiola Doyle
- Ogo Okpue
- Akin Omotoso
- Aderonke Adeola
- Oluwaseyi Siwoku
- Dolapo Adeleke
Conclusion
Although the industry is dominated by male directors, several talented female directors have made their mark in Nollywood. These female directors have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s film industry and have helped to showcase the talents and creativity of Nigerian filmmakers to the world. Their works have won numerous awards and accolades, and they continue to inspire and mentor upcoming filmmakers in Nigeria and beyond.
