The Federal Government has lauded Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, after her latest production, ‘Behind the Scenes’, achieved a historic milestone by grossing over ₦2.1 billion at the Nigerian box office.
The film now holds the distinction of being the first Nollywood movie to surpass the ₦2 billion mark, reinforcing Akindele’s status as a leading figure in African cinema.
In a statement shared on its official X account, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) hailed the accomplishment as a major boost for Nigeria’s creative industry and a clear indication of the increasing international recognition of Nigerian films.
According to the agency, the movie has also performed well abroad, earning more than $111,256 in Canada and $190,249 across North America.
“This outstanding achievement cements ‘Behind the Scenes’ as the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever in Africa, the UK, and Ireland,” the agency noted.
“It also makes Funke Akindele the first filmmaker to rank number one at the African box office for three consecutive years, highlighting the global appeal of Nigerian storytelling,” the agency added.
The film has captivated audiences from Lagos and Abuja to Toronto and other international cinemas, reflecting Nollywood’s growing reach beyond the continent.
The NOA emphasised that Akindele’s record-breaking achievement is a source of national pride, shining a spotlight on the country’s cultural and creative sectors.
Industry experts note that the film’s box office performance not only showcases talent but also contributes significantly to the economy by generating revenue, supporting employment in cinemas, and creating demand for ancillary services such as distribution, marketing, and production.
This latest success continues Akindele’s three-year streak of producing top-grossing films in Africa, setting new standards for both domestic and international box office performance.
By crossing the ₦2 billion mark, she has raised the bar for fellow Nigerian filmmakers and demonstrated that Nollywood can compete with global cinema on both scale and profitability.
The government’s endorsement aligns with its broader efforts to support creative industries as vital contributors to economic growth and cultural diplomacy. Officials stressed that Akindele’s success is a testament to the quality and global relevance of Nigerian films, which are steadily gaining recognition on the world stage.
Funke Akindele’s achievement also underscores the expanding influence of African cinema internationally, confirming that Nollywood is now a significant player in the global film industry.
As ‘Behind the Scenes’ continues to screen domestically and abroad, industry observers are closely watching its performance, anticipating further record-breaking milestones.
