Mo Abudu, Mildred Okwo, Kemi Adetiba… female filmmakers blazing the trail

Across the world, women have continued to pull the strings in various fields — including those hitherto considered elusive to men. The Nigerian movie industry is no exception.

The industry has witnessed the heroics of female filmmakers who have churned out top-notch movies — either as producers or directors — and continued to inspire their generation.

As the world marks this year’s edition of the International Women’s Day (IWD), TheCable Lifestyle examines female filmmakers who have continued to blaze the trail in the country’s movie landscape — in no particular order.

Genevieve Nnaji

With strings of awards and recognition, Genevieve Nnaji has established herself as a household name in the country’s movie industry. Just like her impressive stints as an actress, the 41-year-old has continued to dazzle as a movie director.

Nnaji made her directorial debut in ‘Lionheart’, her 2018 movie. The movie became an instant hit and was nominated for the 2020 Oscars — although it was eventually disqualified.

Kemi Adetiba

Kemi Adetiba is a woman of many towering legacies in the country’s movie landscape. From ‘Wedding Party 1’, to ‘King of Boys’, Adetiba has directed hit projects which are among 10 highest-grossing movies of the last decade.

She was also the brain behind ‘Brotherhood’ and ‘King of Women’, two popular web series. One thing is sure: Adetiba’s best is yet to come.

Tope Oshin

A potpourri of talent and hard work, Toyin Oshin is another Nigerian filmmaker with impressive career strides.

Oshin has directed several renowned Nollywood movies including ‘Fifty,’ ‘Journey to Self,’ ‘In Line’, ‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore” and ‘Up North.’

She is also known for directing series such as ‘Hush,’ ‘Hotel Majestic,’ ‘The Apprentice Africa,’ ‘Shuga’ (season 3 and 6), ‘Tinsel’ and ‘Money’.

The producer cum director also inspired several other short films such as ‘The Young Smoker’, ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ and ‘New Horizons.’

Mildred Okwo

Putting out a list on Nigeria’s female filmmakers without a mention of Mildred Okwo would easily be described as incomplete by many.

The reason for such is not difficult: the graduate of theatre arts from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has directed several award-winning movies including ’30 Days’ and ‘The Meeting’.

The filmmaker is set to drop ‘La Femme Anjola’, her latest project starring Rita Dominic and Femi Jacobs, on March 19.

Jade Osiberu

Another Nigerian female director, whose name easily rings a bell to many is Jade Osiberu. The graduate of computer and systems engineering from the University of Manchester, London, made her directorial debut in ‘Isoken’, a 2017 movie.

She has since continued to blaze the trail and pioneered several hit projects including ‘Sugar Rush’, a 2019 film.

In spite of the initial controversies that trailed its release, ‘Sugar Rush’ resonated with many Nigerian movie enthusiasts and dominated charts. The project was also included in the 10-highest grossing movies of the decade.

Omoni Oboli

An established writer, actress, producer and director; Omoni Oboli has etched her name among contemporary Nigerian women for inspiring their world, particularly in the movie industry.

Since she made her debut as a director in  ‘Being Mrs. Elliot,’ a 2014 movie, Oboli has become many movie lovers’ favourite due to her creative prowess.

Oboli has directed several movies including ‘Okafor Law’, ‘Moms At War’. She took the movie landscape by storm in 2019 with ‘Love is War’ and ‘Wives On Strike: The Revolution,’ two acclaimed projects.

Patience Oghre-Imobhio

A graduate of theatre arts from the University of Jos, Patience Oghre-Imobhio has also etched her name as a renowned film and television director.

Patience has directed several movies as well as television series including ‘Dominos’, ‘Everyday People’, ‘Dear Mother’, ‘ Three Wise Men’ and ‘Busted’.

In 2019, she also directed ‘Knockout’, a popular movie by Wale Adenuga Productions.

Mo Abudu

Filmmaker, media mogul, philanthropist…; Mo Abudu is a woman of many parts and one who wears many hats.

Abudu has executive-produced several Nollywood blockbusters including  ‘The Wedding Party’ franchise, ‘The Royal Hotel Hibiscus’, ‘Chief Daddy’, ‘Your Excellency’ and ‘Olutore’.

The EbonyLife TV CEO also birthed a bevy of inspirational television series including ‘The Governor,’ ‘Desperate Housewives Africa’ and ‘Sons of the Caliphate’.

Her remarkable strides have seen her snagged several awards and recognition.