LAGOS: Nigerian filmmaker Funke Akindele will release her eighth major theatrical feature, “The Four: No One Fights Alone,” on December 11 as she seeks wider international audiences for Nollywood.
The film follows four women fighting for the future of a young man they love. Its story continues Akindele’s focus on African experiences that audiences can relate to.
Speaking to CNN’s Larry Madowo in Lagos earlier this year, Akindele said she wanted Nigerian stories to meet international production standards. She believes authentic storytelling can connect with viewers beyond Africa.
Her previous film, “Behind the Scenes,” earned more than 2 billion naira, approximately $1.6 million, at the box office in 2025. It became the first Nollywood production to cross that threshold.
The film subsequently reached international viewers through Netflix. Akindele also became the first African filmmaker to lead Nigeria’s box office for three consecutive years.
Her 2023 comedy-drama “A Tribe Called Judah” became the first Nollywood film to earn 1 billion naira. The filmmaker first achieved widespread success with “Jenifa” in 2008.
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She later produced “Everybody Loves Jenifa” in 2024, which she described as her most expensive production at the time. Despite those achievements, Akindele believes African filmmakers face obstacles when seeking overseas audiences.
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“Our major barrier is distribution,” she said. She called for stronger international partnerships to improve distribution and help African filmmakers exchange skills and production expertise.
According to UNESCO, Nigeria produces more than 2,500 films annually, making Nollywood the world’s second-largest film industry by output.
Akindele hopes to create more opportunities for women and emerging filmmakers while bringing Nigerian stories to audiences worldwide.
(With additional input from CNN)
