Nollywood’s Triple Threat: Mo Abudu, Funke Akindele, and Jade Osiberu Shine on THR’s Power List.

In a momentous stride for Nigerian cinema, three formidable women have etched their names into the annals of film history by clinching spots on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of the 40 Most Powerful Women in International Film.

According to the online publication, Mo Abudu, CEO EbonyLife Media – Africa’s production industry was hit this year by the news that Amazon Prime Video was getting out of the African originals business. But Abudu, who pioneered African media — first as a talk show host, then TV and film producer and now theater chain owner — has always found a way. Her most recent project is the short film Dust to Dreams, directed by Idris Elba, that tapped funding from the African Export Import Bank’s new $1 billion Creative Africa film fund. Abudu believes the international industry still struggles to embrace the full spectrum of diverse stories. “We need a systemic shift towards inclusion,” says Abudu, “recognizing that diverse storytelling isn’t just about representation; it’s about unlocking a wealth of untapped creative potential.”

Funke Akindele, Producer – The Nigerian multihyphenate added politician to her long list of professions (actor, writer, director, producer) when she was picked as a running mate for the 2023 Lagos state gubernatorial elections. Akindele’s People’s Democratic Party lost the vote, but her day job has been going just fine: Her latest comedy, A Tribe Called Judah, which she of course wrote, directed and produced, in addition to playing the lead role, smashed box office records to become the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time, earning some $1.2 million theatrically.

While, Jade Osiberu, Founder Greoh Studios – Arguably the most artistically ambitious of a new generation of multihyphenate Nigerian producer-directors, Osiberu channelled her inner Scorsese to deliver elevated crime thriller Gangs of Lagos for Amazon. Her next feature, Everything Scatter, follows the stories of five young people whose lives intertwine over a day when street protests break out across Lagos.

They joined 37 other women from countries such as China, France, Germany, South Korea, UK, Belgium, Poland, Italy, Mexico, Spain and Norway on this list which was first published on May 8, 2024.

At Xplorenollywood, we strive to be ever present to women led activities in the industry and these women’s ascent to the upper echelons of the film industry is a testament to their unwavering dedication, creative genius, and unyielding determination. Their achievements serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to aspiring filmmakers, particularly women, across the globe.

As these three trailblazers continue to break barriers and redefine the landscape of African cinema, their presence on THR’s Power List serves as a powerful reminder of the immense talent and potential that exists within the industry. As they continue to push boundaries and redefine the narrative of African cinema, their recognition on the global stage serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and a reminder of the immense talent that the continent has to offer.