The Story ⚡
Funke Akindele sets an ambitious box office goal of 5 billion Naira in ticket sales for her upcoming movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa.
Tell Me More
At the Exhibitors’ Soiree, Funke Akindele gave fans and stakeholders a sneak peek into her upcoming film, Everybody Loves Jenifa, with a 30-minute rough cut that left the room buzzing. She announced that the film will be distributed by FilmOne Entertainment and confidently shared her big goal: “We can beat five billion, I have faith!” Her words reflected not just ambition but a strong belief in the potential of her latest project.
She didn’t hold back on addressing piracy concerns, passionately stating, “I want to beg you to be security conscious because people will be using their phones to film. Remember what happened with A Tribe Called Judah. Imagine if A Tribe Called Judah wasn’t pirated, but we thank God for this opportunity.” On the brighter side, Akindele praised her star-studded cast, adding, “We have beautiful faces and a large cast ready to push the film. They always answer whenever I call on them and are ready to do lots of meet-and-greets for us to beat this record.” Wrapping up, she urged exhibitors to focus on organic audience engagement rather than forceful canvassing, saying, “Let’s try to discourage canvassing so people don’t feel threatened. People know what they want to watch.”
This mix of confidence, strategy, and heartfelt appeals reflects her determination to make Everybody Loves Jenifa a monumental success.
Key Background
Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, popularly known as Funke Akindele or “Jenifa,” is a celebrated Nigerian filmmaker, actress, producer, and director. Akindele rose to prominence in the 2008 comedy Jenifa, earning her the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She later reprised the iconic character in the 2011 sequel, The Return of Jenifa, and the widely successful television series, Jenifa’s Diary, which secured her multiple Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs). Her exceptional performances have made her the most awarded actress at the AMVCAs, with six wins.
Widely regarded as Nigeria’s “Box Office Queen,” Funke Akindele has set remarkable records with her films. She is the highest-grossing director in Nigerian box office history, with her movies collectively earning over ₦2.9 billion.
She is also the second Nigerian director to gross more than ₦1 billion from a single film, cementing her position as a driving force in Nollywood. Beyond her achievements in film, Akindele ventured into politics in 2022, running as the deputy governorship candidate for Lagos State under the People’s Democratic Party. Her legacy continues to inspire, blending artistic excellence with social and political engagement.
Tangent
This December, Nollywood’s box office is set for an exciting showdown, with Everybody Loves Jenifa and Thin Line both hitting cinemas on December 13. Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa promises a nostalgic yet fresh take on her iconic Jenifa character, featuring an all-star cast including Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, and Falz. Meanwhile, Mercy Aigbe’s Thin Line, a suspenseful drama directed by Akay Mason, boasts a stellar lineup with Iyabo Ojo and Yvonne Jegede. Both films are poised to draw significant audiences, appealing to fans of comedy, drama, and strong storytelling during the holiday season.
Adding to the competition, Toyin Abraham’s Alakada: Bad and Boujee will be released on December 20. This continuation of the Alakada series, starring Bimbo Ademoye and Olumide Oworu, promises a hilarious and heartfelt viewing experience. With these three star-studded releases, December’s box office reflects Nollywood’s dynamic approach to captivating diverse audiences, making it a defining moment for Nigerian cinema this holiday season.
In Summary
Funke Akindele, whose films Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street and A Tribe Called Judah collectively grossed over ₦2.9 billion, now aims to surpass the combined earnings of her entire filmography with Everybody Loves Jenifa, as industry enthusiasts anticipate record-breaking box office figures.
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