The Story⚡
Three powerhouse producers — Eniola Ajao, Laide Daramola, and Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji — are set to dominate Nollywood’s Easter box office with bold new releases that spotlight the unstoppable rise of women behind the camera.
Tell Me More
The 2025 Easter weekend presents a moment like no other, as the cinema prepares for a cinematic showdown like no other as three powerhouse women take center stage this Easter. The trio of Eniola Ajao, Laide Daramola, and Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji are making this Easter season unforgettable with their new films which premieres on April 18, 2025. The Easter box office window promises a gold rush of movie magic, cultural flair, and record-breaking potential.
These trailblazing women aren’t just releasing films; they’re redefining what it means to lead in Nollywood. As their stories hit the big screen, packed with star power, compelling narratives, and bold production value, they’re poised to captivate audiences across the country and beyond. One thing’s certain: this Easter, the box office belongs to the women, and the heat is on.
Meet the three producers:
Eniola Ajao
Eniola Ajao’s breakout success as a producer last year was solidified with her film Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju), which grossed N63.2 million in its opening weekend and N252.8 million overall, topping Nollywood’s 2024 box office.
This impressive performance cemented her position as a leading producer in Nollywood. With her new film Owambe Thieves, co-produced with FilmOne and Anthill Studios, released during the Easter window, she’s tapped to repeat her success and potentially break more records.
Laide Daramola
Laide Daramola, a seasoned Project Management Specialist with 15 years of experience, is making waves in Nollywood. Her debut film, Hotel Labamba (2023), earned earnings in the mid-double digits before premiering on Prime Video later that year.
Now, her latest project, Aso Ebi Diaries, directed by Biodun Stephen, hit cinemas on April 18, 2025, as a major Easter contender. With a dynamic trio of female leads of Nancy Isime, Kie Kie, and Chizzy Alichi, this film has significant commercial appeal, promising a captivating story and unforgettable performances.
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, a social entrepreneur and founder of Rise Interactive Studios, is making a bold entry into Nollywood. With a focus on youth-driven stories and advocacy through Rise Network, her cinematic vision is shaped by a passion for amplifying new voices.
Her debut film, Makemation, set to release on April 18, 2025, is a drama about a teenager’s tech dreams, featuring Ali Nuhu and Shaffy Bello, and marking Africa’s first AI-focused feature. The rollout has been impressive, with a big media splash and event activations. With its unique blend of technology and storytelling, Makemation stands out in a crowded Easter blockbuster window. But will it find its audience amidst the competition?
Insight 1 – Easter 4-Day Rush Window Highlights
2022: ₦167.00M
2023: ₦134.63M
2024: ₦233.08M
2025: ₦300M projected
Insight 2 – Easter Monday Gold Rush
2022: 18th April: ₦49.80M
2023: 9th April : ₦40.36M
2024: 31st March: ₦69.03M
2025: 21st April : ₦100M Projected
Case study – Big Breakouts Easter Opening
Prophetess – ₦131M
King of Thieves – ₦320M
Beast of Two Worlds – ₦252
In Summary
Will Owambe Thieves, Aso Ebi Diaries, and Makemation rise to dethrone past Easter blockbusters like King of Thieves and Beast of Two Worlds? With bold storytelling, star power, and a projected ₦300M box office window, these three female-led titles might just redefine what an Easter hit looks like.
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