Nollywood Film Breaks $1.5M Record in Nigeria Box Office

A Nigerian movie just rewrote the rules for African cinema, proving that homegrown stories can achieve blockbuster success.

Funke Akindele's film "Behind The Scenes" has crossed 2.4 billion naira at the box office, making it the first Nollywood production ever to break the 2 billion mark. Released on December 12, 2025, the movie also became the fastest film in West Africa to reach 1 billion naira in ticket sales.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attended a private screening and praised the film's impact. "It is one thing to make a film, but it is another thing entirely to capture the heart of a nation truly," he said in an Instagram post celebrating the milestone.

The numbers tell an incredible story of success. On Boxing Day alone, the film earned 129.5 million naira, setting a single-day record in Nollywood history. The movie has also become the top-grossing Nollywood title in the United Kingdom and Ireland markets.

The Nigerian Film Corporation, the federal body overseeing the country's film industry, called the achievement a turning point. Managing Director Ali Nuhu said the success reflects "a significant evolution in Nollywood's commercial and artistic maturity."

The Ripple Effect

This breakthrough matters far beyond one filmmaker's success. Nigeria's creative economy has struggled for years to achieve the same commercial recognition as Hollywood or Bollywood, despite producing thousands of films annually. Akindele's achievement shows that African audiences are hungry for quality local content and willing to pay for it.

The film's success in UK and Irish markets proves Nigerian stories can travel internationally without losing their authenticity. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized this point, telling Akindele, "You have set a new standard for what is possible in Nollywood, proving that with focus, grit, and vision, our local stories can achieve global success."

The broader impact on Nigeria's creative economy could be transformative. The film employed a large ensemble cast and production crew, all of whom benefit from its success. When local films perform this well, it creates more opportunities for actors, directors, writers, and technical staff across the industry.

The Nigerian Film Corporation noted that strategic production, professional distribution, and skilled casting all contributed to the film's performance. These lessons can help elevate the entire industry's standards and commercial potential.

This milestone arrives as African cinema gains more global attention, with streaming platforms investing in local content and international film festivals showcasing African directors. Akindele's record proves there's a viable business model for high-quality African storytelling that doesn't depend on foreign validation or funding.