Four Nollywood Filmmakers Who Owned 2023

Whew! What a year, right? Like any other year, 2023 brought its share of victories and setbacks. Fortunately, for Nollywood, the wins outnumbered the losses. Numerous filmmakers seized control of the industry, showcasing their skills and contributing to a highly successful year.

This article will spotlight 4 filmmakers whose noteworthy accomplishments have firmly established them as the frontrunners of this remarkable year.

Jade Osiberu

With works like Gangs of Lagos and The Trade, Osiberu secured her place on the list, as both titles received stellar reviews and garnered viewership that broke records. Notably, Gangs of Lagos marked the commencement of a three-year collaboration between Osiberu, Amazon Prime Video, and her production company.

This partnership aligns with Amazon Prime Video’s commitment to bringing local and authentic African films and series to a global audience, solidifying their association with Osiberu.

Editi Effiong

With The Black Book, Editi Effiong made a striking entry into the filmmaking industry. This debut film earned widespread acclaim, with many hailing it as the finest action movie to emerge from Nollywood.

The revenge thriller not only captured audience approval but also achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first-ever Nigerian film to claim the No. 3 spot on Netflix’s global film charts. Made on a budget of  $1 million the film amassed an impressive 5.6 million views within 48 hours of its September 22 release on the platform. Its widespread popularity continued to soar, attracting over 20 million viewers in its initial weeks and securing a position in Netflix’s Top 10 list in more than 69 countries.

Babatunde Apalowo

This year witnessed the ascent of international recognition for Nollywood, spearheaded by filmmakers like Babatunde Apalowo and his groundbreaking queer-based drama, All The Colours of The World are Between Black and White. Firstly, let’s acknowledge the film’s humorous distinction as the Nigerian film with the longest title—quite a feat, lol.

Beyond its title, the film has not only graced the screens of esteemed festivals, including Berlinale, but has also secured multiple awards, contributing significantly to the expanding presence of the Nigerian film industry on the global stage. All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White premiered on February 17, 2023, as part of the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival’s Panorama section.

Michael Stütz, director of Panorama, specifically highlighted the film’s visual concept and political relevance as key factors for its inclusion. In a noteworthy development, Italy-based Coccinelle Film Sales acquired the world rights to the film, a testament to its international appeal.

CJ Obasi

Undoubtedly, CJ Obasi stands out as one of Nollywood’s major success stories this year, with his film Mami Wata emerging as the nation’s flagship export. Over the years, Obasi and his surreal 16 guys have carved a niche as a distinct breed of Nigerian filmmakers, and with Mami Wata, this filmmaker emphatically reinforces that identity.

This black-and-white gem has garnered acclaim from numerous esteemed critics, boasting a solid 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with over 32 reviews. At the Sundance Film Festival, cinematographer Lílis Soares clinched the Special Jury Prize in the World Dramatic Competition for the film’s outstanding cinematography. Mami Wata further triumphed at FESPACO, securing three awards: Prix de la Critique Paulin S. Vieyra (African Critics Award), Meilleure Image (Cinematography Award), and Meilleur Décor (Set Design Award).

In a notable accolade, Mami Wata was chosen as Nigeria’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards by The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) in October 2023. While it didn’t make the final shortlist, the film also earned a nomination in the Best International Film category at the 39th Independent Spirit Awards.