Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood has evolved over the years, with remarkable growth. It has moved from the misconception that only male directors can do great work. These talented women have not only broken records, but they have also refined the narratives around the industry and society with apt storytelling, compelling screenplay and high production quality. Here are the top five most sought-after female directors in Nollywood today:
NNEOHA ANN ALIGWE
Nneoha Ann Aligwe started her journey into filmmaking in 2019 after her Nigerian Youth Service Corps (NYSC), after which she enrolled on the course, Film Programs at Del-York Creative Academy and EbonyLife Creative Academy, where she focused on film editing and directing.
In 2021, she founded the Africa International Horror Film Festival (AIHFF), the first of its kind, aimed to revive African horror cinema.
Aligwe’s editorial work includes a short film, Enyo (2024). She ensures her works are filled with cultural heritage, visual storytelling, and thought-provoking messages.
‘Enyo’ won the Viewers’ Choice Award at the S16 Film Festival and was selected for screening at the Luxor African Film Festival, highlighting its international recognition.
CHINAZAEKPERE ABIGAIL CHUKWU
Chinazaekpere Abigail Chukwu is a Nigerian writer and director with over eight years of experience in the industry. Her career started as a freelance writer and story developer. She worked with many creative agencies in Nigeria; Sabi Writers, Samora Media Limited and many more.
She wrote and directed “Ti e Nbo” (which means “Your’s coming” in Yoruba), which addresses the issues of LGBTQ and its practices in Nigeria. The film premiered at the 12th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos and was later selected for the Afrika Film Festival in Belgium, competing for the Young African Filmmakers Award.
Chukwu is known for her writing about societal issues, bordering on small groups of people. Her writings aim to drive understanding to societal changes.
She’s currently working on some projects, which include “Iku ya j’esin” and “Frames of Grief.”
EMA EDOSIO
Emamode Edosio, popularly known as Ema Edosio, is a celebrated Nigerian filmmaker, appreciated for her uniqueness in portraying Nigerian life. After graduating from Olabisi Onabanjo University, with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
She was driven by her passion for filmmaking. This led her to further studied Digital Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy and motion pictures at the Motion Picture Institute of Michigan in the United States.
Ema’s debut movie, ‘Kasala’ (2018), is a comedy-drama that delves into the adventure of four friends in Lagos, they borrowed a relative’s car for a joyride, but the car got wrecked. With the absolute adventure, they had only 24 hours to fix the car.
Kasala got a lot of international recognition, screening at over 30 international film festivals and securing nine awards.
Ema is known for capturing Nigerian stories and experiences, this has made her a significant figure in the Nigerian film industry.
KEMI ADETIBA
Kemi Adetiba is a renowned filmmaker, television director and music video director. With a background in Law but she transitioned into the Media industry.
To further perfect her skills, she attended the New York Film Academy.
She directed “The Wedding Party” (2016), “King of Boys” (2018) and its sequel, “King of Boys: The Return of The King” (2021).
Kemi carved a unique niche by creating films that are not only appealing to Nigerians but also to international viewers. She can blend a compelling storyline with an high production quality.
She’s also known for her versatile nature, not restricted to just one form one storyline, she also stands out for her strong female characters.
Kemi was also the director who created Netflix’s first Nigerian original series, King of Boys: The Return of The King (2021).
MO ABUDU
Mosunmola Abudu popularly known as Mo Abudu, is the CEO and founder of EbonyLife Films, which spearheaded the production of “The Wedding Party” (2016), “The Wedding Party 2” (2017), “Chief Daddy” (2018), “Oloture” (2020).
Abudu is a Nigeria media mogul, her company has brought about different collaborations with Netflix, Sony Pictures and AMC studios that have positioned Nollywood on the world stage.
Abudu focuses on African narratives, with a blend of entertainment. Oloture points to the harsh realities of sex trafficking, this shows her ability to show serious problems affecting society through the screenplay.
She’s also a strong advocate for females, this has created lots of opportunities for women in the Nigerian film industry, on and off the screen.
CONCLUSION.
These female directors are reshaping and redefining Nollywood, integrating deep emotional narratives with action-packed thrillers and drama. Their contributions will keep shaping the industry in 2025 and beyond.
