Funke Akindele‘s Nollywood film, “A Tribe Called Judah,” has set a record by becoming the first Nigerian movie to gross over 1 billion naira ($1.1 million) in domestic theaters within just three weeks of its release.
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This positions Akindele as the highest-grossing director in Nollywood, surpassing even Hollywood hits like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Since its premiere on December 15, 2023, A Tribe Called Judah has consistently shattered records, starting with an opening weekend that grossed over N133 million.
Within the first 14 days, it surpassed N613 million, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2023. On January 2, 2024, just 18 days after its release, the film achieved a milestone, grossing a reported N854 million and its status as the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever in the box office.
The film, directed by Adeoluwa Owu and produced by Funke Akindele herself, is around the character Jedidah Judah, a single mother with five sons, each belonging to a different tribe.
Inspired by Akindele’s late mother, the movie goes into the challenges faced by single parents and mothers in society.
The storyline, which involves a daring scheme to rob a mall amid financial hardship, has resonated deeply with audiences, earning both critical acclaim and fan adoration.
The film’s success has drawn comparisons to Hollywood blockbusters, including the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
A Tribe Called Judah surpass the earnings of Black Panther, which held the record as the top-grossing film in Nigeria.
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A Tribe Called Judah has received acclaim from both critics and audiences alike, earning high ratings on movie review platforms.
The film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, describes it as a cultural gem, addressing the power of storytelling, cultural pride, and the spirit of Nollywood.
The storyline, centered around a single mother and her five sons scheming to rob a mall amid financial hardship, resonates with audiences and pays tribute to Akindele’s late mother.
Akindele’s personal connection to the film is evident in her dedication to her late mother. The plot, is around a woman named Jedidah Judah with five sons from different tribes, shows the struggles faced by single parents and mothers in society.
According to the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), A Tribe Called Judah achieved 231,053 admissions in less than three weeks, surpassing records held by blockbusters with much longer theatrical runs.
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The film’s ability to attract audiences is in its box office earnings. Akindele’s effective marketing skills have played a role in the film’s success.
With a social media following of over 16 million on Instagram alone, she has capitalized on compelling trailers, social media campaigns, and promotional materials to generate anticipation.
Her ability to connect with the audience has translated into packed cinema halls and a successful cinematic debut.
Hailing from the southwestern region of Nigeria, Akindele’s films resonate particularly well with audiences from that geographic area.
This proves advantageous, considering that the South West region holds the majority of cinemas in Nigeria.
Akindele’s consistent delivery of quality films with compelling storytelling has brought her position as a leading figure in Nollywood.
As “A Tribe Called Judah” continues its successful run in Nigerian cinemas, the film has also expanded its reach to international audiences, screening in cinemas in Ghana and the United Kingdom.
With Akindele’s announcement of additional Odeon Cinemas in the UK, the film’s global prospects are promising.
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