Funke Akindele’s latest film, Everybody Loves Jenifa, has achieved remarkable success, becoming the fastest Nollywood film to gross over ₦1 billion at the box office within just 19 days of its release. (punchng.com) This milestone underscores the film’s widespread appeal and the enduring popularity of the Jenifa franchise.
Released on December 13, 2024, Everybody Loves Jenifa quickly captivated audiences, setting a new record for the highest-grossing opening weekend in Nollywood history with ₦206 million.
(nairametrics.com) The film’s success continued to soar, reaching ₦511 million within its first 12 days, further solidifying its position as the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2024. (punchng.com)
Directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, the film features a star-studded cast, including Funke Akindele herself, Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Lateef Adedimeji, Falz, Layi Wasabi, Jackie Appiah, Omowumi Dada, Chimezie Imo, and Patience Ozokwor. (en.wikipedia.org) The narrative follows Jenifa as she confronts challenges posed by a new neighbor threatening to outshine her charity organization.
The film’s international appeal is evident, with screenings in 30 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. It achieved the largest opening weekend for a Nollywood film outside Africa, earning $100,000 across nine international territories. (nairametrics.com) This global reach highlights the growing influence of Nollywood cinema on the international stage.
Funke Akindele’s achievement with Everybody Loves Jenifa adds to her impressive track record, as she now holds the top four highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time. Her previous works include Omo Ghetto: The Saga (₦636 million), Battle on Buka Street (₦668 million), and A Tribe Called Judah (₦1.4 billion). (businessday.ng) This consistent success underscores her significant impact on the Nigerian film industry.
The film’s success is also a testament to the growing strength of Nollywood, with the industry accounting for over 50% of the market share in the region as of 2024. (nairametrics.com) This dominance reflects the increasing global recognition and appreciation of Nigerian cinema.
In summary, Everybody Loves Jenifa has not only broken box office records but also reinforced Nollywood’s position as a leading force in global cinema. Its success story continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, promising a bright future for the industry.
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