Funke Akindele's Global Leap Jenifa Movie Set for Cinematic Debut Across 30 Countries

Nigerian cinema is poised for a monumental breakthrough as Funke Akindele's Everybody Loves Jenifa secures international theatrical distribution across six continents. The landmark film, celebrated as a cultural phenomenon, marks the first Nigerian production to debut in 30 countries, setting a new standard for Nollywood's global reach.

The announcement came from Nile Media Entertainment, a rising force in film distribution, which shared the news through an Instagram post. “We proudly announce international theatrical distribution for @funkejenifaakindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa, the first Nigerian film to be released in 30 countries across 6 continents,” the company revealed. The rollout includes a star-studded UK premiere at Odeon Cinemas in Greenwich on December 20, 2024, before expanding to countries such as Italy, Germany, Canada, and Sweden.

While FilmOne Entertainment retains domestic distribution rights, Nile Media’s international takeover underscores its meteoric rise in the film industry. Founded less than a year ago by Moses Babatope, a former executive at FilmHouse Group, the company has already carved a niche in amplifying Nigerian cinema on the global stage. In recent months, Nile Media has taken bold strides, acquiring the international rights for notable films like Wives on Strike 3 and pioneering new initiatives such as a pre-order voucher system for cinema enthusiasts.

This ambitious move reflects a broader wave of innovation and collaboration in Nollywood. Babatope’s leadership at Nile Media has been instrumental in establishing partnerships, including a high-profile agreement with the Ooni of Ife to manage Ojaja Cinemas, which plans to launch 1,000 screens across Nigeria.

For Funke Akindele, Everybody Loves Jenifa represents not just a career milestone but also a significant leap forward for Nigerian storytelling on the global stage. Known for its humor and relatable themes, the film captures the essence of Nigerian culture while resonating universally—a quality that has made it a fitting candidate for worldwide distribution.

As the global film community turns its gaze to Nollywood, Everybody Loves Jenifa promises to be more than just a cinematic release; it’s a declaration of the industry’s readiness to compete with the world’s best. African filmmaking has entered a new era thanks to Funke Akindele and Nile Media's historic cross-continental distribution.