Nollywood is one of the few female-led industries in the world. The first movie to gross over a billion naira was from a female filmmaker, Funke Akindele. In fact, the top 5 highest-grossing films in Nollywood were all birthed by women. In mainstream Nollywood, women call most of the shots.
However, when we talk about the indie facet of Nigerian cinema, the conversation is often dominated by men. But just like in mainstream Nollywood, there are nigerian female indie filmmakers creating magic. From Northern-steeped characters to working-class people, here are six female indie filmmakers creating characters that stay with us and stories that resonate.
Korede Azeez
For many, their introduction to Korede Azeez is the celebrated film With Difficulty Comes Ease, which stars Uzoamaka Power as the lead. Before that, she was involved in the Netflix-UNESCO anthology African Folktales, Reimagined. Azeez’s episode titled Halima’s Choice focused on Halima, who, after being forced into an arranged marriage, turns to a stranger and the virtual world of Napata for help.
Azeez’s characters are mostly women and oftentimes set in the north. As there are not a lot of non-stereotypical northern characters in mainstream Nollywood, Azeez is doing an excellent job filling that gap by developing complex and layered northern characters.
Ema Edosio-Doleen
Ema Edosio-Doleen has a heart for the working-class population of Nigeria. Her directorial debut Kasala saw its protagonist running around trying to raise money to fix his uncle’s car, which he totalled. In her sophomore feature-length film, When Nigeria Happens, the characters are of the lower economic class with dreams of dancing for the biggest artiste and making social commentary through dance.
The character’s dreams are fierce and so is the love the lead shares with his leading lady. They are so much more than their economic class. In present-day Nollywood, where most movies seem to centre the rich, the one percent of the one percent in a country where more than half of the population are from modest backgrounds, Edosio-Doleen’s filmography is a true breath of fresh air.
Pamela Adie
In 2019, Adie produced the first Nigerian lesbian-focused documentary, Under the Rainbow, which borrowed heavily from her personal life. A filmmaker and LGBT activist, her lens focuses on gay people.
Her short film Ife revolves around a lesbian couple who face the challenges of being lesbian in an anti-LGBT country. Released in 2020 in collaboration with the Equality Hub, the film sent threats of possible imprisonment Adie’s way. Unfazed, Adie announced the sequel in 2024 proving she is a daring filmmaker who will continue to make films that question biased beliefs and laws.
Nneoha Ann Aligwe
As an emerging Nigerian female indie filmmaker, Aligwe already has some wins tied to her name. Her short film Enyo Reflections won the viewers’ choice award at the 2024 S16 Film Festival. The film follows a troubled couple who go on a trip to reignite their spark but encounter a mysterious couple who prompts them to confront the realities of their relationship.
Aligwe is committed to telling stories that are reflections of her experiences as an African. She also believes in cinema as an art form and the beauty of genre cinema, which led her to found the Africa International Horror Film Fest. The festival celebrates films that push the boundaries of the horror genre and explore the darker side of the human psyche.
Sonia John
Sonia John is a film/TV director and producer who crafts African stories that push creative boundaries. Sonia’s passion for innovative storytelling shines through her impressive portfolio.
Her directorial credits include acclaimed shorts Fright Night, Yet Another Genius, and Then I Met You. The TV series include A Night at The Basseys and the documentary Local Heroes Spotlight. As a Nigerian female indie filmmaker, John stands out with characters are complex with backstories and clear motivations. Stories that blend drama, suspense, and social commentary always pique her interest.
Adekunle Blue
Adekunle’s film journey began at the University of Lagos, where she studied Creative Arts, later honing her skills through masterclasses and a film program in Art Direction at EbonyLife Creative Academy. Starting out as a visual artist and art director, she went on to direct commercials for brands like Airtel, Spotify, Heirs Insurance, Mr Chef, and GTB.
She has worked in the Art and Production Design departments on Nollywood titles such as La Femme Anjola, Love Language, Blood Sisters, and Elesin Oba and served as First Assistant Director on Brotherhood and Shuttlers. Eager for more creative control, she transitioned into independent film making. Her directorial debut, Man and Masquerades, won Best Student Short Film at the 2023 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
These nigerian female indie filmmakers are proving that the strength of Nollywood’s storytelling doesn’t stop at the mainstream. In the indie space too, women are crafting bold, resonant films that demand to be seen.
