Nora Awolowo has officially become the youngest filmmaker in Nollywood history to cross the ₦100 million mark at the Nigerian box office, thanks to the success of her debut feature film, Red Circle. The 26-year-old creative, who also served as the film’s cinematographer, achieved this milestone in just three weeks of release.
Directed by Akay Mason and co-produced by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, Red Circle premiered nationwide on June 6, 2025. The crime thriller opened to an impressive ₦33.8 million in its first weekend and surpassed ₦101.8 million by its third week, according to data from FilmOne Entertainment.
Featuring an ensemble cast including Folu Storms, Tobi Bakre, Lateef Adedimeji, and Bukky Wright, Red Circle has earned praise for its gripping storyline and strong performances. The film’s success marks a major win for independent filmmaking and highlights the growing influence of young creatives in Nollywood.
Speaking on the achievement, Awolowo said, “We didn’t just want to tell a story—we wanted to tell it well. I hope this shows that young people can lead. Not later. Now.”
Red Circle continues its theatrical run across Nigeria, with talks already in progress for international festival screenings and a future streaming release.
