The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially congratulated acclaimed actress, filmmaker, and producer Funke Akindele after her latest film, Behind the Scenes, made history at the Nigerian box office. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) took to its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday to celebrate Akindele’s achievement, describing it as a significant boost to the nation’s creative industry.
Behind the Scenes has crossed an unprecedented ₦2.1 billion in box office revenue in Nigeria, making it the first Nollywood film ever to surpass the ₦2 billion mark. The success places the movie at the top of the industry’s revenue charts and cements Akindele’s reputation as a box office powerhouse in African cinema.
According to the NOA statement, the film’s popularity wasn’t limited to Nigeria. Behind the Scenes also performed strongly internationally, earning more than $111,000 in Canada and about $190,000 across North America,a sign of Nollywood’s expanding global reach. The agency noted that the production’s success highlights both the growing acceptance of Nigerian stories worldwide and the creative potential of the country’s cultural sector.
Funke Akindele’s box office dominance continues a remarkable streak. Behind the Scenes is not only the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of 2025, but its performance also contributed to Akindele becoming the first filmmaker to rank number one at the African box office for three consecutive years,a feat that underscores her influence and consistency in the industry. The Federal Government’s commendation marks a proud moment for Nollywood, signaling official recognition of the creative sector’s economic and cultural impact. Officials described the milestone as a “proud moment for the country’s cultural and creative sectors,” reinforcing the narrative that Nigerian cinema is increasingly competitive both at home and abroad.
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