Mo Abudu And Funke Akindele Make The Hollywood Reporter’s 2025 List Of Influential Women In International Film

Two of Nigeria’s most celebrated filmmakers, Mo Abudu and Funke Akindele, have been named among the world’s most influential women in international film by The Hollywood Reporter, cementing their status as global game-changers in cinema.

The 2025 edition of the magazine’s annual list recognised 46 women whose works have shaped the international film landscape. Abudu and Akindele stood out for their creative achievements and commitment to amplifying African voices and reshaping the continent’s narrative through film.

Mo Abudu, the visionary founder of EbonyLife Media, was praised for her far-reaching impact, having produced several Nollywood blockbusters and building strategic partnerships with Netflix and Sony. Last year, she unveiled a $50 million Afro Film Fund to back African stories and announced plans for EbonyLife Place London, a cultural space set to open soon.

Funke Akindele, a household name in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, earned her place on the list for her ability to blend entertainment with cultural depth. Her 2024 release Everybody Loves Jenifa broke box office records in Nigeria, continuing the success of her beloved Jenifa franchise. As the CEO of the Funke Akindele Network (FAAN), she champions creative ownership, stating, “It’s about owning and empowering our narrative.”

The recognition of both women follows last year’s inclusion of Jade Osiberu, another prominent Nigerian filmmaker, who was celebrated for her bold storytelling in films like Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos, the first Nigerian original on Prime Video. Her 2024 holiday film, Christmas in Lagos, featuring stars from both film and music, also earned high praise.

At a time when African stories are stepping into the global spotlight, the continued acknowledgement of women like Abudu and Akindele signals not just personal triumphs but a growing shift toward more inclusive and representative storytelling in world cinema.

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