ABUJA, Nigeria – Mediaage NG News – Nollywood film, A Tribe In Judah, has become the first Nigerian movie to earn 1bn naira ($1.1m; £900,000) in domestic theatres.
Smashing box office records, it achieved the historic feat in just three weeks.
Creator of the movie and Nigerian actor, director and producer Funke Akindele thanked her fans for the milestone.
“Thank you Lord! Thank you Nigeria! Thank you Ghana!” she posted on Instagram, garnering thousands of congratulations.
The record cements Akindele, 46, as Nollywood’s highest-grossing director.
The film is set to eclipse Hollywood hits in Nigerian theatre earnings, including the acclaimed superhero film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which previously held the record as the top-grossing film in the country.
“This achievement isn’t just about numbers; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, cultural pride, and the unyielding spirit of Nollywood,” the film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, said on Instagram.
It has hailed the film as a “cultural gem”.
The company also praised Akindele, saying her commitment to storytelling has “etched a significant chapter in the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian cinema”.
A Tribe Called Judah has received rave reviews from both critics and fans and is basking in high ratings on movie review platforms.
The film – which portrays a scheme to rob a mall by five brothers whose mother was battling financial hardship – was inspired by Akindele’s late mother, whom she also dedicated the film to.