Funke Akindele, a Nollywood actress and filmmaker, has received congratulations from the Federal Government for her most recent film, Behind the Scenes, which broke box office records. The Federal Government has congratulated Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele on the record-breaking performance of her latest movie, Behind the Scenes, at the box office.
The National Orientation Agency characterised Akindele’s accomplishment as a significant boost for Nigeria’s creative industry and a testament to the increasing global acceptance of Nigerian stories in a statement released on its X handle on Monday.
The agency claims that “Behind the Scenes has officially crossed ₦2.1 billion at the Nigerian box office, making history as the first Nollywood film ever to hit the ₦2 billion mark.”
“The movie demonstrated modest global muscle, earning over $111,256 in Canada and an impressive $190,249 across North America. The flex did not stop at home.
“Everyone was captivated by this film, from theatres in Abuja to those abroad, from Lagos to Toronto.”
According to the NOA, the film’s success also emphasised Akindele’s accomplishment of becoming the first director to top the African box office for three years in a row.
The agency described the success of Behind the Scenes as a proud moment for the nation’s cultural and creative sectors and said it shows the growing reach of Nigeria’s film industry and reinforces the global appeal of Nollywood productions.
Widespread praise for the 2025 release, which has not only dominated local markets but also shown Nollywood’s growing global reach, coincides with the government’s endorsement.
According to reports on January 12, Behind the Scenes became the first Nollywood film to reach the ₦2 billion box office milestone, solidifying Akindele’s place in African cinema history.
