Award-winning Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has achieved a groundbreaking milestone ahead of the UK premiere of her latest movie, “Everybody Loves Jenifa”.
The film has sold out two screens for its December 20, 2024, premiere, marking the first time a Nigerian movie has reached this record for a UK debut.
Akindele shared the exciting news on Instagram, expressing gratitude to her fans, whom she affectionately calls “Jenifans.”
She wrote:
“Jenifans!!!!!!! You’ve outdone yourselves again. History made as the second screen for Everybody Loves Jenifa December 20th UK premiere is SOLD OUT.”
The movie, which continues the adventures of the beloved character Jenifa, is already setting new benchmarks for Nigerian cinema globally.
Nile Media Entertainment, the international distributor for the film, confirmed the historic achievement in a social media post:
“History made. “Everybody Loves Jenifa” becomes the first Nigerian film to sell out 2 screens before premiere. Jenifans, you’ve shattered records back-to-back ahead of the December 20th UK premiere. Thank you all for your unwavering support and love.”
Fans are eagerly awaiting additional screening details, while the film’s UK premiere is poised to elevate the global recognition of Nigerian cinema.
Akindele’s optimism about the film’s success is high, predicting it will break box office records and rake in N5 billion.
If this projection holds true, it will surpass the record set by Akindele’s previous film, A Tribe Called Judah, which became the first Nigerian movie to gross over N1 billion.
The success of “Everybody Loves Jenifa” is a testament to the growing influence of Nollywood on the global stage, and it highlights the importance of supporting and celebrating diverse storytelling.