Nollywood superstar Funke Akindele has once again delivered a cinematic hit. Her latest film, Everybody Loves Jenifa earns N16.8 Million in advance screenings, signaling another potential box-office success for the beloved actress and filmmaker.
Released on December 13, 2024, the film is distributed locally by FilmOne Entertainment and internationally by Nile Media. As the latest installment in the popular Jenifa franchise, the movie explores new challenges for the iconic titular character.
In this movie, Jenifa’s reputation and charity work face a threat when Lobster, a dubious new neighbor, gains public attention, sparking feelings of jealousy and self-doubt. The plot thickens when a trip to Ghana takes a dangerous turn, as Jenifa and her friends accidentally cross paths with a ruthless drug baron after drugs are mistakenly left in their rental home.
Everybody Loves Jenifa features an exceptional cast, with Funke Akindele reprising her role as Jenifa. She is joined by Stan Nze and Omowunmi Dada, among others. Akindele not only stars in the film but also co-directed it alongside Tunde Olaoye. The screenplay was created by Akindele, Akinlabi Ishola, and Collins Okoh, showcasing a collaborative effort to elevate the franchise.
The film has already generated international buzz, with Nile Media announcing a groundbreaking global release. “Everybody Loves Jenifa is the first Nigerian film to premiere in 30 countries across six continents,” read a statement on Nile Media’s official Instagram page. This ambitious move reflects Nollywood’s growing influence in the global entertainment industry, fueled by increasing demand for authentic African stories.
With Akindele’s stellar track record, the film’s opening weekend is highly anticipated. Her previous works, such as Omo Ghetto: The Saga, which grossed over N1.5 billion, and A Tribe Called Judah, have solidified her reputation as one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars.
Her unique blend of humor, action, and social commentary continues to captivate audiences both locally and internationally. The film’s advance earnings also highlight the industry’s evolving commercial model. Premium ticket pricing, ranging from N7,000 to N8,000, reflects Nollywood’s shift toward high-value releases for major productions.
The international rollout of Everybody Loves Jenifa is led by Moses Babatope, founder of Nile Media and former managing director of FilmOne Entertainment. Babatope’s partnership with Akindele underscores Nollywood’s ambitious drive to capture global audiences, making this release a significant milestone for the industry.
As the film heads into its first weekend, Everybody Loves Jenifa is poised to reinforce Akindele’s standing as a trailblazer in Nollywood and elevate the franchise to even greater heights.
