What Nollywood Stakeholders Are Saying About ‘A Tribe Called Judah’

Ferdinand  Ekechukwu

Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has continued to bask in the glow of her remarkable achievement in the history of Nollywood. Her latest movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, which grossed over N1 billion in cinema sales, has continued to draw excitement. With ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, Funke Akindele made history as the first Nigerian filmmaker to hit N1 billion in cinema sales.

The feat has set the realms of Nigeria’s film industry buzzing since it was revealed a week ago. Commentaries from the industry stakeholders to Showbiz captured some opinion, amid reservation, on the record of Akindele’s recent box office success.

Describing it as great milestone and win for the industry, ace Nigerian filmmaker, Obi Emelonye said.  “First of all, let me congratulate Funke Akindele and her team, including my brother and friend JideKene Achufusi.”

Continuing, the UK-based director and producer noted that, “What they have achieved with ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ is unprecedented in our history. I don’t want to get bogged down in the crass argument whether the 1 billon plus figure is inflated, padded or BBL-Ed. The important thing is that the film has galvanised Nigerian cinema audiences at a time of great hardship in the country.

“And if we are arguing about the billion marks, which is double what the previous record is, then we are talking uncharted territory here. For that Funke and her team deserve respect and praise.

“Whichever way you look at it; it is great win for the industry that no one believed can make cinema work when we pioneered it 13 years ago. If Funke can do N1 billion with the number of cinemas in Nigeria today, just imagine the possibilities for our industry. Landmark film. Great milestone.”

Kunle Afolayan, attributed the feat to hard work, saying, “I congratulated her and the team when the film was released and encouraged people to watch it. She and her team really worked very hard with the promotion of the film. That’s all I can say.”

To another filmmaker, Moses Inwang, “The figures are 1000 per cent credible. Funke put in a huge shift to promote her film, way better than anyone has ever attempted, and she made a good film too.”

Another filmmaker, Big Sam, believes that, “It is laudable achievements and one that is good for the whole industry generally. It shows it is possible. And it’s inspiring generation of filmmakers to go for it. So, it’s win-win for the whole industry.  

Secondly, it is silly to doubt the figure as it is coming directly from CEAN. Why should the whole cinema industry lie against itself? And for those who have been at the cinemas, the halls are actually packed. The sales are real.”

A cinema owner and film producer Debbie Odutayo, wraps it in one word, “Awesome!” While the Group Deputy Managing Director of Filmhouse Group, Moses Babatope, speaking on the box office record achieved by ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ in a statement said, “We are witnessing a golden era for Nigerian cinema, and Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ reaching the 1 billion Naira mark is an indication that the creative industry. Despite the stiff competition from international streaming platforms, our local content continues to thrive, engaging audiences on a grand scale.”