For decades, the “Cinema Experience” in Nigeria was often synonymous with watching a Marvel superhero or a Tom Cruise mission. But as we sit in early 2026, the data tells a different story, one of a local industry that has finally, decisively, taken its crown back.
Between 2025 and 2026, Nollywood didn’t just grow; it staged a coup. For the first time in history, local productions eclipsed Hollywood at the domestic box office, claiming over 50% of the market share in West Africa.
The Billion-Naira Milestone
The numbers are staggering. In 2025, total cinema earnings for the region soared to approximately ₦15.6 billion, a 34% jump from the previous year. But the real headline was the speed of success.
As reported by industry trackers like What Kept Me Up, Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes (2025) shattered every existing record, crossing the ₦1 billion mark in just 19 days. It eventually closed the year at ₦1.32 billion. However, this wasn’t just a one-woman show. 2025 was the “Rise of the Rest,” with 12 different films including the high-octane Gingerrr (₦522M) and the supernatural Ori: The Rebirth (₦419M), earning well over ₦100 million each.
Beyond the Tropes: A Genre Revolution
Nollywood has moved past the “kitchen drama.” We are now seeing a diversification that rivals global industries:
- Historical Epics: ’77, a sequel to the acclaimed ’76, took us back to the cultural explosion of FESTAC ’77.
- The Apocalypse: Alive Till Dawn proved Nigerians could survive a zombie apocalypse (at least on screen).
- International Darlings: My Father’s Shadow made history as the first Nigerian film selected for the official Cannes Film Festival (Un Certain Regard) and, in a surprising twist, was chosen to represent the UK at the 2026 Academy Awards.
AI, Virtual Sets, and Community Screens
How did we do it? By working smarter. High budgets are back, but so is high tech.
As highlighted by The Republic, filmmakers are now using AI and Machine Learning to manage tight budgets and streamline post-production. The use of LED walls and real-time rendering (Virtual Production) has allowed directors to build sci-fi worlds without leaving Lagos.
To ensure this success isn’t just for the elites in Lekki or Ikeja, the NFVCB introduced a two-year waiver for investors opening Community Cinemas. The goal? To bring the magic of the big screen to underserved areas at affordable prices. FilmJoint
The Short Film Renaissance: The Filmjoint Awards (TFA)
While the blockbusters take the billions, the soul of the industry is being nurtured in the short film circuit. On February 7, 2026, the Filmjoint Awards (TFA) took place at the Alliance Française de Lagos.
Founded in 2024 by Gbenga Adeoti and Dawn Ntekim-Rex, The Filmjoint has grown into Africa’s leading platform for short films. The 2026 awards celebrated films that were “undeniably outstanding,” proving that you don’t need two hours and a billion naira to tell a story that changes the world. Through their Premieres and Awards programs, they are finally creating a market where short filmmakers can actually earn from their craft.
The Challenges Ahead
It’s not all red carpets and champagne. Nollywood still faces the “80/20” problem—where 20% of the films earn 80% of the money, leaving indie creators struggling. Inflation also remains a “villain” in our story, as low disposable income makes cinema going an “event” rather than a weekly habit for many.
Final Word
With 2026 titles like Everything Is New Again and Love and New Notes on the horizon, the momentum isn’t slowing down. Nollywood is no longer just “trying.” We are winning.
Get real time update about this post category directly on your device, subscribe now.
Discover more from The Trenet
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
