Popular Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele has achieved a significant milestone ahead of the UK premiere of her latest blockbuster, “Everybody Loves Jenifa.”
The film, set to debut on December 20, 2024, has achieved an unprecedented feat by selling out two screens, making it the first Nigerian movie to do so in the UK.
Akindele shared the remarkable news on her Instagram page on Sunday, December 15, expressing deep appreciation to her fans, whom she affectionately refers to as “Jenifans.”
“Jenifans!!!!!!! You’ve outdone yourselves again. History made as the second screen for Everybody Loves Jenifa December 20th UK premiere is SOLD OUT.“
Funke Akindele
The film’s success has been hailed as a landmark achievement for Nigerian cinema, reflecting the growing international appeal of Nollywood productions.
Nile Media Entertainment, the international distributor of the film, also highlighted the achievement on social media, describing it as a historic moment.
“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.”
The distributor
In response to the overwhelming demand, Nile Media Entertainment announced plans to add more screens and extend the film’s reach to new locations.
They urged fans to stay updated for further announcements.
Netizens reacted to the news online.
“Massive! If it’s not breakable, don’t call us!!!”
dareynow
“Can’t wait to share this. Oh Mama we are the geng, we are a force.”
annie_welt
“We are still waiting patiently in Manchester my sister.”
therealprophetesstolaara
“But no be only London this thing supposed to show sha…. How about distributing to other Cineworld or Odeon cinemas across the country? Just thinking out loud.”
mobatcakes
“That’s just it, no matter what God will always turn up for his own……if all the actors and actresses released the same day with her, Can’t stop God’s blessings from reaching his own.”
hayjayaluminiumandglass
“Helped to share to some Nigerian groups online yesterday. Bought my ticket already. Can’t wait. Representing Braehead.”
boloyebs
‘Everybody Loves Jennifa’ Shatters Box Office Record
Nigerian Box Office Queen, filmmaker, and Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele’s movie, “Everybody Loves Jennifa” shattered the box office, grossing over N40 million on its opening day.
Funke Akindele has continued to make waves in the movie industry, redefining Nollywood across the world.
Her newly released movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa, which opened on Friday, December 13th, has become the movie with the biggest opening day for a Nollywood film with ₦45.2M.
Nigerian Box Office disclosed this while rating the movie via its official X handle, saying Funke’s movie opened with over 9,000 admissions.
It further noted that her new movie surpassed that of her previous movie, A Tribe Called Judah, which had 8,870.
All these it noted, are outside of the advanced screening.
“Everybody Loves Jenifa shattered box office records yesterday. It had the biggest opening day for a Nollywood film with ₦45.2M! ELJ drew 9,409 admissions, surpassing ATCJ’s 8,870 despite not screening at Genesis & missing most of the day at Silverbird Cinemas.
“All of these are outside of the advanced screening. Please note that the final figures could be slightly more.”
Nigerian Box Office statement
The movie features some Nollywood stars, including Nancy Isime, Bisola Aiyeola, Destiny Etiko, Patience Ozokwor, and Stan Nze, among others.
Funke Akindele is a talented, hardworking, and dedicated woman who has been consistent in producing captivating and quality movies for decades in Nigeria, and her success does not come as a surprise to many.
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