Nollywood star Funke Akindele continues to raise the bar for Nigerian cinema, recording groundbreaking success across Canadian and North American cinemas. The celebrated actress and filmmaker has once again proven her box office power as her 2025 cinema release, Behind The Scenes, delivers record-breaking numbers outside Africa.
The film pulled in over $111,256 in Canada, setting a new high as the biggest-grossing Nollywood title in the country. Its momentum carried into the wider North American market, where it earned $190,249, making it the most successful Nollywood release ever in the region. Combined with its strong performance at home, Akindele’s total box office earnings have now crossed the N2.2 billion mark.
Reacting to the achievement, Akindele shared her emotions openly, describing the moment as humbling and deeply meaningful. She expressed heartfelt appreciation to fans in Canada, the United States, Nigeria, and Ghana, acknowledging their unwavering support and the role it has played in her journey. According to her, while discipline, growth, and consistency matter, it is divine grace and genuine love from supporters that truly bring success together.
The actress also reflected on how Behind The Scenes shattered expectations locally, reaching over N2.1 billion within a month and surpassing the record set by her 2024 hit Everybody Loves Jenifa, which grossed N1.6 billion. She credited the milestone to faith, perseverance, and the power of staying true to her craft.
Beyond the numbers, Akindele used the moment to inspire younger creatives, admitting that her road to success was far from smooth but ultimately rewarding. She spoke proudly of her roots in hard work and hustle, encouraging emerging talents to stay focused and committed even when the spotlight feels distant.
Having spent 27 years in the movie industry, Akindele remains driven by growth. She has often shared that stepping outside comfort zones is key to longevity, noting that each new project reminds her that real progress demands focus, effort, and courage. As a perfectionist filmmaker and director, she continues to push herself to deliver excellence, proving that her story is still unfolding and the ceiling is far from reached.
