For too long, the film industry has been a stage dominated by a single perspective. But the winds of change are blowing, and a new generation of female filmmakers are seizing the spotlight, demanding representation, and proving that diverse voices are not just valuable but essential for the evolution of storytelling.  In recent years, women have stepped up as powerful storytellers, decision-makers, and trailblazers, reshaping narratives both in front of and behind the camera. The statistics speak for themselves: while progress has been made, true gender parity remains a distant goal.  International Women’s Day, with its call to “Accelerate Action,” arrives not just as a celebration, but as a challenge, a dare, even to do more.

This year’s theme compels us to reflect on the strides made, while simultaneously challenging us to push even further. It’s about celebrating the victories, acknowledging the obstacles, and committing to sustained effort to create lasting change within the industry. It means amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized and ensuring that their stories are not only told, but celebrated and supported.

We present the stories of five women who are not waiting for permission; they’re forging their own paths, creating groundbreaking work, and inspiring audiences worldwide. These women share their journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the urgent actions needed to create an equal playing field in film. Through their insights, we explore what it truly means to accelerate action for women in film and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive industry.

These are their stories.

Chisom Ifeakandu – Film Producer

Chisom’s path to filmmaking was unconventional, sparked by volunteering at AFRIFF and a desire to create platforms for storytelling. Despite a detour into tech, she boldly pursued her passion, landing a role on the TV series “Halita“. This marked her true entry into the industry, leading her to establish African Iris Media and The Film Maven, and made an all-female film, aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers. As she states, “It was never just about film. It was always about creating impact and building something bigger than myself.”

Facing challenges like limited access and funding, Chisom intentionally created her own opportunities and now advocates for structural support for women in film. She emphasizes active collaboration and mentorship, believing that “empowerment means lifting others as we climb.” 

Chisom’s experience as a woman in Nollywood has been both challenging and empowering. She acknowledges the unspoken pressure for women to constantly prove themselves, especially in technical roles. However, she also highlights the strong sisterhood within the industry, which inspired her to create On the Moral High Court with an all-female crew

Her goal is to inspire women to take up space, tell their stories, and redefine what is possible within the industry.

Lilian Olubi – Film Executive Producer

Lilian Olubi didn’t just transition from finance to film, she ignited a new path, leaving behind a distinguished corporate career to pursue her passion for storytelling. It wasn’t an easy leap, but she believed that success in any industry, regardless of gender requires knowledge, value exchange, and meaningful alliances.

Despite stepping into two male-dominated industries, Lilian never saw gender as a limitation. Instead, she approached film the same way she had approached finance: with strategy, competence, and strong partnerships. Her first major production, Osamede, is a bold historical epic that showcases African resilience and the often-overlooked contributions of women in history.

Unlike many women who struggle with gender-based industry barriers, Lilian’s biggest challenge was navigating leadership dynamics rather than explicit discrimination. She believes access, mentorship, and funding are the biggest hurdles for women in film—not lack of talent. Her solution? Bringing more women into decision-making rooms and pushing for financial empowerment to help them create and own their projects.

For Lilian, empowering women in Nollywood is a core mission. She passionately advocates for more funds targeted at female filmmakers to unleash their creative power.  Connecting with this year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action,” Lilian emphasizes the need  for women to bridge  the gap between ability and action and foster a belief in their own capabilities. “Women do not need permission to lead; they need the right environments to thrive,” she insists. She sees her work as dedicated to creating spaces that allow women to step into their full potential, empowering them to become leaders in Nigerian film and beyond.

Khanyi Zondi – Film Marketer

“When I co-founded Sinema Agency, I saw a huge gap in the industry and a real need for African films to get the attention they deserved, especially in global markets”. Khanyi’s journey began with a clear vision: to elevate African cinema on the global stage. Seeing a significant gap in the industry, the filmmaker-turned-marketer, co-founded Sinema Agency to ensure that authentic African stories receive the attention they deserve. Her passion stems from a desire to create a space where these narratives can truly thrive, connecting with audiences worldwide.

With a client base where 80% are black female filmmakers and producers, Khanyi is not only bridging industry gaps but also championing women’s voices, ensuring they are heard, celebrated, and represented on the global stage.

Onyinye Odokoro – Actress

Onyinye Odokoro’s journey into Nollywood was fueled by fearless decision-making and seizing opportunities. Her move to Lagos in 2020 was made possible by a woman who believed in her, Mimi Bartels, then head of production at FilmOne, who not only gave her an opportunity but even covered her transport fare to Lagos. This moment solidified the power of women supporting women and set the tone for Onyinye’s belief in collaboration over competition.

Onyinye is deliberate about the roles she plays, ensuring they don’t propagate harmful narratives about women. Her most impactful role yet is “Adanna” in Netflix’s upcoming series Baby Farm—a character who embodies courage, resilience, and the fight for freedom. She hopes this role empowers women who feel trapped in difficult situations to find their own strength.

She highlights social media as a game-changer, allowing women to amplify their voices, network, and create their own opportunities. Her advice? “Shoot your shot. Craft that unforgettable DM. Do the monologue. Tag the people you want to see your work. You have nothing to lose.”

However, Onyinye also calls for structural changes, particularly in ensuring the safety of women in society and in the industry. She believes that stronger policies against gender-based violence are critical in creating a more secure and empowering environment for women in film.

Nora Awolowo – Cinematographer

Nora Awolowo has carved out a space for herself in cinematography, a field traditionally dominated by men. While she acknowledges the growing inclusion of women behind the camera, she emphasizes that training alone is not enough. The real challenge? A lack of structured opportunities that allow women to build sustainable careers in cinematography.

Nora recognizes the positive shift in the industry, with increased skill training, mentorship, and internships available for women. However, she stresses that education without tangible career pathways is insufficient. “For me, it is making sure there’s a pipeline to grow in all of this education, and that is how you actually grow the industry,” she asserts, emphasizing the need for paid apprenticeships, long-term projects, and structured career growth opportunities that build confidence and keep women engaged in cinematography.

Beyond her work behind the camera, Nora uses storytelling to drive social change. Her documentary, Baby Blues: The Trials of Childbirth, sheds light on postpartum depression, a subject often considered taboo. She believes that telling difficult but necessary stories is essential in creating awareness, fostering empathy, and ensuring that women feel seen and heard.

For Nora, true empowerment in Nollywood isn’t just about getting women into cinematography, it’s about keeping them there. She calls for systemic industry change, where women in technical roles aren’t just trained but are actively integrated into projects, fairly compensated, and given the support needed to thrive.

Conclusion

The voices of these five remarkable women reflect the power of resilience, intentionality, and action in shaping a more inclusive film industry. Their journeys highlight the progress women have made in Nollywood, but also the work that remains.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, one thing is clear: empowerment goes beyond visibility, it requires real opportunities, support, and systemic change. Acknowledging the barriers isn’t enough; we must actively work to remove them.

These women’s stories remind us that real change in the film industry isn’t just about breaking barriers, it’s about creating lasting spaces for more voices, diverse perspectives, and powerful stories. If there’s one lesson to take away, it’s this: waiting for permission is no longer an option. They are claiming their seats at the table, rewriting the script of what’s possible, and proving that when women take up space, the industry and the world become better for it.

But the work isn’t done. “Accelerate Action” is more than just a theme, it’s a call to every filmmaker, creative, executive, storyteller, and audience member to demand more, push further, and uplift one another. Talent alone isn’t enough, structural support, funding, and safe spaces are essential for women to truly thrive in film.

So today, on International Women’s Day, let’s do more than celebrate progress, let’s commit to action. Let’s ensure that the next generation of female filmmakers never have to fight for a space that should have been theirs all along.

Let’s not just celebrate progress, let’s accelerate it.