Forget the Spotlight, These Women Are Nollywood’s Real MVPs

Nollywood thrives on the work of countless professionals behind the scenes, and these women have been instrumental in shaping the industry even though they don’t always take centre stage. Their dedication and expertise have brought some of Nollywood’s most remarkable stories to life. Their work speaks for itself, and it’s time to give them the recognition they deserve.

So, for this International Women’s Day, we’re flipping the script and shining the light on the women behind the scenes: the composers, editors, cinematographers, animators, and producers who keep the industry running. They deserve their flowers, and we’re here to give them just that.

Kaline Akinkugbe Njoku – The Maestro of Nollywood’s Sound

If a film’s story is its soul, then the score is the heartbeat—and Kaline Akinkugbe Njoku knows exactly how to make Nollywood’s heart thump! A film composer, singer, songwriter, and pianist, Kaline is a Berklee College of Music graduate with a BMus in Film Scoring, blending jazz, R’n’B, Hi-life, and soul into powerful cinematic music. Her work spans some of Nollywood’s biggest films, including The Wedding Party 2 (2017), The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Banana Island Ghost, Eyimofe (2020), and Breath of Life (2023), which earned her a nomination for Best Soundtrack at the 2024 AMVCAs.

She has also scored TV projects like The Men’s Club, B430, and the documentary series King Women, proving that whether it’s a blockbuster, a heartfelt drama, or a gripping series, Kaline’s music makes every story hit just right.

Victoria Akujobi – The Post-Production Genius Behind Nollywood’s Finest

If there’s anyone who knows how to turn raw footage into cinematic gold, it’s Victoria Akujobi. A film editor, producer, colorist, and Head of Production at Anthill Studios, she’s been shaping Nollywood stories for over a decade. She has edited major films like The Wedding Party 2 (2017), Chief Daddy (2018), Oloture (2019), and Prophetess (2021), proving her mastery in post-production. Her brilliance has been recognized with an AMVCA win for Best Editing in 2015 for Reflections (2014), cementing her reputation as one of Nollywood’s top editors.

But she’s not just an editor—she’s also a producer, with credits on Elevator Baby (2019), Fishbone (2020), Prophetess (2021), Day of Destiny (2021), Hey You! (2022), and Casa de Novia (2024). As a colorist, she’s worked on Therapy (2020) and Progressive Tailors Club (2021), ensuring every frame looks just right. Whether she’s cutting scenes, producing films, or perfecting visuals, Victoria Akujobi is an undeniable force behind the scenes.

Ema Edosio – The Cinematic Rebel

Ema Edosio isn’t here to play by the rules—she’s here to change the game. A director, writer, producer, cinematographer, and editor, she’s one of Nollywood’s most exciting voices, known for telling raw, authentic stories with a bold visual style. She made waves with Kasala! (2018), a kinetic, street-smart comedy that became an instant cult favorite. Then came Otiti (2022), a deeply personal drama that further cemented her reputation for capturing the heart of everyday Nigerian life.

But her impact doesn’t stop there. Ema has also directed TV projects like The Governor (2016) and Skinny Girl in Transit (2015), worked as a cinematographer on Amaka’s Kin: The Women of Nollywood (2016), and even edited Kasala! herself.

Her work earned her the Sisterhood Award for Best Film Director of the Year, further solidifying her status as one of Nollywood’s most innovative filmmakers. Whether she’s behind the camera or in the editing suite, Ema Edosio is proof that Nollywood’s future belongs to the storytellers who dare to do things differently.

Isioma Osaje – The Industry Powerhouse Who Does It All

If there’s anyone who has her hands in everything Nollywood, it’s Isioma Osaje. Producer? Check. Director? Check. Talent manager? Check. First assistant director? Check. She’s the brains behind hit films like Up North (2018), The Set Up (2019), Your Excellency (2019), and Japa (2024), making sure stories get told the right way. But producing isn’t where it stops. Isioma has stepped behind the camera as a director, helming Japa (2024), Radio Voice, and the upcoming Finding Me (2025), proving she knows how to run the show.

And if you think that’s all, she’s also been first assistant director on Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), Your Excellency (2019), and Love Is War (2019)—making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Whether she’s managing stars, shaping productions, or calling the shots herself, Isioma Osaje is a one-woman industry, and Nollywood is better for it.

Abisola Omolade – The Architect of Nollywood’s Visual Brilliance

Production design isn’t just about making things look good, it’s about creating worlds that feel real, immersive, and unforgettable. And if you’ve seen King of Boys (2018), Blood Sisters (2022), or Over the Bridge (2023), then you’ve witnessed Abisola Omolade’s genius at work. Her vision and attention to detail earned her the Best Art Direction award at the 2024 AMVCAs for Over the Bridge, proving that she’s one of the best in the game when it comes to crafting striking cinematic environments.

Abisola Omolade’s creativity doesn’t stop at film—she was the art director for Orah, which screened at TIFF 2023, and played a major role in executing the record-breaking Hilda Baci Cookathon. Beyond production design, she’s also a fashion critic and journalist, shaping conversations around African fashion. Whether in film, television, fashion, or live events, Omolade isn’t just designing sets—she’s creating cultural moments that last.

Nora Awolowo – The Visual Storyteller Who Doesn’t Miss

Cinematographer, director, editor—Nora Awolowo is the definition of versatility. She won an AMVCA for her documentary Baby Blues (2023), which tackled postpartum depression. She has also directed and shot impactful films like Life at the Bay (2019), Symphonies (2019), and David (2021). Then there’s her upcoming film, Red Circle (2024), where she worked as both cinematographer and producer, and What Are You Truly Afraid Of? (2024) where she handled directing, cinematography, and production.

She served as director of photography for Lisabi: The Uprising and Lisabi: A Legend is Born (2024), now streaming on Netflix, proving once again that she’s one of Nollywood’s most dynamic filmmakers.

Adebimpe Adebambo – Nollywood’s Animation Queen

Animation in Nollywood is still in its early days, but Adebimpe Adebambo is already making sure it has a strong foundation. Whether it’s bringing characters to life in Ìjàpá and Friends (2021) or designing costumes for the ambitious Disney+ project Iwaju (2023), she’s proving that Nigerian animation has a bright future—and she’s one of the ones leading the charge. Her expertise isn’t just in animation—she’s also skilled in visual effects and concept art, making her a key player in Nollywood’s expanding digital storytelling.

Esther Kemi Gbadamosi – The Animator Elevating Nigerian Stories

Stop motion animation is an art form that takes time, patience, and an incredible amount of skill. Luckily, Esther Kemi Gbadamosi has all three! She doesn’t just make stop motion films—she does it by hand, crafting each frame, each character, each pieces meticulously using clay models and set designs. A filmmaker, writer, cinematographer, and editor with over 12 years of experience, she is the CEO of Radioxity Media and a leading voice in Nigerian animation.

Her stop-motion short films, Kolese (2022), Tomati (2021), among others are evidence of her excellence, Her work has earned multiple awards, including Best Director (Female) at the Independent Short Awards for Omolara: A Docudrama on Coastal Poverty (2019) and an Honorable Mention for Best Drama Short at the same event. Another is No One Hears Us, which screened at AFRIFF 2024, winning Best Stop Motion Animation at the Lifanima Animation Awards. She’s proving that Nollywood animation isn’t just growing—it’s evolving.

Uyoyou Adia – The Director Who’s Redefining Nollywood Storytelling

Uyoyou Adia isn’t just making films—she’s making statements. A director, writer, producer, and actress, she has been steadily carving a space for herself in Nollywood with bold, refreshing stories. She directed Charge and Bail (2021), Hey You! (2022), and Casa de Novia (2024), films that showcase her ability to blend drama, romance, and humour while keeping things undeniably authentic. Her 2024 slate alone is proof of her versatility. She helmed L.I.F.E., a mystery drama exploring the journey of an ambitious dancer, and The Silent Intruder, a psychological thriller that has already gained critical acclaim.

Her short film The Hotel Room (2024) was also an official selection at AFRIFF 2024. With past projects like The Sessions (2020) and Dangerous Hope (2023), which addressed themes of loss and survival, she continues to push storytelling boundaries. Whether behind the camera or shaping stories from the page, Uyoyou Adia is redefining what modern Nollywood looks like.

Great cinematographers make you forget they even exist—you’re too busy being captivated by the visuals they create. That’s exactly what Hannah Enyidiya Sampson does. Whether she’s working as a camera assistant on Kemi Adetiba’s upcoming film, To Kill a Monkey, or taking charge of cinematography in The Order of Things (2021), she’s proving that the future of Nollywood’s visual language is in good hands.

Roberta Orioma – The Actress Who’s Also a Boss Behind the Scenes

As an actress, writer, producer, and director, Roberta Orioma is proving that great storytelling isn’t limited to one role. She starred as Tarela in Grind (2023), a series she also wrote and produced, bringing an unfiltered look into the highs and lows of Lagos’ entertainment scene. And the journey isn’t over—Grind Season 2 drops on March 7, 2025, on Prime Video, promising even more drama. But that’s just one piece of her story.

Her short film Why We Never Were (2024) saw her wearing multiple hats as the writer, executive producer, and actress, reflecting her commitment to authentic storytelling. With credits spanning projects like Symphony (2022), Naked Woman (2022), and Roli and Zehra (2021), Roberta is proving she’s not just here to perform, she’s here to create!

These women are Nollywood’s backbone—it’s time they got their flowers!

As we celebrate International Women’s day, we the women who make others shine. They build the worlds, shape the narratives, and craft the images that define Nollywood. Their work might happen behind the scenes, but their impact is undeniable.

But now, we turn it over to you. Who are the women behind the scenes doing incredible work that deserve recognition? Who did we miss? Who else should be getting their flowers? Let’s know in the comments!