Nollywood is a place for bold ideas and relentless creativity. This isn’t restricted to the projects it rolls out, but the people behind the screen. Those committed to every single layer of the story that becomes the finished product we stream or see at the cinema. Within this vibrant industry, a select group of filmmakers take on an even bigger challenge: of producing, directing, and acting all at the same time on a project.

This triple responsibility is more than just a career flex; it’s a demonstration of total storytelling mastery. It requires stamina to handle long production schedules and sharp vision to keep the narrative coherent. As well as the ability to balance the demands of being both behind and in front of the camera. In an industry where the pressures and expectations are high, and budgets are often tight, pulling this off without the project coming out as an absolute fail is a rare skill.

These multifaceted filmmakers have proved that versatility can drive both artistic excellence and commercial success. Their works haven’t just packed cinemas; they’ve crossed borders, earned global streaming deals, and collected some of Nollywood’s most prestigious awards.

This isn’t to say that the hat-trick crown is the only flex worthy of celebrating, but a form of celebrating versatility within the, filmmakers’ bracket. And to show upcoming filmmakers the possibilities and work demanded in the ever-evolving, industry like Nollywood.

Kunle Afolayan

Remember The Figurine well, when Afolayan released it in 2009. It wasn’t just another Nollywood film — it was a landmark moment. He wore the hats of producer, director, and actor, bringing a supernatural thriller with high production values to Nigerian audiences. His role in front of the camera was also as compelling as his work behind it.

The feature birthed one of the most remarkable “Ajuwaye” storyline in Nollywood and left a lasting template for others to follow. The result of The Figurine? A film that swept five Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAAs), including Best Picture and Best Director, and pushed Nollywood into a new era of polished, layered storytelling.

In 2014, Afolayan repeated the triple role with October 1, a gripping period mystery-thriller. He produced, directed and also played the role of Agbekoya. The project showed genuine signs of meticulous historical research, authentic costuming, and immersive set designs to transport viewers to Nigeria’s pre-independence era. The film grossed over ₦100 million and dominated the awards circuit that year. Later, in the same year, it won the awards for Best Feature Film, Best Screenplay and Best Actor at the African International Film Festival.

Genevieve Nnaji

When Lionheart dropped in 2018, it marked Nnaji’s transition from beloved screen icon to a history-making filmmaker. She wrote, directed, and starred in the family comedy-drama about a woman navigating the male-dominated Nigerian transportation industry. Her triple involvement meant the film maintained a consistent tone and vision from start to finish.

Lion Heart wasn’t just any movie but a turning point for Nollywood and its interaction with the world. It was also a major feat for indigenous language films, seeing the possibilities of being a lot more than just home videos. The movie was acquired by Netflix, in September 2018, becoming the very first Nigerian original.

It also went on to premiere at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. But its success didn’t stop there; it has opened up Nollywood to the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. Thereby, being Nigeria’s first Oscar submission for Best International Feature. Although, Nigeria hasn’t successfully scaled through the Oscars selection process, the possibilities give a sense of hope and acceptance.

Funke Akindele

Akindele has built her career on blending high-energy storytelling with relatable humor, and has mastered the art of running the show from all angles. She also has a track record of directing, producing and playing the lead in most of her projects. In fact, she is currently the filmmaker with highest number of hat-trick projects

In Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), she served as producer, co-director, and lead actress — playing the unforgettable twin sisters Ayomide and Lefty. Her knack for comic timing, combined with her attention to street-culture realism, struck a chord with audiences. The result? It grossed ₦636 million, becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian film at the time.

In Battle on Buka Street, she repeated the triple role. This time, she balanced her duties by having her co-director handle second-unit shoots. The movie broke her own box office record with ₦668 million.

The same is the case for 2023, A Tribe Called Judah, and 2024, Everybody Loves Jenifa. In both projects she stars at the lead, with a comical responsibility. Both of these projects have broken Nigeria’s highest-grossing records with a total of over 1.4 billion naira respectively.

Final Word

These filmmakers are living proof that wearing multiple hats can sharpen a story’s vision rather than dilute it. By blending business sense with creative direction and on-screen charisma, they’ve built projects that resonate with both local audiences and global platforms.

Their work stands as a testament to the fact that in Nollywood, versatility is not just a talent, it’s a power move. It’s a path that demands discipline, endurance, and a deep love for the craft. And for those who can pull it off, the rewards, in impact, recognition, and legacy, are immense.