Nollywood’s beloved actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, is setting her sights on making history with her upcoming movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa. Scheduled for release in cinemas on December 13, 2024, Akindele is confident that the film will break records and exceed an impressive N5 billion in ticket sales.
At a recent Exhibitor Soirée, Akindele boldly declared, “We can beat N5 billion; I have faith.” With her signature grand marketing style and months of advance promotion, the actress has already generated excitement and anticipation for the movie.
Akindele, known for her box-office hits like Jenifa’s Diary and A Tribe Called Judah, is confident that Everybody Loves Jenifa will captivate audiences and attract record-breaking ticket sales. As one of Nollywood’s most prominent figures, her words carry weight in the industry.
“I believe we can achieve it. We are all working hard to make this movie a success,” Akindele said, as she discussed the strategies she has put in place to ensure the movie’s success.
Akindele has earned a reputation for her strong business acumen, and with her extensive experience in the Nollywood industry, she is well-placed to achieve her ambitious goal. Her proactive campaign for Everybody Loves Jenifa has already seen months of advance promotions, including social media teasers, appearances, and an all-out marketing blitz.
In addition to her passion for the film, Akindele is also focused on protecting her work from piracy. During the Exhibitor Soirée, she made a heartfelt plea to her fans and the movie industry to be vigilant about unauthorized recordings of the film, especially following the piracy challenges she faced with her previous project, A Tribe Called Judah.
“I plead with you guys, I know things are hard now but I want to beg you to be security conscious. People use their phones to film. Remember what happened to us last year, with A Tribe Called Judah? Please let’s be very careful, let’s be vigilant. It’s our movie. We want to make money from it,” she said, urging fans to respect the movie’s production and avoid pirating it.
Akindele’s comments came after A Tribe Called Judah faced significant challenges due to piracy, which impacted its potential earnings. Despite these setbacks, she expressed gratitude that the movie still performed well and remains a successful project.
“Imagine what we would have made if A Tribe Called Judah hadn’t been pirated. But we thank God. This is another opportunity; please protect this film for me. Please, I beg you in the name of God, no phones,” Akindele pleaded, stressing the importance of safeguarding the movie for its financial success.
The actress’s passion and dedication to her craft are clear, and she is counting on the support of the Nigerian film industry, her fans, and the wider audience to make her latest project a success. The film’s star-studded cast, which includes Akindele herself as Jenifa, alongside talented actors like Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana, Jackie Appiah, Nancy Isime, and Patience Ozokwor, promises to offer a thrilling cinematic experience.
With such an impressive lineup of actors and Akindele’s commitment to making the film a success, the excitement surrounding Everybody Loves Jenifa is palpable. Fans of the Jenifa’s Diary franchise are particularly eager to see what the latest installment brings, as Akindele’s portrayal of Jenifa has won the hearts of millions over the years.
Falz, who plays Sege in the movie, has already shared his excitement about the film. Known for his versatile acting skills and musical talents, Falz has proven to be a fan favorite in Nollywood. His collaboration with Akindele is highly anticipated, with both actors having built a strong rapport over the years.
Akindele’s plea for fans to protect the film from piracy is not just a call for awareness, but a reflection of her desire to see the film reach its full potential. Piracy remains a significant challenge for Nollywood, and Akindele’s openness about the issue underscores the ongoing struggles within the Nigerian film industry to protect intellectual property and ensure that filmmakers are fairly compensated for their work.
With the December release date fast approaching, Akindele’s promotional efforts are ramping up. From social media campaigns to public appearances, the actress is leaving no stone unturned in her mission to make Everybody Loves Jenifa a box-office success.
Despite the hurdles she’s faced in the past, including piracy, Akindele remains optimistic and driven. “We can make it happen,” she said confidently. “This movie is for us, and with the support of our fans, we will break records.”
The actress’s faith in the film’s success is evident, and if her previous box office hits are anything to go by, Everybody Loves Jenifa is poised to make waves. With a star-studded cast, a dedicated marketing campaign, and a strong storyline, the film has all the ingredients to become one of Nollywood’s biggest hits.