Award-winning Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele is set to take her record-breaking film Behind the Scenes to a global audience as it begins streaming on Netflix from April 3.
Following an exceptional run in cinemas, the film has already cemented its place as one of the most successful Nollywood productions in history. It grossed over ₦2.7 billion across West Africa and sold more than 450,000 tickets before exiting cinemas in mid-March, reflecting strong audience demand and consistent box office performance.
The move to Netflix marks the next phase in the film’s distribution strategy, allowing it to reach viewers beyond the African market. By transitioning from cinemas to a global streaming platform, the project is expected to gain wider international visibility and attract new audiences unfamiliar with Nollywood.
Akindele has become known for her strategic approach to film releases. While many filmmakers shifted focus to streaming platforms in recent years, she has maintained a cinema-first model, consistently premiering her films on the big screen before moving them to digital platforms. This approach has proven highly effective, particularly during peak viewing periods such as the December holiday season.
Her previous projects have followed similar patterns. Films like Battle On Buka Street and A Tribe Called Judah achieved major success in cinemas before later becoming available online, while other productions have debuted directly on streaming services. This flexible distribution model has positioned Akindele as one of the most commercially savvy figures in the Nigerian film industry.
Beyond movies, she continues to build a strong presence across multiple platforms. Her television series Jenifa’s Diary remains widely popular, while other projects like Aiyetoro Town further demonstrate her ability to engage audiences across different formats, including TV and online content.
Behind the Scenes, which premiered in cinemas on December 12, 2025, was co-directed by Akindele alongside Tunde Olaoye. The film features a diverse cast, including Scarlet Gomez, Uzor Arukwe, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, and Iyabo Ojo, among others.
The film also set multiple industry records during its cinema run. It became the first Nollywood movie to surpass ₦2 billion, reached ₦512 million within 12 days, and recorded a ₦129 million single-day gross on Boxing Day 2025, the highest ever for a Nigerian film at the time.
With its upcoming release on Netflix, Behind the Scenes is expected to extend its success beyond the box office, reinforcing Funke Akindele’s reputation as a leading force in Nollywood’s growth both locally and internationally.
