Nigerian filmmaker, Nora Awolowo, has become the youngest Nollywood producer to gross over ₦100 million at the cinema with her debut feature film, “Red Circle”.
The film, which premiered in cinemas on June 6, hit the ₦100 million mark within its third week of release, making it one of the top-grossing Nollywood titles of 2025.
According to FilmOne Entertainment, the movie earned ₦33.8 million in its opening weekend and jumped to ₦74.5 million by the end of the second week before crossing ₦101.8 million in the third week.
“This film is a testament to the value of supporting new voices. Nora brought a clear vision and proved that audiences respond to bold storytelling,” said Moses Babatope of FilmOne, the film’s official distributor.
“Red Circle”, directed by Akay Mason and written by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, was produced under Nora’s Rixel Studios in partnership with Tijani-Ahmed. The story follows a daring journalist, Fikayo Holloway (played by Folu Storms), whose investigation into corruption drags her into a dangerous criminal web.
The film also features a star-studded cast that includes Bukky Wright, Lateef Adedimeji, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, Omowunmi Dada, Mr Macaroni, Femi Branch, and rapper Ruggedman.
Born and raised in Lagos, Nora studied accounting at Ekiti State University before moving into photography and documentary filmmaking, where she gained wide recognition for her award-winning work. “Red Circle” marks her first full-length feature film.
In several interviews, Nora has shared her views on the ongoing challenges facing the Nigerian film industry, from the lack of infrastructure to funding constraints.
She highlighted the urgent need for government support in providing sound stages, studio spaces and dedicated film villages.
Despite these struggles, she believes the industry is pushing forward with limited resources.
“Imagine what we’d do with more,” she said.
“Red Circle” is currently on an international screening tour, with premieres already held in Birmingham, Streatham, Manchester and Greenwich. Plans are in progress for a North American release.
At just 26 years old, Nora Awolowo is now being praised as a rising force and voice of her generation in Nollywood.
GUARDIAN LIFE
