As a producer and cinematographer, Nora Awolowo makes history in a powerful turn of events for Nollywood and women in film. In Nigeria’s fast-evolving film industry, she has broken records and redefined what is possible for young creatives—all at just 26 years old.
Red Circle, her first feature film, has been a box office triumph. The movie, which premiered on June 6, 2025, grossed an impressive ₦101.8 million by its third week of release, making Nora the youngest Nigerian producer to ever reach the ₦100 million mark. According to FilmOne Entertainment, the film earned ₦33.8 million during its opening weekend, climbed to ₦74.5 million by the end of the second week, and ultimately achieved a record-breaking total in the third week.
“This film is a testament to the value of supporting new voices,” said Moses Babatope of FilmOne, the official distributor. “Nora brought a clear vision and proved that audiences respond to bold storytelling.”
Indeed, Nora Awolowo makes history not only through box office success but also by earning a landmark nomination for Best Cinematography at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). She is the first Nigerian woman ever recognized in this category, marking a pivotal moment for gender representation in technical roles within African cinema.
Co-directed by Akay Mason and written by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, Red Circle tells the gripping story of Fikayo Holloway—a fearless journalist portrayed by Folu Storms—whose relentless pursuit of truth drags her into a dangerous web of corruption and crime. The film, brought to life by Nora Awolowo’s Rixel Studios in collaboration with Tijani-Ahmed, boasts a star-studded cast including Bukky Wright, Lateef Adedimeji, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, Omowunmi Dada, Mr. Macaroni, Femi Branch, and veteran rapper Ruggedman.
Nora, who was born and raised in Lagos, studied accounting at Ekiti State University before transitioning to photography and documentary filmmaking. Although she gained national recognition for her earlier works, Red Circle marks her first full-length feature film—and clearly, a successful one.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Nora continues to speak out about the structural challenges that Nigerian filmmakers face. In several interviews, she has cited the lack of purpose-built film facilities, limited funding, and poor infrastructure as major setbacks. Yet, her outlook remains hopeful. She highlights the resilience of filmmakers working with scarce resources, remarking, “Imagine what we’d do with more.”
Meanwhile, Red Circle is gaining global attention. With screenings already held in Birmingham, Streatham, Manchester, and Greenwich, an extensive North American tour is currently in the works. This international expansion underscores the broad resonance and appeal of Nora’s vision, far beyond Nigerian borders.
Nora Awolowo has made history by proving that talent, perseverance, and authenticity can transcend limitations. Her journey is more than a personal success—it is a rallying point and a powerful source of inspiration for the next generation of Nigerian storytellers, particularly women ready to challenge the norm.
