Funke Akindele has once again rewritten the Nollywood playbook with her 2025 cinematic release Behind the Scenes. A film that not only resonated deeply with audiences at home but is now expanding its reach across the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and Canada.

This week, Funke Akindele confirmed that Behind the Scenes (BTS) is now showing at select Odeon Cinemas in the UK and Ireland, Regal Cinemas in the USA from January 9, and Landmark Cinemas in Canada from January 16, marking a significant milestone in international distribution for Nigerian films.

Released nationwide in Nigeria on December 12, 2025, Behind the Scenes has smashed box office records throughout its theatrical run. Within just 17 days of release, the film crossed the ₦1.1 billion mark, becoming the fastest Nollywood film in West African history to surpass the ₦1 billion milestone.

This achievement cements Funke Akindele’s status as Nollywood’s most bankable filmmaker and box office Queen as she is called by her fans. According to FilmOne Entertainment (the movie’s official distributor) the film also delivered the highest single-day box office gross ever recorded on Boxing Day, earning an astonishing ₦129.5 million in a single day.

The movie, Behind the Scenes offers a powerful narrative about the unseen pressures of success, generosity, and personal sacrifice. The drama centres on Aderonke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran, portrayed by Scarlet Gomez, a real estate entrepreneur whose goodwill begins to take a personal toll as she discovers that not everyone in her life values her intentions.

Funke Akindele alongside a talented ensemble cast including Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, Uche Montana, and Ini Dima-Okojie, brings the story’s emotional depth to life with captivating performances.

Before its billion-naira feat, Behind the Scenes achieved several commercial milestones:It recorded the biggest opening weekend of 2025, grossing over ₦200 million in its first weekend. Within its first 12 days, the film grossed over ₦500 million, becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood title of the year at that point.

International Rollout and Cultural Impact

The film’s upcoming screenings in the UK, Ireland, USA, and Canada are emblematic of Nollywood’s growing global presence. As Funke Akindele’s Behind the Scenes continues to attract audiences worldwide, it not only showcases the power of Nigerian storytelling but also highlights the universal appeal of African cinema.

For film lovers and global audiences alike, Behind the Scenes is more than a movie. It’s a cultural moment, a box office triumph, and a proud chapter in Nollywood’s international growth.

We are telling our story and reaching the far ends of the world through film.