In the dusty dawn of Nollywood’s cassette era, when stories flickered like candlelight on grainy VHS tapes, one man didn’t just tell tales—he ignited revolutions. Muyiwa Ademola. Not your average filmmaker. Nah, he’s the architect of eras, bridging the chasm from bootleg cassettes to shiny CDs, from smoke-filled cinema halls to the endless scroll of streaming screens. While others chased trends, Muyiwa built the runway. Talent? Check. Creativity? Overflowing. Hard work? The kind that carves mountains into masterpieces. This isn’t hype—it’s history etched in celluloid.
He showed us that talent, creativity, and relentless hard work aren’t optional — they’re essential.
And in 2025, the industry finally caught up to his brilliance. With just one cinema release, Muyiwa broke records. His film Ori: Rebirth grossed a staggering ₦419.5 million, making it the 8th highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time. That’s not just success — that’s seismic. SEE HERE
Fast-forward to now, and the universe is finally catching up. Just days ago, at the glittering 2025 FilmOne Exhibitors’ Showcase, Muyiwa scooped the inaugural Outstanding Cinematic Achievement Award for his seismic smash, Ori: The Rebirth. FilmOne didn’t just hand him a trophy—they crowned a king. Because with one cinema drop, he shattered the box office like thunder cracking the Naija sky: ₦419.5M+ grossed, rocketing straight to Nollywood’s highest earner of 2025 and clinching the 8th spot on Nigeria’s all-time highest-grossing films list. One movie. One visionary. Record-breaking sorcery. How? Magic? Nah—pure, unfiltered Ademola alchemy.
Presented by FilmOne Entertainment, the award celebrates Ori for its exceptional storytelling, superior production values, and artistic contribution to the promotion of indigenous-language cinema. The recognition underscores the film’s success in bridging traditional narratives with contemporary cinematic techniques, resonating deeply with both local and international audiences.
Speaking on the achievement, FilmOne praised the film’s creative depth and audience reach, noting that Ori exemplifies the evolving sophistication of Nigerian filmmaking and the rising global appeal of homegrown stories.
“Ori represents the power of authentic storytelling and the strength of indigenous cinema,” FilmOne stated. “Its success reinforces our commitment to celebrating the filmmakers who continue to shape the identity of Nigerian cinema.”
For director Muyiwa Ademola, the honour marks another high point in a career defined by creative excellence and cultural advocacy. Known for his consistent dedication to Yoruba-language film production, Ademola has long been regarded as one of Nollywood’s most respected creative forces.
“This award is a testament to the enduring relevance of our culture and the passion of everyone who worked on Ori,” Ademola said. “I’m deeply grateful to the fans who made this film a success and to the industry for recognizing the value of our stories.”
The recognition also highlights FilmOne Entertainment’s ongoing efforts to amplify indigenous filmmakers and diversify Nigeria’s cinematic landscape, ensuring that regional languages and cultural identities continue to thrive on the big screen.
With its record-breaking box office performance and critical acclaim, Ori stands as a landmark achievement for Nollywood — a reminder that Nigerian audiences are increasingly embracing films that reflect their languages, heritage, and shared experiences.
Ori: Rebirth — A Film Worthy of a Museum Tour:
But let’s talk Ori: The Rebirth—this isn’t a film; it’s a cultural relic, a phoenix rising from the ashes of the original Ori that bewitched early 2000s audiences.
This isn’t just a movie. It’s a cultural artifact. Ori: Rebirth deserves to be placed in a museum, studied in film schools, and toured across Nigeria in partnership with the Ministries of Arts and Culture in every state. It’s a cinematic sermon — a story that speaks to destiny, spirituality, and the soul of the African experience.
Muyiwa didn’t flood social media with hype. He didn’t chase virality. He let the work speak — and offline, the people responded. In homes, in cinemas, in conversations, Ori: Rebirth became a mirror. A reminder of what storytelling can do when it’s rooted in truth.
Ranks Africa has officially selected Ori: Rebirth as one of the Top African Films of the Year — and we’re watching closely to see if it lands in the final top list. But even without the trophy, Muyiwa’s impact is already etched in gold.
He’s the kind of filmmaker who deserves flowers daily — not just for what he’s done, but for what he’s made possible. For every movie lover, every aspiring storyteller, and every believer in African excellence, Muyiwa Ademola is the blueprint.
Movie lovers, rise up! Muyiwa Ademola isn’t owed flowers—he’s owed forests. Daily bouquets for the man who proved grit outshines glamour, who turned “what if” into “watch this.” He’s not in the game; he redefined the board.
