Nollywood filmmaker Laju Iren has made a remarkable debut in the cinema landscape with her feature, Onobiren: A Woman’s Story, which has earned an impressive US$22,000 during its opening weekend. This strong box office performance, recorded between March 6-8, 2026, marks the film as the top-grossing title in Nigerian cinemas, surpassing both local Nollywood films and international releases, according to figures released by the production team.
This milestone represents Iren’s first venture as an executive producer, placing Onobiren at the forefront of Nigeria’s competitive film market. The film’s release was strategically scheduled to coincide with Women’s Month, emphasising its themes of identity, resilience, and female solidarity, which resonate strongly with audiences.
Following the announcement of the film’s box office success, Iren expressed her gratitude to moviegoers on the social media platform X, stating, “Thank you, Nigeria! The highest-grossing film of the weekend overall, whether Nollywood or Hollywood. Thank you all for showing up! And this is just the beginning. Many more milestones to reach and records to break.”
Onobiren: A Woman’s Story opened simultaneously in cinemas across Nigeria and Ghana, effectively tapping into a broader West African audience. The film’s narrative follows Roli, a young woman who transitions from Warri to Lagos. Initially framed as a typical migration story, the film deepens to explore themes of survival, purpose, and self-discovery, showcasing the strength of female solidarity amid social and economic difficulties.
The movie integrates elements of personal storytelling with culturally rich representation from Nigeria’s South-South region, drawing inspiration from the Niger Delta’s heritage and traditions. The cast features notable actors, including Ruby Akubueze, Bisola Aiyeola, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Patience Ozokwor, contributing to a diverse and dynamic presentation.
Produced by Africa No Filter, Creative Economy Practice, and Laju Iren Films, the project seeks to spotlight African narratives and amplify underrepresented voices in the film industry. Iren noted that several scenes were filmed in her grandmother’s hometown of Koko, Delta State, providing an authentic depiction of the cultural backdrop.
The film’s strong opening has already put it ahead of What About Us’s early performance, which grossed US$17,600 in its debut weekend. Onobiren seems set to achieve even greater heights, reflecting Iren’s talent and commitment to storytelling.
Additionally, Laju Iren is no stranger to filmmaking, having previously directed and produced Love is a Star, which collected over 14,000 views in just one week on her YouTube channel. As the founder of the Christian Story Teller Prize, she champions Christ-centred stories and continues to elevate the narrative landscape in Africa.
