Niyi Akinmolayan
Niyi Akinmolayan is a Nigerian filmmaker, director, and producer known for his innovative storytelling and contributions to advancing Nollywood’s visual and technical standards. Akinmolayan has worked on a variety of genres, from romantic comedies and dramas to thrillers and animated films. He is recognized for his commitment to improving the quality of Nigerian cinema and for using film to explore themes such as love, family, ambition, and social issues. In addition to directing, Akinmolayan is the founder of Anthill Studios, a production company that has been instrumental in creating some of Nigeria’s most popular films.
Notable Films:
The Delivery Boy (2018): This thriller follows the story of a young suicide bomber who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after abandoning his mission. The film explores themes of terrorism, redemption, and societal issues in Nigeria. The Delivery Boy received critical acclaim for its bold storyline and nuanced exploration of the motivations behind radicalization.
The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017): Akinmolayan directed the sequel to the highly successful The Wedding Party, which follows two Nigerian families as they prepare for a destination wedding in Dubai. The film is a romantic comedy that explores themes of love, family, and cultural clashes, and it became one of the highest-grossing Nollywood films.
Chief Daddy (2018): This comedy-drama tells the story of a wealthy businessman whose sudden death sparks a comedic battle over his inheritance. The film explores themes of family, greed, and social class, with a mix of humor and drama. Chief Daddy was a commercial success and showcased Akinmolayan’s ability to direct large ensemble casts.
Elevator Baby (2019): A drama about a wealthy, self-centered young man who finds himself trapped in an elevator with a pregnant woman going into labor. The film touches on themes of empathy, personal growth, and redemption, and Akinmolayan’s direction balances humor with emotional depth. Elevator Baby was widely praised for its engaging storyline and strong performances.
The Set Up (2019): This thriller follows a young woman who becomes entangled in a complex plot involving deceit, betrayal, and crime. The film explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and survival, and it was praised for its suspenseful plot and stylish cinematography. The Set Up highlights Akinmolayan’s versatility in handling different genres within Nollywood.
Prophetess (2021): A comedy about a young woman who accidentally gains a reputation as a prophetess and finds herself at the center of a chaotic series of events. The film explores themes of faith, superstition, and community, and showcases Akinmolayan’s skill in directing comedic narratives that reflect Nigerian society.
God Calling (2018): Akinmolayan directed this faith-based drama about a woman who experiences a spiritual awakening after a near-death experience. The film addresses themes of faith, redemption, and family, and it is known for its stunning visual effects, marking one of the most visually ambitious projects in Nollywood at the time.
PlayStation’s Malika: Warrior Queen (2019) – Animator and Producer: Akinmolayan produced this animated film based on the graphic novel by Roye Okupe. The story follows Malika, a warrior queen who must defend her kingdom from invaders. The film showcases Akinmolayan’s interest in animation and highlights his commitment to expanding Nollywood’s creative boundaries.
Day of Destiny (DOD) (2021): A family adventure film that follows two teenage brothers who use a time-traveling device to alter their family’s fortune. The film combines elements of fantasy and comedy, appealing to both young and adult audiences, and reflects Akinmolayan’s commitment to exploring new genres within Nigerian cinema.
Niyi Akinmolayan’s work is celebrated for its innovation, high production quality, and diverse storytelling. Through Anthill Studios, he has helped raise the standards of Nigerian cinema, both in terms of visual effects and narrative complexity. Akinmolayan continues to be a trailblazer in Nollywood, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in African storytelling and contributing to the industry’s growth and global recognition.