Filmmaker Laju Iren is officially the woman of the hour as her debut cinema feature, “Onobiren: A Woman’s Story,” shattered box office records over its opening weekend.
Released strategically to coincide with Women’s Month, the film dominated theaters across Nigeria and Ghana, grossing an impressive $22,000 (approximately ₦30.8 million) in just its first three days (March 6–8, 2026). The performance was strong enough to outpace both major local titles and high-profile Hollywood releases, including the international thriller Sinners, making it the #1 movie in West Africa for the period.
Taking to social media to celebrate the milestone, Iren expressed her gratitude to the audience:
“Thank you Nigeria! Highest grossing film the weekend overall, whether Nollywood or Hollywood. This is just the beginning. Many more milestones to reach and records to break.”
The film follows the emotional and inspiring journey of Roli, a young woman from the riverine Itsekiri communities of Warri who relocates to Lagos. What starts as a typical survival story evolves into a powerful exploration of identity, purpose, and the “magic” that happens when women support one another.
With a star-studded cast including Ruby Akubueze, Bisola Aiyeola, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Patience Ozokwor, Onobiren has clearly struck a chord with viewers. Its success is particularly notable as it marks Laju Iren’s first venture as an executive producer for a theatrical release, following her previous successes in the Christian and independent film spaces
