Red Circle has carved out a unique space in Nollywood’s box office history, and so has the woman whose vision helped bring it to life. Nora Awolowo, who was just 24 when the film went into production, has officially become the youngest Nigerian cinematographer and producer to lead a film past the ₦100 million mark locally.
Released on June 6, the crime thriller directed by Akay Mason and co-produced by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed surged past ₦88 million in just three weeks, hitting the coveted nine-figure milestone shortly after.
It’s a remarkable feat, particularly for an original, non-franchise title without the backing of a major studio. Now 26, Awolowo has quietly etched her name into the record books as one of the most exciting young voices behind the lens.
“We didn’t just want to tell a story, we wanted to tell it well,” Awolowo said in a statement shared with Nollywire. “No handouts, just clarity, heart, and a crew that believed. I didn’t set out to break a record. I just wanted to make something honest. But I hope this shows that young people can lead. Not later. Now,” she said to Nollywire.
!['Red Circle' cast announcement [RC]](https://image.api.sportal365.com/process/smp-images-production/pulse.ng/27072024/2f919a83-451a-40ef-a5d4-ebe793b2a89b?operations=fit(1042:))
‘Red Circle’ cast announcement [RC]
11 Simple Yet Gorgeous Wedding Dresses for Minimalist Brides
See 11 stunning minimalist wedding dresses from luxe silk to budget-friendly rentals, perfect for brides who love simple, elegant designs.
)
My wife stopped being attractive to me at a time – Nigerian Pastor admits; sparks reactions
Pastor Olawande acknowledged the romantic evening as what revived the romance and passion in their marriage.
)
Saraki gives fresh update as PDP stakeholders hold crucial meeting in Abuja
The May 27 NEC meeting is expected to be pivotal for the PDP as it seeks to regain political momentum and redefine its role in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
![Former Senate President Bukola Saraki. [Facebook]](https://image.api.sportal365.com/process/smp-images-production/pulse.ng/25042025/3923d164-3752-4088-bf34-6751893cc1f2.png?operations=autocrop(340:210))
Though director Mason and writer Tijani-Ahmed are no strangers to the big screen, this project felt more urgent, leaner in scope but richer in intention.
Produced under Rixel Studios, the film marks the first executive producing credit for Barnabas Emordi, best known for his cinematography on The House of Secrets. Tolu Obanro handled the score, while Ayomikun Oteju helmed the edit, pulling together a vision that’s both technically sound and emotionally resonant.
The cast, meanwhile, was an eclectic blend of seasoned actors, comedic disruptors, and legacy icons: Folu Storms, Tobi Bakre, Omowunmi Dada, Lateef Adedimeji, Mike Afolarin, Timini Egbuson, Ibrahim Suleiman, Ruggedman, Lizzy Jay, Detola Jones, Debo “Mr Macaroni” Adedayo, William Benson, Femi Branch, and Bukky Wright in a much-celebrated return to the screen.
For Nile Entertainment, Red Circle’s performance is the fruit of an intentional strategy. Group CEO Moses Babatope explained that the company has been doubling down on bold, emerging voices and this time, the risk paid off.
READ THIS: Daniel Ademinokan refutes Stella Damasus’ divorce revelation, citing past abuse and email proof
Leave a comment