This Nollywood Film Is Nigeria's First To Break International Box Office Records

Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, has recently gained a lot of attention for its film The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai. As a sequel to the original hit The Wedding Party, the second movie is the country’s first big international success. Breaking box office records in Nigeria as well as abroad, this romantic comedy brings the classic and colorful Nigerian wedding to the big screen.
The December 15 opening weekend of The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai earned approximately 73.3 million Naira (US $202,000), marking a new Nollywood record and beating Star Wars: The Last Jedi at attendance in Nigeria. The film went on to surpass 300 million Naira (US $840,000) by the first week of January, and is predicted to exceed the previous record, set by 2016’s The Wedding Party, of over three billion Naira (US $8.4 million).

According to the producers, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai has been the highest-grossing Nollywood film in the UK as well. Although Nollywood has yet to gross earnings similar to those of classic Hollywood blockbusters, this film is still a significant example of the growing international phenomenon that is Nigerian cinema.

Still from The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai

The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai has since opened outside the country, to 17 other African nations and the United Kingdom, with plans to expand further to the United States, the Middle East, and Caribbean. With regards to the film, Moses Babatope, COO of FilmOne Distribution, commented in EbonyLife Films that “The Wedding Party 2 has already surpassed our expectations in Nigeria and parts of Africa. We remain hopeful for similar results from around the world.”
In addition to the engaging plot line, the movie’s success is also attributed to the film’s impressive marketing, from VIP tickets to buses for filmgoers.

This well-made romantic comedy was directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and employs humor, drama and relatable Nigerian wedding traditions to appeal to a widespread audience. Unlike the first movie, the sequel takes place in Dubai and highlights the efforts made by a Nigerian and British couple determined to bring their families and friends together, despite inevitable culture clashes.

About the author

Leah Feiger

Though Leah is originally from Chicago, she grew up abroad in Hong Kong and London and has had the travel bug ever since. Perpetually on the road or planning imminent travels, she loves short layovers, mangoes, mountains, and lakeside naps. BA at Dartmouth College and MA at the University of Cape Town.