The Nollywood industry continues to celebrate its unsung heroes, with Valentine Chukwuma and Israel Odunsi emerging as the highest-grossing Nollywood film editors of 2024. Their groundbreaking work on the critically acclaimed movie Everybody Loves Jennifer has set new records, marking a milestone in the history of Nigerian cinema.
Filmone, a leading film distribution company, revealed this remarkable achievement via its official Instagram page, @filmoneng, on Monday. The announcement lauded these editors for their outstanding contribution to Nollywood’s evolving storytelling landscape.
Top-Grossing Nollywood Film Editors in 2024
As the year draws to a close, we celebrate the industry’s finest editors for their creativity and technical expertise in realizing cinematic visions. Below is a comprehensive list of 2024’s highest-grossing Nollywood film editors:
- • Valentine Chukwuma and Israel Odunsi—Everybody loves Jennifer.The collaborative efforts of Chukwuma and Odunsi resulted in a box office triumph, making Everybody Loves Jennifer the highest-grossing Nollywood film of the year. This film masterfully explores themes of social media influence and entrepreneurship, blending humor with contemporary commentary.
- • Sanjo Adegoke—Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju and Lakatabu.Adegoke secured second place with his exceptional work on Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju, a film that merges traditional folklore with modern storytelling, and Lakatabu, a gripping drama.
- Adekunle Oyetunde – Queen Lateefah and Thinline
Oyetunde’s editing finesse shone through in Queen Lateefah, a period drama that highlights themes of female empowerment, and Thinline, a compelling romantic thriller. - Idris Razak—Ajosepo and What About Us
Razak’s work stood out for its emotional depth, particularly in Ajosepo, which explores social class differences, and What About Us, a poignant romantic drama. - Awa Holmes – Alakada Bad and Boujee and Wives on Strike: The Uprising
Holmes’ unique ability to balance comedy with meaningful social commentary earned her the fifth spot. Her work on Wives on Strike: The Uprising is especially notable. - Adeyemi Shomade – Farmer’s Bride, All’s Fair in Love, and Aburo
Shomade’s versatility in handling diverse genres, from rural dramas to romantic comedies, made him a standout editor this year. - Victoria Akujobi – Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju and Criminal
Akujobi’s precision and creativity were evident in her work on the action-packed Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju and the crime thriller Criminal. - Kayode Aransiola – Farmer’s Bride and All’s Fair in Love
Aransiola’s keen eye for detail brought emotional resonance to his films, earning him eighth place. - Kelvin Testers & Gabiu Amidu – Alakada Bad and Boujee
This duo’s comedic timing and innovative editing techniques made Alakada Bad and Boujee a fan favorite. - Susan Ukalor – Muri & KO Saving Onome and 3 Working Days
Ukalor’s work on Muri & KO Saving Onome was a testament to her ability to craft lighthearted yet impactful narratives.
Editors Who Elevated Nollywood in 2024
Beyond editing, directors and filmmakers played a pivotal role in Nollywood’s success this year. Notable mentions include:
● Funke Akindele & Tunde Olaoye (Everybody Loves Jennifer): Their innovative approach reinvented the beloved character Jenifa, appealing to a new generation of fans. The film’s record-breaking box office run reflects their directorial brilliance.
● Adebayo Tijani (Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju): Tijani’s ability to blend folklore with cutting-edge visuals made this film a standout.
● Odunlade Adekola (Lakatabu): Adekola’s transition from acting to directing showcased his deep understanding of emotional storytelling.
The Impact of Nollywood Editors
Nollywood editors are more than technicians; they are storytellers who bring directors’ visions to life. From the suspenseful pacing of Ajosepo to the intricate visual effects in Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju, these editors’ contributions have redefined what is possible in African cinema.
Filmone encapsulated this sentiment on their Instagram page: “Celebrating the unsung heroes who transform raw footage into cinematic masterpieces. These are the visionaries who shape the films we love, blending creativity, dedication, and brilliance.”
2024 has been a remarkable year for Nollywood, marked by innovative storytelling, groundbreaking editing, and a growing global audience. With editors like Valentine Chukwuma, Israel Odunsi, and others setting the bar higher, the industry’s future looks brighter than ever.
