Women filmmakers dominate Nollywood in Hollywood 2026 in Los Angeles, highlighting diaspora collaboration and global storytelling opportunities

Female filmmakers took centre stage at the 2026 edition of the Nollywood in Hollywood film showcase, held annually in Los Angeles to celebrate Nigerian cinema and foster cultural exchange with the international film community.

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Founded in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, the showcase aims to create collaboration opportunities between Nollywood and Hollywood.

The 2026 edition, organised in partnership with the American Cinematheque, USC School of Cinematic Arts, and O2A Media, featured three films directed by women as part of Women’s History Month activities, reflecting the growing influence of female storytellers in Nollywood.

Operations Director Maceo Willis described the event as a rebirth for the showcase.

“Despite visa challenges affecting some filmmakers, we were able to stage one of the best editions. We’re launching initiatives to benefit the diaspora filmmaking community while continuing to bridge the gap between Nollywood and Hollywood,” he said.

The event opened with the red-carpet premiere of Stitches, directed by British-Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso, starring Dakore Egbuson-Akande.

Reflecting on her return, Egbuson-Akande said, “I attended the first Nollywood in Hollywood in 2018 with my film Isoken. Now in 2026, I’m back with Stitches, and it feels incredible.”

Other screenings included When Nigeria Happens, directed by Ema Edosio-Deelen, and To Adaego With Love, directed by Nwamaka Chikezie, which drew enthusiastic audiences and explored the realities of filmmaking in Nigeria.

The showcase also highlighted the impact of diaspora-led initiatives in promoting Nigerian cinema globally.

Distinguished guests included Los Angeles City Council member Curren D. Price Jr., Pan African Film and Arts Festival founder Ayuko Babu, and festival General Manager Asantewa Olatunji. Richard Omordia, Nigerian-American President of Black Panther Strong, co-sponsored the event.

Speaking at the opening, Price emphasised the power of storytelling in connecting cultures.

“This event is about communication and cultural connection. On behalf of the four million residents of Los Angeles, I want to say thank you for opening doors for the diaspora and celebrating storytelling through film,” he said.

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The 2026 showcase reaffirmed Nollywood’s expanding global reach and the pivotal role of women filmmakers in shaping the future of Nigerian cinema.