Celebrated filmmaker and actress Omoni Oboli has reasserted her position in Nollywood’s pantheon with her latest cinematic triumph, “The Uprising.” Speaking from Canada, where she currently resides, Oboli confidently proclaimed her latest work as “the best movie out of Nigeria without a doubt,” backing her assertion with impressive box office numbers and widespread critical acclaim.
The multi-hyphenate creative force, who recently shared a tender moment of taking her granddaughter for a stroll, took to Instagram to reintroduce herself to her audience. In a powerful statement that encompassed her many roles – strong woman, wife, mother, grandmother, and filmmaker – Oboli’s self-assessment comes at a time when “The Uprising” has demonstrated remarkable commercial success, grossing over N93 million within its first week and claiming the position of number-one Nollywood film of the weekend.
What sets this success apart is the unprecedented unanimity in its reception. According to Oboli, the film has received no middling reviews, with audiences across Nigeria, Canada, the UK, and Francophone Africa responding with overwhelming enthusiasm. Perhaps most telling is the reaction from her own sons, whose sophisticated taste in cinema, honed by years of exposure to global films, led them to evaluate “The Uprising” against Hollywood standards rather than conventional Nollywood benchmarks.
The significance of this achievement is particularly poignant given Oboli’s five-year hiatus from cinema releases. Prior to the premiere, she had openly shared her apprehension, acknowledging the butterflies in her stomach. This vulnerability makes the film’s success even more meaningful, especially coming from a filmmaker whose 2019 release “Last Year Single” continues to dominate Netflix Nigeria’s rankings years after its debut.
The premiere of “The Uprising” became even more memorable when Oboli received a surprise gift a brand new car from her partners. In an emotional moment captured on video, she described the vehicle as more than just a material acquisition, but rather a symbol of her evolutionary journey in shaping Nollywood’s narrative landscape.
The film’s impact has transcended traditional metrics of success, creating meaningful connections even with the youngest viewers. In a heartwarming anecdote, Oboli shared how her granddaughter, Naya, squealed with delight every time she appeared on screen, thinking her grandmother was speaking directly to her – a moment that bridges generations and underlies the personal nature of storytelling.
As she continues to promote the film, Oboli maintains an active presence at screenings, recently announcing her attendance at Cineplex Cinemas Vaughan for multiple showings. This hands-on approach to audience engagement demonstrates her commitment to not just creating content, but fostering a community around her work.
The success of “The Uprising” represents more than just another entry in Oboli’s filmography; it marks a significant evolution in Nollywood’s capabilities and reach. By creating a film that her cinema-savvy sons compare to Hollywood productions, Oboli has helped raise the bar for Nigerian cinema while maintaining its unique cultural identity.
Looking ahead, this achievement positions Oboli not just as a successful filmmaker, but as a pioneer pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in African cinema. Her journey from feeling apprehensive about returning to cinema releases to commanding the box office demonstrates the power of combining artistic vision with technical excellence.
As “The Uprising” continues its successful run across multiple territories, Omoni Oboli’s bold self-assessment seems increasingly justified. Her ability to create a film that resonates across different markets while maintaining high production values suggests that Nigerian cinema is entering a new era of global competitiveness, with Oboli among its leading lights.
