Nollywood actor and filmmaker Daniel Etim-Effiong has made an impressive directorial debut with his new film The Herd. The movie is already making waves at the box office. It grossed an outstanding ₦30.1 million in its first week of release. This strong start shows the powerful pull it has on Nigerian audiences. Between October 17 and 19, the film earned ₦28.8 million before crossing the ₦30 million mark by the end of the week. This early success makes it one of the most notable Nollywood opening weekends in the second half of 2025.
The Herd is a crime-thriller that tells a powerful story about family, love, legacy, and generational change. It was co-produced by FilmOne Studios, ToriTori Films, Serendipity HHC, and Airscape. The movie has been praised for its strong cast, gripping storyline, and rich cinematography. It reflects the cultural depth and visual beauty of southwestern Nigeria. Daniel Etim-Effiong, who is widely known for his acting, steps into the director’s chair for the first time with this film. The impressive opening numbers show that audiences have embraced his vision and connected with the story.
The film’s journey began months earlier when a shorter version was screened at the Marché du Film during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025. This early international exposure helped create buzz before its Nigerian cinema release. Daniel also joined a panel at Cannes, where he spoke about the global potential of African storytelling. The film’s international presence gave it a major boost even before it hit local cinemas.
To boost momentum, The Herd had a star-studded Lagos premiere. Top Nollywood stars attended, followed by a special Filmhouse dinner. With strong buzz, it’s already hailed as one of the year’s top Nigerian films.
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