Nollywood actor and filmmaker Daniel Etim-Effiong has made a striking directorial debut with The Herd, which opened to a strong N30.1 million at the Nigerian box office in its first week.
The film’s performance has quickly placed it among the standout Nollywood releases of 2025, signaling a powerful start for Etim-Effiong’s new chapter behind the camera.
According to the Nigerian Box Office, the crime thriller pulled in N28.8 million between October 17 and 19, 2025, before crossing the N30 million mark within its debut week. For a first-time director, this is no small feat, and it cements Etim-Effiong’s transition from celebrated actor to a director with commercial appeal.
It is a story rooted in family, love, and change
The Herd, co-produced by FilmOne Studios, ToriTori Films, Serendipity HHC, and Airscape, takes audiences on an emotional ride through themes of love, family, betrayal, and generational conflict.
Set in South West Nigeria, the film weaves a gripping tale that blends crime, suspense, and psychological drama, offering a mix of intensity and reflection that resonates deeply with modern Nigerian audiences.
Etim-Effiong’s storytelling brings a refreshing touch to Nollywood, combining rich cultural details with cinematic techniques that align with global filmmaking trends. It’s a film that not only entertains but also mirrors the social shifts within contemporary Nigerian families.
A Star-Studded Premiere and Industry Buzz
Before its release, The Herd had already made waves in the film community. The promotional campaign included high-profile events such as an exclusive dinner hosted in partnership with Filmhouse Group, That Good Media, NIFS, and Legend Hotel.
The Lagos red carpet premiere was equally grand, drawing an impressive lineup of Nollywood stars including Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Kate Henshaw, Kunle Remi, and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.
The event turned into a celebration of storytelling, culture, and the growing professionalism of Nigeria’s film industry.
From Cannes to Nigerian Cinemas
Before hitting Nigerian screens, The Herd had an international moment earlier in the year. A shorter version of the film was screened at the Marché du Film during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025.
This milestone introduced Etim-Effiong’s work to a global audience and marked a significant step in Nollywood’s continued push toward international recognition.
At Cannes, Daniel also joined a panel discussion titled “The Nollywood Conversations: A Deep Dive into Opportunities to Present African Stories for Global Screens,” where he spoke alongside other filmmakers about how Nigerian stories are increasingly finding space on global platforms.
Strengthening Nollywood’s Box Office Momentum
The success of The Herd adds to a growing list of 2025 Nollywood hits like Gingerrr and Ori: The Rebirth, which have collectively pushed the industry’s box office numbers higher than ever.
With its strong start, the film could easily end up as one of the top-grossing Nigerian releases of the year.
More than numbers, The Herd represents the new face of Nollywood, one that balances powerful storytelling with strong production values and international relevance.
Daniel Etim-Effiong: From Screen to Director’s Chair
Daniel Etim-Effiong’s rise in Nollywood has been nothing short of inspiring. A graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos, he once worked in the oil and gas industry before following his passion for storytelling.
He later trained at AFDA Film School in South Africa, where he developed his skills in directing, writing, and production.
He began acting professionally in 2013 with his breakout role as Folarin in NdaniTV’s Gidi Up. Since then, he has starred in major titles such as The Men’s Club, Skinny Girl in Transit, Plan B, Chief Daddy, Oloture, and A Soldier’s Story II, earning praise for his emotional depth and versatility.
Now, with The Herd, Etim-Effiong has proven he’s not just a talented actor but a filmmaker with vision, one who understands both the heart and business of cinema.