At Filmhouse Group, storytelling sits at the heart of everything we do. From cinema exhibition to production and distribution, our work is driven by a shared ambition: to bring great stories to audiences and expand the influence of African cinema.
Equally important are the people who make that ambition possible—particularly the women whose leadership, dedication, and perspective continue to shape our progress and strengthen our culture.
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| Kene Okwuosa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Filmhouse Group. Photo: Filmhouse Group |
Through FilmOne Entertainment, women contribute to the strategy and execution that allow films to travel across markets and borders. Their work ensures that powerful stories reach audiences while strengthening the commercial foundation of the industry.
“Women are central to everything we do,” says CEO Kene Okwuosa. “Their contributions enrich every part of the Filmhouse ecosystem and continue to advance the future of African cinema.”
Filmhouse Group women leaders. Photo: Filmhouse Group
Part Two: The Women Shaping the Business of Filmhouse
“If life were a movie, what would yours be?”
What was meant to be a lighthearted icebreaker during an International Women’s Day roundtable hosted by Shirley Onwumeh, PR and Communications Manager at Filmhouse Group, quickly became a window into how the women leading different parts of the organization approach leadership.
Cinema, after all, has a way of revealing how people see the world.
The conversation moved easily between humor and reflection. What stood out almost immediately was how differently each woman described her work—and yet how closely their philosophies aligned.
For Mojisola Oladapo, Chief Marketing Officer at Filmhouse Group, leadership ultimately returns to people. Strategy is essential, but the true work lies in building teams that believe deeply in what they are creating together. She emphasizes that meaningful leadership requires both patience with oneself and an unrelenting hunger to learn—qualities that sustain growth, inspire collaboration, and drive long-lasting impact.
Across the table, Ladun Awobokun, Chief Content Officer at FilmOne Entertainment, spoke about storytelling from a cultural lens. In her world, films are more than products to distribute; they are narratives that travel, shaping how audiences see Africa and how Africa sees itself. She notes that women should look around the industry and recognize excellence being demonstrated by their counterparts.
Timing and instinct define the work of Victoria Ogar, Head of Distribution at FilmOne Entertainment. Her role sits at the intersection of film and audience behavior, where understanding when and where a story meets the market can determine its reach and impact. She stresses that guidance from industry experts is a key recipe for women—and everyone—to succeed in the industry.
For Winifred Wessels, Head of Marketing at Filmhouse Cinemas, growth rarely happens in isolation. Campaigns succeed when teams collaborate openly and ideas are sharpened through conversation. She believes it requires the joint effort of all departments to create the most immersive experiences.
In the digital space, Simisola Aladenaye, Digital Marketing Manager, sees storytelling as something that now lives far beyond the cinema screen. Today’s audiences do not simply watch stories: they discover, discuss, and share them across multiple platforms, making feedback a critical component of engagement.
Then there is the cinema floor itself.
For Chizoba Obi, Guest Services Manager at Filmhouse Cinemas, leadership often reveals itself in moments audiences may not consciously notice: the welcome at the door, the care taken when issues arise, and the small interactions that turn a routine outing into a memorable experience. Honest conversations with her team help shape them for the tasks ahead.
Different roles. Different perspectives. Yet as the discussion continued, a shared thread emerged: giving.
- Giving time to mentor younger colleagues.
- Giving space for new ideas.
- Giving encouragement to women entering the industry.
Listening to the discussion unfold, Onwumeh reflected on how many careers in the room had been shaped by women who opened doors, offered guidance, and shared opportunities.
As the roundtable drew to a close, she summed up the spirit of the conversation with a simple but resonant observation:
“The women before us poured into us. Now it’s our turn to pour into the next generation.”
It was both a reflection and a quiet challenge—one that lingered long after the discussion ended.
It is a story still unfolding—and one worth watching.