Nollywood’s creative powerhouse Daniel Etim Effiong has achieved a remarkable feat with his directorial debut, The Herd, which stormed past the ₦80 million mark at the Nigerian box office in just ten days.
The breakout success, distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, has quickly become one of the most talked-about titles of the year—an impressive milestone for Etim Effiong, who is best known for his acting roles in Plan B and Skinny Girl in Transit.
Taking to Instagram to share the news, the elated filmmaker posted, “SEE WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE JUST 10 DAYS AFTER RELEASE!!!! The real heroes here are the ones watching and talking about it. The people posting their reviews and telling the world how magical #TheHerdMovie is… THANK YOU ❤️ Join THE HERD TRAIN NOWWWWWWWW!!!!”
Released nationwide, The Herd follows a couple whose dream wedding turns into a nightmare when they are kidnapped, thrust into a tense survival ordeal that unravels hidden family secrets.
Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s herdsmen conflict, the film deftly blends romance, thriller elements, and social commentary, offering a cinematic mirror to Nigeria’s realities while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
Industry analysts say the film’s early performance suggests it could soon surpass the ₦100 million benchmark, placing it among Nollywood’s top-grossing releases. Social media buzz and glowing audience reviews have only fueled its momentum, with #TheHerdMovie trending across multiple platforms.
Etim Effiong’s transition from screen actor to director is being hailed as a turning point—proof that Nigerian filmmakers who blend strong storytelling with bold social themes and professional production can command both critical and commercial success.
As The Herd continues its theatrical run, one thing is clear: Daniel Etim Effiong has not just directed a film—he’s delivered a cinematic statement, one that’s reshaping expectations of what Nollywood can achieve.
