From Passionate Girls With a Dream to Global Icons: Rita Dominic Reflects on Her Remarkable Journey With Genevieve Nnaji

The Nigerian film industry, widely known as Nollywood, has grown from the shaky foundation of low-budget productions to a billion-dollar empire that has carved a space on the global entertainment stage. At the heart of this incredible journey are the women who gave their all when the world wasn’t watching, the women who carried the weight of dreams larger than themselves, and the women whose names today have become synonymous with grace, talent, and legacy. Rita Dominic, one of Nollywood’s most admired actresses, recently took a moment to look back at the road she and her contemporaries walked. In a heartfelt reflection that has stirred both nostalgia and admiration, Rita acknowledged the bond she shared with Genevieve Nnaji as they both embarked on their acting journey in an industry that, at the time, had neither structure nor global recognition. “When we started in Nollywood all those years ago, we were just passionate girls with a dream. We had no idea the incredible journey ahead or how our industry would grow to touch the entire world. To look around today and see how far we've come... it fills my heart with pride. No matter what, we did not walk alone,” she wrote.

Those words carry more weight than they appear to at first glance because they encapsulate the reality of Nollywood’s beginnings. The industry was a fledgling experiment, one that many thought would never last, yet Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji were among the visionaries who took the leap. They were young women with no blueprint to follow, only raw passion and relentless determination. Nollywood was not built on Hollywood-sized budgets, dazzling technology, or grand studios; it was built on sheer willpower, resourcefulness, and the undeniable magic of storytelling. Against all odds, it thrived, and at its very core were girls like Rita and Genevieve, who believed that the world needed to see their stories.

The reflection hits differently because Nollywood is no longer a local curiosity but a global powerhouse. What began as VHS tapes circulating in Nigerian markets has now transformed into critically acclaimed films on Netflix, international film festivals, and even Oscar consideration. Nollywood stars are no longer just Nigerian celebrities; they are global ambassadors of African cinema. For Rita Dominic to look back and remember that she and Genevieve were simply dreamers, standing on uncertain ground but refusing to be shaken, is a reminder of how far the journey has been. Today, their names echo in households not just in Africa but across Europe, America, and Asia, representing the face of a new, self-made entertainment culture that demands to be seen and respected.

Rita Dominic’s career itself is a testament to resilience and longevity. From her early days in Nollywood to her evolution into one of the industry’s most respected actresses and producers, she has consistently carried herself with elegance while never compromising on her craft. Genevieve Nnaji, equally iconic, not only broke boundaries as an actress but also redefined herself as a filmmaker, becoming the first Nigerian woman to have her movie, Lionheart, acquired by Netflix. Their parallel journeys symbolize more than personal success—they symbolize the victory of Nigerian women in an industry that has not always been kind, fair, or easy.

For many fans, Rita’s words are a gentle reminder of the unseen battles these women fought. Back then, Nollywood was not glamorous; it was criticized for poor production, mocked for its storytelling, and disregarded by international audiences. Yet, Rita and Genevieve, among others, carried on, putting their faces, reputations, and youth on the line for a vision that many could not yet see. They worked tirelessly on projects that were sometimes underfunded and underappreciated, yet they kept the fire alive because the dream was bigger than them.

Looking back now, the transformation is breathtaking. Nollywood films are not only reaching wider audiences but also challenging stereotypes about African cinema. No longer are they dismissed as “cheap productions.” Today, they are studied, critiqued, and celebrated for their originality, boldness, and authenticity. This growth did not happen overnight—it was the product of decades of labor, sacrifice, and unwavering passion by pioneers like Rita and Genevieve.

What makes Rita’s reflection even more moving is the acknowledgment that they “did not walk alone.” That simple phrase honors the collective spirit of Nollywood. The industry was never about one star or a few names; it was about a movement, about a generation of actors, directors, producers, and storytellers who all contributed bricks to a mansion that has now become the pride of Africa. The camaraderie and solidarity that sustained Nollywood in its humble beginnings still resonate today, reminding younger talents that no dream is too small when shared.

In a world where the entertainment industry often pits women against each other, Rita’s tribute to Genevieve is refreshing. It highlights not rivalry, but mutual respect, shared history, and sisterhood. The two women, often compared by fans and critics alike, have shown that their journeys are not competitions but parallel stories of greatness. They remind the new generation of Nollywood actresses that success is not about eclipsing others but about uplifting one another to make the dream bigger and brighter.

Social media erupted with admiration following Rita’s post, with fans praising her humility and her acknowledgment of history. Many described her words as a “masterclass in gratitude,” while others applauded her for giving Genevieve her flowers while she is still here to receive them. Younger actors also chimed in, expressing how inspired they were by the legacy these women have built. To them, Rita and Genevieve are proof that it is possible to start small, with nothing but raw ambition, and end up shaping a global industry.

The reflection also opens up an important conversation about Nollywood’s future. With international streaming platforms, better production quality, and growing recognition, Nollywood is poised to compete with the best in the world. Yet, the foundation laid by pioneers must never be forgotten. Rita’s words are a reminder to never erase history but to embrace it, celebrate it, and use it as fuel for the next chapter.

From passionate girls with a dream to international icons, Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji embody the Nollywood story itself—bold, resilient, and unyielding. Their journeys reflect not only personal triumphs but also the collective success of a nation’s storytelling spirit. As Rita looks around today and sees how far the industry has come, her pride is not just in herself but in every hand that pushed Nollywood forward. Her reflection is a powerful reminder that dreams, no matter how small they begin, can grow into legacies that touch the world.

And indeed, Nollywood has touched the world.