Nollywood Mourns as Filmmaker Dimbo Atiya Dies at 52

Nollywood is mourning the death of acclaimed filmmaker Dimbo Atiya, who died at 52, with colleagues describing him as one of the industry's leading creative minds.

Atiya's death was announced Thursday by Seun Oloketuyi, founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, in a social media post.

Actor Mofe Duncan also confirmed the death.

The cause was initially unclear, although reports later said he may have died from a heart attack.

Oloketuyi wrote, “Dimbo Atiya is dead.

"The top Nollywood director passed on this morning.

"Details later.”

Duncan, who shared a picture of the filmmaker, said, “God no, not Dimbo.

"I’m devastated.

"One of the greatest minds in the entertainment industry.”

Atiya was a producer, director and writer whose work helped shape Nigerian television drama.

He was best known for hit series including Sons of the Caliphate and Halita.

Born in Nasarawa State and raised in Jos, Plateau State, Atiya developed an early interest in storytelling through his mother, who worked in local television productions with the Nigerian Television Authority.

He studied media and journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and the National Film Institute before furthering his training at the New York Film Academy in the United States.

Atiya also directed Still Falling and The Plan, while his series The Rishantes won Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series at the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.

Through his company, Innovative Television Kontents, he created jobs for hundreds of actors and production workers and promoted northern Nigerian stories on national television.

Colleagues and fans have continued to remember Atiya as a “brilliant storyteller,” “a gentleman” and “a trailblazer” who helped expand the boundaries of Nollywood.