Honored to spotlight Daniel Etim Effiong (@etimeffiong ), a filmmaker and actor whose journey from engineering to storytelling reflects discipline, curiosity and craft. From his breakout turn in Gidi Up to commanding performances in Blood Sisters and beyond, Daniel has built a body of work
defined by depth and consistency💪🏽
Now stepping fully into his power as producer, director, and lead actor on The Herd, he brings
technical precision and creative ambition together shaping stories designed to resonate at home
and travel globally.
This is growth with intention ready for the global eyes.
This is African storytelling, evolving in real time. And the next chapter is just beginning. 🌍🎬
At the European Film Market (@efm_europeanfilmmarket ), the rooms are filled with buyers, distributors and global storytellers searching for the next film to move audiences. This year, one title drawing attention is The Herd.🔥
Directed by Daniel Etim Effiong (@etimeffiong ), The Herd is stepping onto the international stage at EFM Reel Time 2026. This film represents a growing wave of Nigerian storytelling positioned for global audiences and international distribution.
From Lagos to Berlin, the journey continues as African stories expand their reach and influence across global cinema markets. 🎥
#EFM #TheHerd #NIFS #naijatotheworld
“The Herd” is screening at the European Film Market! Catch the screenings in Berlin from February 12-18, at the Creative Africa Content Pavilion (CACOP) with Afro Films UK.
Catch us at:
- Feb 11, 2026, 13:00 at Cinemaxx 18
- Feb 11, 2026, 14:00 Virtual Cinema 1
- Feb 14, 2026, 17:15 at Cinemaxx 16.
See you there! 🎬
Cc:
• Daniel Etim-Effiong (@etimeffiong )
• European Film Market (@efm_europeanfilmmarket ) #EFM #AfricanCinema #CACOP #AfroFilmsUK #BerlinFilmMarket
We’re heading to Berlin for EFM 🇩🇪✨
From February 12-18, we’ll be live at the European Film Market, showcasing the Best of African film and audiovisual content at the Creative Africa Content Pavilion (CACOP) in partnership with Afro Films UK.
Expect bold stories, rich cultures, and a carefully curated lineup of standout African films and audiovisual titles ready for international sales and licensing across genres 🎬🌍
If you’re at EFM and passionate about powerful, high-quality African stories, this is where you need to be.
Let’s connect. Let’s do business.
Cc:
• Daniel Etim-Effiong (@etimeffiong )
• NATPE Miami (@natpeofficial )
• European Film Market (@efm_europeanfilmmarket )
• MIP London (@mipmarkets )
#EFM #AfricanCinema #CACOP #AfroFilmsUK #berlinfilmmarket
🟢⚡️Netflix Data: ‘The Herd’ Ranks #6 in Nigeria’s 2025 Streaming Performance
As a powerful Nigerian thriller, the film maintained a Top 10 position for 40 consecutive days, according to FlixPatrol tracking data analyzed by @shockafrica
The @etimeffiong -directed film captured widespread attention for its unflinching portrayal of Nigeria’s insecurity crisis, resonating deeply with audiences confronting these realities.
💚Follow @shockng for more industry data and analytics like this
Full 2025 Netflix rankings: [shockng.com/streamwars]
#Nollywood #NetflixNaija #StreamingData #NollywoodMetrics
Film Review | #ArchiveEntry 001: THE HERD by Daniel Etim Effiong
Finally got to watch The Herd and first things first—what an amazing attempt at a crime thriller. Truly. The ambition, the energy, the scale… it’s refreshing to see a Nigerian filmmaker step boldly into a genre that’s not always easy to execute.
The story touches on some of the most disturbing, trending issues in Nigeria today, especially kidnapping. And the film does not hold back. That first kidnap scene?
📀 Goosebumps.
📀 Raw.
📀 Immediate.
It felt too close to home, and in a way that shows real directing intention. Love that they were able to capture that gritty, terrifying reality so accurately.
📽️ Performances
The film features some of Nollywood’s reliable heavy-hitters, and they sure deliver.
Strong, grounded performances that carry the emotional tension of the story and help the film land its most gripping moments include: HABIBA by @realamalumar , DERIN by @gen0vevaumeh , ADAMMA by @ihuomalindaejiofor and ANAS by #IbrahimAbubakar👏🏾 💐
📽️ Where the Momentum Dropped
1. Evidence Picked Up Bare-Handed
A police officer lifts evidence at a crime scene with bare hands. No gloves, no tools — a detail too big to ignore.
2. Special Division Police Scenes
For a long stretch, we only see two officers representing an entire special division. It felt visually underpowered and unrealistic.
3. Kogi vs Ekiti Location Mix-Up
Habiba says the ransom drop is in Kogi State… but the officer later announces “I’m the principal officer….. here in Ekiti”. A major continuity slip that also broke the tension.
4. The Ammunition Room
A sudden, Hollywood-style ammo room with no buildup and no grounding in Nigerian policing—felt misplaced. It didn’t serve the story and weakened authenticity.
📽️ Final Thoughts
Despite these loose ends, #TheHerd is a bold, gripping, courageous film with clear heart and strong moments. Without the continuity errors and unrealistic choices, this could easily have scored even higher.
💽 Archive of Motion Rating: 75%
A solid, ambitious entry from Daniel Etim Effiong and the ToriTori Films team.
PREQUEL needed!
#ArchiveOfMotion
#AOMReviews
#TheHerd
I’m honestly surprised not many people are talking about this movie. If you haven’t watched “The Herd”, please go on Netflix and watch it.
I no dey recommend rubbish😌
@etimeffiong please take your flowers 💐
The part that hit you most?
#theherd #netflix #netflixnaija #explore #nigerianmovies
#theherd is the story everyone’s talking about! A powerful reflection of the current state of insecurity in Nigeria. 🇳🇬🔥 Huge shoutout to @naijaonnetflix for this move, and major kudos to @etimeffiong on an outstanding directorial debut! 🎬👏🏾
Do you think this film deserves its 🌸 flowers or nah? 👀🍿
Drop your thoughts! 💬👇 ... watch full review on YouTube @ibrandTV /POV
Muse 💬 @toritorifilms@laniaisida@gen0vevaumeh@filmonestudios@serendipityhhc
POV Crew
Host:@juicymediachic
Guest/Producer: @aysmooth2402
DoP: @topmanreal1
Video Editor: @hollamore2
Studio/Post pro: @ibrandtv
#TheHerd #Nollywood #NetflixNaija #Etimeffiong #NaijaStories #FilmMagic #SupportNollywood #POV #podcast
During the Lagos Fringe Festival last week, Daniel Etim Effiong joined Brenda Fasugba for a director’s conversation centered on ‘The Herd’.
He opened up about the process behind the film, calling it an expression of his truth and sharing his hope that even more and more people see it.
‘The Herd’ is still showing in select cinemas nationwide and currently showing on Netflix in Africa .
@gen0vevaumeh i must admit you outperform yourself on this project,if they ask me 20 times which Actor can nail this Character better ? I will say is you👌 cos you wore the character the moment you got to SET that day ,while rewatching this movie again on @naijaonnetflix today i said yes she is who she is ,weldone sister kudos to you 🫡🫡