Nigerian author and filmmaker Arese Ugwu has revealed how a rejection from global streaming platform Netflix left her emotionally devastated, despite the runaway success of her hit series, The Smart Money Woman.
Ugwu, 39, made the disclosure during a candid interview with Afropolitan, recounting her attempt to secure a larger production deal with Netflix after the show's strong reception on both Africa Magic and the streaming giant.
“We made Season 1 of The Smart Money Woman and it performed incredibly well,” she said. “We stayed in Netflix’s Top 10 in Nigeria for 13 weeks. I thought that kind of success would open the door for more support. But when I approached them to partner with us for a bigger and better Season 2, they turned me down. Honestly, it almost broke me.”
The show, based on her bestselling book of the same name, gained widespread acclaim for its portrayal of modern African women navigating financial independence, friendship, and career challenges.
Despite the letdown, Ugwu said the experience has only fueled her determination to grow in the film industry on her own terms.
“I don’t want to just be seen as the girl who wrote a book that became a series,” she noted. “I want to be recognized as a filmmaker in my own right. That’s the journey I’m on now.”
Ugwu’s remarks have sparked fresh conversations in Nigeria’s creative industry about the challenges local filmmakers face in securing international backing, even after demonstrating commercial viability and cultural relevance.
Fans of The Smart Money Woman continue to call for a second season, while Ugwu presses forward in building her brand beyond bookshelves and into full-fledged screen production.
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