Netflix International Film Executive Funa Maduka to Leave Streamer

Leo Barraclough

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Funa Maduka, Netflix’s director of international original films and acquisitions, is to leave the streaming giant Friday, Variety has confirmed.

Her acquisitions included films that brought the company early awards recognition, such Houda Benyamina’s “Divines,” a Cannes Camera d’Or winner and Golden Globes nominee, and Ildiko Enyedi’s “On Body and Soul,” a Golden Bear winner at Berlin and an Academy Awards nominee. Other titles she brought to the company included “Happy As Lazzaro,” “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” and “I Lost My Body.”

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Scott Stuber, Netflix’s VP of original film, said: “Funa has been integral to building our international film catalog. She has a great creative eye and the ability to connect deeply with filmmakers. We’re excited to see what challenge she takes on next – and know that whatever Funa does, she’ll continue helping storytellers from around the world have their voices heard.”

Maduka said: “It was great building out the international film business over the past several years at Netflix both with prestige films and audience pleasers. Language isn’t a barrier in cinema, it’s a portal. It was an experience that allowed me to discover and collaborate with some of the most dynamic filmmakers around the world, helping to bring their stories to millions across the globe. It’s been a great run and I learned volumes about our ever-global film landscape. I’m now ready to embrace my next challenge.”

Maduka, who joined Netflix almost six years ago, previous worked at Participant Media, developing and managing campaigns for film and television projects. She was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last month. She will be serving on the jury of the Sarajevo Film Festival later this month.

In March, Netflix hired David Kosse, formerly head of STXinternational, to lead its international film division; he was joined by Teresa Moneo, formerly of Focus Features and Ola Films, who took on the role of director of international film.

Screen International first reported the news of Maduka’s departure.

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