Michelle Bello, born Michelle Aisha Bello, on September 30, 1990, is a pioneering British-Nigerian filmmaker, recognized for her impactful contributions to Nollywood through award-winning films, music videos, and entrepreneurial ventures in publishing. As the CEO of Blu Star Entertainment Limited, she has played a significant role in revolutionizing Nigerian cinema and media publications.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Michelle Aisha Bello |
| Date of Birth | 30 September 1982 |
| Place of Birth | London, England |
| Nationality | British-Nigerian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Director, Producer, CEO |
| Net Worth | $250,000 |
Early Life and Education
Michelle was born in London to Nigerian Air Vice Marshal Abdullahi Dominic Bello (retired) and Sylviane Bello, an arts advocate with French-American roots.
She spent her early childhood in Lagos before moving to England at eight years old. She completed her secondary education there, where she discovered her passion for filmmaking.
In 2001, she enrolled at American University in Washington D.C. to study Communications (Visual Media). During her time there, she produced her first 16 mm short film, Sheltered. After earning her bachelor’s degree in 2005, she returned to Nigeria to focus on film production.
Career
Michelle started her career by working as an associate producer on the television show Moments with Mo and produced the award-winning music video “Greenland” for artist T.Y. Bello. She directed and produced her feature film debut, Small Boy, a Lagos-based drama that garnered nominations and won awards at several film festivals.
To advance her skills, she pursued a master’s degree in Communications with a focus on Film Directing at Regent University, gaining valuable experience through internships at ICM Talent Agency during the Cannes Film Festival and attending Sundance.
Her breakthrough came with the 2013 romantic comedy Flower Girl, which achieved commercial success in Nigeria and won multiple awards internationally.
Michelle has also been recognized with the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Trailblazer Award for her contributions to African cinema.
Beyond filmmaking, she founded The Film Directory under her company Blu Star Entertainment, to catalog Nigerian filmmakers and organizations, supported by Nigerian film authorities.
Personal Life
Michelle developed talents in sports and music, including netball, swimming, saxophone, and piano, during her school years in England.
She is married but prefers to keep details about her personal relationships and family private.
Michelle Bello Net Worth
Michelle Bello has an estimated net worth of $250,000, accumulated through her film projects and entrepreneurial ventures.
Filmography
Feature Films:
- Small Boy (2008) – Director/Producer
- Flower Girl (2013) – Director/Producer
- Immoral Dilemma (2016) – Associate Producer
- Before Valentine’s (2022) – Director
- Family Gbese (2024) – Director/Producer
Short Films & Music Videos:
- Sheltered (2005) – Director
- T.Y. Bello’s “Greenland” (2007) – Producer
Television:
- Moments with Mo (2007) – Associate Producer
- Sesame Street Nigeria (2010) – Director
Awards and Nominations
- Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Art Direction (Small Boy, 2009) – Winner
- Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Young Child Actor (Small Boy, 2009) – Winner
- AMVCA Trailblazer Award (2014) – Winner
- Screen Nation Favourite New Nollywood Film for Flower Girl (2014) – Winner
- Black International Film Festival Best African Film (Flower Girl, 2013) – Winner
- AMVCA Best Writer in a Comedy (Flower Girl, 2014) – Winner
- Multiple AMVCA nominations including Best Film, Best Lighting, and Best Supporting Actress categories.
