As we gear up for the holiday season, African screens are set to come alive with a vibrant mix of films and series that promise to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought.
By Joseph Jonathan
The end of the year across Africa always arrives with two things: heat and new films. One is unavoidable; the other is an invitation. As we gear up for the holiday season, African screens are set to come alive with a vibrant mix of films and series that promise to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought.
From heartwarming comedies to gripping dramas, from music-filled documentaries to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this year’s lineup reflects the diversity and creativity of the continent’s storytellers. Whether you’re looking to laugh, cry, or simply get lost in compelling narratives, there is something for every audience across Africa this festive season.
Here are some films and series to look out for this holiday season.
This Is Love
Opening the month is This Is Love, a documentary by Victor Ugoo Njoku and Neec Nonso, produced by Ebuka Njoku. The film follows three LGBTQ+ couples in Nigeria as they navigate everyday intimacy in a country where their relationships are criminalised.
Rather than sensationalising their lives, the documentary leans into softness and honesty, capturing stolen moments, quiet joy, and the constant negotiation of safety and affection. It is both a love story and a reminder of the realities facing queer communities. You can watch it on GuideDoc.
Colour Me True
Toluwani Obayan Osibe’s Colour Me True, the tenth instalment of the First Features Project, introduces Ivie (Shalewa Ashafa), a glamorous celebrity whose carefully curated life collapses after a scandal forces her back to the orphanage she once called home. There, she confronts the ghosts of her past and the cracks she papered over in the name of reinvention.
Featuring Bucci Franklin, Eseosa Bernard, Nnamdi Agbo, and Gerard Adebija, the drama promises introspection and emotional heft. It is available on Prime Video.
Love & Wine
South Africa enters the mix with Love & Wine, a romantic comedy that plays with identity and class. Ovee (Ntobeko Sishi), a wealthy heir desperate to prove he can love beyond privilege, swaps lives with his driver and best friend, Nathi (Thandolwethu Zondi).
The switch introduces Ovee to Amahle (Masali Baduza), while Nathi finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Lena, the winery manager (Thando Thabethe). Directed by Amanda Lane, and written by Lane, Darryl Bristow-Bovey, and Zelipa Zulu, the film arrives on Netflix with charm and vineyard romance.
This Is Not a Nollywood Movie
Wale Ojo steps behind and in front of the camera for This Is Not a Nollywood Movie, an action comedy about Okechukwu, a struggling director from Nnewi whose dreams of Oscar glory don’t survive Lagos’ unforgiving reality. A shady loan, poor decisions, and unwavering (if misplaced) optimism result in a hilarious spiral.
With Bimbo Akintola, Hanks Anuku, Broda Shaggi, Julius Agwu, Chidi Mokeme, and Olumide Oworu rounding out the cast, this one is built for loud cinemas and popcorn-spilling laughter. This is Not a Nollywood Movie will premiere in Nigerian cinemas, ahead of planned international screenings in the UK, US, Ghana, South Africa and Canada.
Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within
Inspired by the infectious joy of the globally loved Masaka Kids, this 40-minute documentary—directed by David Vieira Lopez and Moses Bwayo—follows orphaned children in Uganda’s Masaka region as they dance, rehearse, study, and build community.
Produced by Archewell Productions, Campfire Studios, and Wontanara Productions, Masaka Kids highlights resilience through art and the healing power of performance. Masaka Kids will be available on Netflix.
Behind the Scenes
Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye co-direct Behind the Scenes, a drama about Aderonke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran—a real-estate mogul whose generosity begins to cost her more than she realises. As people exploit her kindness, she confronts the weight of family obligations, trust, and success.
Featuring Tobi Bakre, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Destiny Etiko, Uche Montana, Iyabo Ojo, Ibrahim Chatta, and Veeiye. Behind the Scenes lands in cinemas across West Africa.
The Covenant
For viewers craving suspense, The Covenant brings a dark, gripping mystery to Netflix. A family is thrown into panic when a brother is kidnapped, forcing them to face secrets that have long simmered beneath the surface.
Directed by the late Dimeji Ajibola, with cinematography by Peter Moloto, the series stars Gideon Okeke, Sola Sobowale, Zubby Michael, Segun Arinze, Ivie Okujaye, Uzee Usman, and more. Available on Netflix in Africa and on Kava TV internationally.
A Very Dirty Christmas
December is incomplete without at least one family meltdown disguised as a holiday gathering.
A Very Dirty Christmas, directed by Akay Mason, brings together Ini Edo, Lateef Adedimeji, IK Ogbonna, Nancy Isime, Eucharia Anunobi, Femi Branch, Wumi Toriola, and Taye Arimoro for a chaotic celebration where secrets and unresolved tensions turn a simple Christmas into a festival of drama. Produced by Ini Edo, through Minini Empire, the film will be available in Nigerian cinemas.
How To Ruin Love: The Lobola
The latest chapter in the How To Ruin Love franchise returns with Zoleka (Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani) and Kagiso (Bohang Moeko), whose families are now navigating lobola arrangements and wedding plans. Chaos follows—as expected.
Directed by Zolani Phakade and Ferry Jele, with Rethabile Ramaphakela, Katleho Ramaphakela, and Tshepo Ramaphakela as executive producers, the South African rom-com lands on Netflix.
Oversabi Aunty
Toyin Abraham makes her directorial debut with Oversabi Aunty, starring alongside Mike Ezuruonye, Jemima Osunde, Tana Adelana, Queen Nwokoye, Efe Irele, and Ngozi Ezeonu. Abraham plays the titular “oversabi” aunt whose interference turns a wedding into a battlefield of hilarious disasters. Catch Oversabi Aunty in Nigerian cinemas.
Colours of Fire
For those leaning towards epic drama, Niyi Akinmolayan’s Colours of Fire blends myth, conflict, and forbidden connection. A warrior sent to hunt a beast from a rival clan instead uncovers truths that challenge his loyalty and identity.
Starring Osas Ighodaro, Uzor Arukwe, Mercy Aigbe, Femi Branch, and Gabriel Afolayan, the film lands in Nigerian cinemas on Christmas Eve.
Wizkid: Long Live Lagos
Music lovers get their turn with Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, a documentary tracing Wizkid’s path from Surulere to global stardom.
Featuring archival footage, live performances, and interviews with key collaborators, the film—fresh from its Tribeca 2025 premiere—arrives on Showmax as an ode to legacy, influence, and Lagos grit.
Daughters of Water
Rooted in tradition and suspense, Daughters of Water follows Anie, a disgraced investigative journalist returning home just in time for the Ukang Festival. The festival, which features maidens from seven families honouring river spirits, becomes the centre of both spiritual mystery and community politics, especially when Anie’s family is chosen to host another documentary crew. Premieres on Africa Magic Showcase.
The Split
Entering the new year with tension and questionable decisions, The Split introduces Abdul, a man drowning in debt who recruits two accomplices—Tola, a struggling bank manager, and Harriet, an IT expert planning to relocate—for a high-risk heist involving an abandoned bank account. A suspenseful start to 2026, perfect for viewers who enjoy morally messy characters. The Split premieres on Africa Magic Showcase.
Joseph Jonathan is a historian who seeks to understand how film shapes our cultural identity as a people. He believes that history is more about the future than the past. When he’s not writing about film, you can catch him listening to music or discussing politics. He tweets @Chukwu2big.