Nigerian cinemas are buzzing this December with a diverse lineup of Nollywood releases that reflect the industry’s growing ambition and cultural reach. Audiences are flocking to see Colours of Fire, A Very Dirty Christmas, Oversabi Aunty, and Behind the Scenes, films that together showcase drama, comedy, controversy, and introspection.
Colours of Fire, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and produced by Osas Ighodaro in collaboration with FilmOne Studios and Anthill Studios, has been praised for its bold cinematography and emotional depth. Featuring Osas Ighodaro, Gabriel Afolayan, Mercy Aigbe, Uzor Arukwe, and Femi Branch, the film explores themes of resilience and identity against the backdrop of Nigeria’s evolving society. One viewer leaving a Lagos cinema remarked, “Colours of Fire made me cry and laugh in the same breath. It’s the kind of film that reminds you why Nollywood matters.”
A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, premiered on December 16 and quickly became the season’s most controversial release. Written by Juliet Iwuoha, the film stars Ini Edo, Lateef Adedimeji, IK Ogbonna, Nancy Isime, Eucharia Anunobi, Femi Branch, Waje Iruobe, and Elvina Ibru. It follows a dysfunctional family reunion during the holidays, unwrapping secrets and past traumas. The title sparked outrage from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which condemned the use of “dirty” alongside Christmas as disrespectful. Yet audiences have responded with curiosity. A young viewer commented, “The title shocked me, but the story was powerful. It shows that Christmas isn’t always perfect, families have issues too.” Another cinema-goer added, “It’s messy, but that’s real life. I think the controversy made more people want to see it.”
On a lighter note, Oversabi Aunty delivers comedic relief. Directed and produced by Toyin Abraham, the film stars Abraham herself alongside Mike Ezuruonye, Ngozi Ezeonu, Tana Adelana, Jemima Osunde, Efe Irele, Queen Nwokoye, and Enioluwa Adeoluwa. The comedy lampoons the meddling “oversabi” aunty archetype familiar in Nigerian households. Social media has amplified its reach, with memes and clips circulating widely. One fan tweeted, “Oversabi Aunty is exactly my auntie at Christmas dinner, I couldn’t stop laughing.” Another said, “This is the kind of Nollywood comedy that brings families together. Everyone sees themselves in it.”
Behind the Scenes, directed and produced by Funke Akindele under the Funke Akindele Network, takes a meta approach by dramatizing the struggles and triumphs of Nollywood itself. With a cast that includes Uzor Arukwe, Destiny Etiko, Ini Dima-Okojie, Iyabo Ojo, Kunle Remi, Tobi Bakre, Ibrahim Chatta, Scarlet Gomez, and Dele Odule, the film offers audiences a glimpse into the realities of filmmaking in Nigeria. A filmmaker in Abuja noted, “Behind the Scenes is more than entertainment, it’s a mirror for the industry. It shows the hustle, the censorship, the creativity. It’s inspiring.”Beyond their individual storylines, these films carry broader significance for Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. Festive releases traditionally boost box office revenues, creating jobs across production, distribution, and cinema operations. The influx of audiences strengthens Nigeria’s cinema culture, encouraging more investment in local theaters and film projects. Economically, Nollywood’s December lineup contributes to the creative economy by driving ticket sales, merchandising, and ancillary spending in malls and entertainment hubs.
Culturally, the films help sustain the spirit of Christmas by bringing families and communities together in shared spaces, offering laughter, reflection, and debate. Whether through the humor of Oversabi Aunty, the emotional resonance of Colours of Fire, or the controversy surrounding A Very Dirty Christmas, these stories spark conversations that extend beyond the screen. As one Lagos cinema‑goer put it after a screening, “Christmas in Nigeria is not just about food and family, it’s also about cinema. These films make the season feel alive.”
Together, the releases highlight Nollywood’s range: visually ambitious dramas, controversial holiday tales, laugh‑out‑loud comedies, and industry self‑reflection. With box office competition heating up, the question remains which of these films will dominate the holiday season. But one thing is clear: Nigerian cinema is thriving, boosting the economy, enriching the entertainment industry, and deepening the cultural relevance of cinema as a shared Christmas tradition.
