During the holidays, besides the food and gifts, enjoying time with family and watching movies is a big part of Christmas. Hollywood has lots of big Christmas films, yet the African film industry has yet to fully embrace this festive cinematic scene. While some films sporadically hit screens in December within Nollywood and other African film sectors, the true essence lies in embracing Christmas as a distinct genre for filmmaking. Although options are limited, there’s a variety of selections waiting to be explored. Let’s revel in the joy of experiencing these African Christmas movies, as we embrace the holiday spirit from an African point of view.
1. A New Christmas (2019)
This is a Hollywood movie acted by a Kenyan actress, thus bringing the African aspect. A touching Christmas movie tells the story of Kabir, a New York medical student facing a tough holiday due to personal loss and relationship struggles However, his life takes a turn when he meets Kioni (Grace Wacuka), a delightful film student from Kenya, reigniting his Christmas spirit. Directed by Daniel Tenenbuam, this film breaks the mood of conventional holiday romances, offering a refreshing take on the season’s magic.
Watch the movie trailer here
2. A Zulu Christmas (2020)
The movie is directed by Thabo Ntsako Mashaila. A city boy who’s used to a comfortable life goes to spend the holidays with his grandma in rural KwaZulu-Natal. He starts thinking about whether Santa is real and learns about his family’s history and traditions from his grandma. Made especially for kids during the holidays, “A Zulu Christmas” is all about curiosity and innocence. Deli Malinga, Sphumuzo Sidzumo, and Ayanda Banda star in this special movie.
Watch “A Zulu Christmas” among the top 10-ranked African Christmas movies here:
3. A Christmas Love (2020)
Abel Mutua, a Kenyan producer, and actor released “A Christmas Love” in 2020. Just in time for the holiday season, and it is still showing in Kenyan cinemas. The film depicted the story of a father who struggled to break the pattern of being absent from his young daughter’s life. Throughout the movie, we witnessed the daughter’s feelings of neglect and the impact it had on her. Would Christmas bring about a change in the father? The film featured Grace Ekirapa, Robert Isreal Burale, Ellsey Okatch, Neema Kawa, and Peter Kamau, all Kenyan actors.
Watch the trailer here
- Christmas in Miami (2021)
In Nollywood, AY Makun leads the way in creating Comedy travel comedies. “Christmas In Miami.” The movie is directed by Robert Peters and follows Akpos, played by AY Makun, on his trip to Miami for a big holiday celebration. With its usual craziness and starring Richard Mofe-Damijo and Osita Iheme, the movie lands in Nigerian cinemas on Christmas Eve.
Here is a trailer:
5. Twisted Christmas
South Africa’s 12 languages show how diverse the country is. It’s like a mini-world with many cultures and beliefs. “Twisted Christmas” is a funny movie set in Cape Town. It’s about two families from different backgrounds forced to spend the holidays together.
The movie celebrates the differences between fancy suburbs and colorful places like Bo-Kaap. It’s about two strong women, Laurette and Zainab, who clash but need to find common ground. Starring Kate Liquorish, Euodia Samson, Abduragman Adams, and Waldemar Schultz, it’s a lively comedy and the first film for Melissa Myburgh.
Watch it here
6. A Royal Christmas Suprise
Continuing the story from “A Royal Surprise,” the lively romantic comedy “A Royal Christmas Surprise” arrives just in time for the holidays (available on Showmax starting December 21, 2023). Thapelo Mokoena and Jennifer Freeman take the lead as Mandla and Riley, a charming couple facing a new hurdle in their “happily ever after.”
Now engaged, they face a challenge as their families gather in Los Angeles. Two strong-willed matriarchs clash over plans for the perfect Christmas Eve engagement party. Going against the holiday spirit of peace and goodwill, Auntie Gina and Queen Nobantu have a showdown in Poppy Peaks, portrayed with fervor by Trisha Mann and Abena Ayivor.
Watch the trailer here:
7. A Merry Xmess
Instead of the classic “Coming to America,” get ready for a Kenyan twist in “A Merry X-Mess.” This holiday feature follows “A Familiar Christmas” and focuses on the Nyati family’s festive struggles. The story revolves around two competitive sisters who aim to win the church’s Christmas choir competition within just seven days.
Beliefs, traditions, and different personalities clash as the sisters vie for control, causing chaos that could ruin Christmas. With spirited fun, competitive mayhem, and family drama, this festive tale is a real rollercoaster.
Watch the trailer here
8. School Run, a Meticulous African Christmas Movies
To keep in line with the heartwarming holiday vibes, let’s shift focus to the Nigerian family drama, “School Run.” This story revolves around the Kalejaiye family, where the career-focused parents, Timileyn and Adeola, find themselves at odds when their son, Bolu, gets picked up by the wrong bus driver after school.
What starts as a simple school pick-up mishap turns into a frantic search to bring Bolu home in time for the holidays. Greatness Ewurum portrays young Bolu in this gripping narrative, where every parent’s worst nightmare unfolds. Ifeanyi Kalu and Amanda Iriekpen add depth to this tale. “School Run” underscores the importance of balancing work and family, reminding us of what truly holds significance.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13R0IxCkSDI&t=1s
9. How To Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (2020)
The Netflix holiday series centers on a South African family, focusing on Tumi Sello (played by Busisiwe Lurayi), the family’s rebel. She reunites with her family for her sister Beauty’s wedding (Thambo Thabethe). However, Tumi’s arrival brings chaos that puts the wedding at risk, confirming her family’s negative opinions of her. Determined to make amends, she spends the following days trying to fix her mistakes.
Created by Rethabile and Katleho Ramaphakela, “How To Ruin Christmas” debuted on Netflix as a three-episode series last December. It received acclaim, winning 8 SAFTAs, including Best Actress and TV Comedy. This December, the series returned for a second season titled “How To Ruin Christmas: The Funeral,” bringing back some of the original cast to revisit their characters.
Watch it here
10. 6 Hours to Christmas (2010)
This is among the most amazing African Christmas Holiday Movies. Shirley Frimpong-Manso, known for her collection of romantic comedies and dramedies, brings the festive cheer alive in “6 Hours to Christmas.” This romantic comedy follows Reggie (played by Chris Attoh) and his girlfriend (Marian Lempogo) as they meticulously plan a special evening together. However, just before Christmas, Reggie faces a tempting offer from a co-worker (Damilola Adegbite) he’s been attracted to for a while. The catch? The offer can only be fulfilled in the co-worker’s bedroom.
Watch it here