OUT OF AFRICA: XMAS What To Watch 2025

This festive season, step into the vibrant storytelling of the First Features Project.

Discover a slate of daring, character-driven festive films, now streaming on Netflix and Prime Video. Whether you’re watching for the first time or revisiting past favourites, these powerful stories offer something to match every holiday mood.

A Dànfo Christmas – Prime Video

It’s been years since they last made it home for Christmas and with good reason. Bullying cousins, daily reminders of past failures and a Mother-in-Law with no good to say, But this year is different, Grandpa may be dying! The challenges of life in Lagos mean maybe it’s time for a change. Family drama, romance and surprises are all in store, but only if the Danfo manages to actually get them there.

Starring Seun Kentebe, Valerie Odunukwe, Korede Lawal, Loveth Ogbene, Myde Glover, Junaid Olawale Morgan, Keyo Arikpo, Jibunor Emmanuel, Lydian John, with Patrick Doyle and Carol King.

Written by Adeayo Sangowawa. Directed by Sebastian Ukwa. Produced by Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri.

How To Ruin Christmas – Netflix

When family rebel and disappointment, Tumi Sello, begrudgingly joins her dysfunctional family for the first Christmas holidays in years, it’s not the merry return of the prodigal daughter everyone was hoping for. She manages to ruin her younger sister’s Christmas wedding before it even takes place, and spends the next 6 days frantically trying to get things back on track.

Cast: Busi Lurayi, Thando Thabethe, Clementine Mosimane & more.

Director: Johnny Barbuzano. Creator: Katleho Ramaphakela, Rethabile Ramaphakela

Yoh! Christmas – Netflix

The death of a beloved wife and mother left them alone in careful isolation and their love for each other grew to fill the void she left. But now his daughter is growing up and setting her eyes on the world beyond their safe, protected life. A wider world, an education, romance… All those opportunities, all those temptations.

Cast: KatleStarring Susan Pwajok, Femi Jacobs, Kiki Omeili, Kem-Ajieh Ikechukwu, and Michael Dappa.
Directed by Korede Azeez.
Written by Gabriel Odigiri.
Produced by Steve Gukas, Dotun Olakunri, and Tongryang Pantu.go Lebogang, Siya Sepotokele, Didie Makobane

Colour Me True – Prime Video

Follows Sylvia Philips, a beauty queen and reality TV star whose picture-perfect world collapses after a scandalous leak exposes the identity she spent years trying to hide.

The film stars Shalewa Ashafa as Ivie, Bucci Franklin as Adolphus, Eseosa Bernard as Ruth, Nnamdi Agbo as Miles, Gerard Adebija as Temisan, and others, delivering layered performances that bring this story of identity, love, and belonging to life.

Written by Toluwani Obayan Osibe and Paul Rowlston, and directed by Toluwani in her feature directorial debut. The film is produced by Steve Gukas, Tongryang Pantu, and Dotun Olakunri under the First Features Project, an initiative supporting emerging African filmmakers through funding and mentorship.

It Blooms In June – Prime Video

The death of a beloved wife and mother left them alone in careful isolation and their love for each other grew to fill the void she left. But now his daughter is growing up and setting her eyes on the world beyond their safe, protected life. A wider world, an education, romance… All those opportunities, all those temptations.

Starring Susan Pwajok, Femi Jacobs, Kiki Omeili, Kem-Ajieh Ikechukwu, and Michael Dappa.

Directed by Korede Azeez.
Written by Gabriel Odigiri.
Produced by Steve Gukas, Dotun Olakunri, and Tongryang Pantu.

The Lost Days – Prime Video

After being declared cancer-free, Chisom embarks on a journey to reunite with the man she once loved and the child she left behind. But as buried secrets surface, she discovers that the past is far more complicated—and dangerous—than she ever imagined.

Cast: Ifeoma Fafunwa · Bimbo Manuel · Baaj Adebule · Cynthia Clarke · Durotimi Okutagidi · Aderonke Onuoha · Oyedele Alokan

Directed by: Wingonia Ikpi
Written by: Abdul TJ & Paul S. Rowlston
Produced by: Steve Gukas, Dotun Olakunri, Chioma Ezeani, Bola Atta

Love & Life – Prime Video

Love and Life’ weaves the stories of three women navigating diverse relationship challenges. Their journey of discovery and empowerment serves as the film’s central theme, emphasizing the resilience of human connections.

The star studded cast includes, Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Michelle Dede, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Bassey Ekpo, Anthony Monjaro, Ray Adeka, Miwa Olorunfemi, Miracle Iyande and Nadine Love.