A Naija Christmas - What We Know So Far
There is nothing television programmers love more than a good holiday movie marathon. Netflix is no exception to the rule, and they recently announced they'll be joining outlets like The Hallmark Channel and Lifetime in releasing a phalanx of holiday-themed movies this November and December.
Per an announcement on Netflix, subscribers can anticipate a flood of seasonal TV shows and films to be released through its "Here for the Holidays" event. Some of the most anticipated programs include "The Princess Switch 3," starring Vanessa Hudgens in three different roles, and "A Castle for Christmas," starring Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes. There will also be a holiday special for the beloved animated character "Shaun the Sheep" and a "Great British Bake Off" Christmas special.
"A Naija Christmas," which will join Netflix's growing lineup of Nigerian Nollywood films, will be one of the movies released as part of this holiday spectacular. Who stars in it, what will it be about, and when will you be able to see it? Here's what we know so far.
When will A Naija Christmas be released?
Per The Today Show, "A Naija Christmas" will be available to stream on December 6, possibly once the clock strikes midnight, though we don't have a confirmation on the exact time it will drop. The early release date means that you will be able to enjoy it early on in December to get in the Christmas spirit — long before you start suffering from holiday film fatigue.
Unlike so many recent blockbuster films that suffered from delays due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, "A Naija Christmas" has already been filmed and therefore shouldn't have any delays in release. If that's too much time to wait to watch a holiday film, Netflix certainly has you covered before then. "Love Hard," starring Nina Dobrev, will premiere on November 5, "The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star" on November 18, and "A Castle for Christmas" on November 26, to name a few.
Who stars in A Naija Christmas?
At the moment, the movie has no cast listed on its IMDb page, and there has been no cast attached to any of Netflix's press releases about the film. While there have been some photos released, the actors in these photos have not been named. That means we currently have no information as to who stars in "A Naija Christmas."
Per Netflix's press release for "A Naija Christmas," we do know who directed and wrote the film. Kunle Afolayan, who was nominated for Director of the Year at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his film "Diamond in the Sky" in 2019 (according to Pulse Nigeria), helmed the picture. The actor/director also appeared in and directed the Nigerian films "The Figurine" and "The Phone Swap," per his IMDb page.
The film was written by Kemi Adesoye, who wrote "The Phone Swap," according to Netflix.
What is A Naija Christmas about?
According to Netflix, "A Naija Christmas" is a family comedy. The film features three loyal sons of one formidable mother racing against time to fulfill her fondest wish that they all be married by Christmas. Naturally, each son must come up against his own obstacles as he plots to bring a bride home to his mother before the holiday deadline passes. While the three brothers participate in the frantic search for wives, their mother plans a huge Christmas celebration for which she will always be remembered. Will they each be married, and will their mother pull off the celebration of her dreams? Or will everyone endure a social disaster?
"Naija" is a slang term for "Nigerian," according to the BBC, and it can also connotate a sense of community. "It is about the food, the flamboyant dressing, the mannerisms, the boisterous ... interaction among complete strangers who on meeting immediately feel bonded by their 'Naija-ness'" wrote Bilkisu Labaran for the BBC on the word's growing popularity with a younger generation.
While the film currently lacks a trailer, "A Naija Christmas" certainly sounds warm and charming, and we can't wait to stream it.