What to Watch in West Africa This December

This month’s movies and TV guide is culled from Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal.

New Christmas comedy 'One Night Guests' features two groups of strangers pretending to be guests of a wealthy family.

Screenshot from 'One Night Guests.'

For our last West Africa streaming guide of the year, we've compiled a great selection of drama, comedy, suspense and action to make for a light, cozy watch this holiday season. From a new installment of a popular franchise to a fresh collaboration between the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries, this list is filled with heart, fun, laughter and something for everyone.

'Christmas in Lagos' (Nigeria)

Nigerian filmmaker Jade Osiberu brings all the #DettyDecember feels and romance in her upcoming rom-com Christmas In Lagos. The film features a diverse cast and revolves around the festivities in Lagos during December. It explores the chaos of the holiday season and the powerful influence of love. Christmas in Lagos, a moving story of rekindled affection and second chances, follows Fiyin (Teniola Aladese), who is forced to contend with the possibility that the love of her life may not be hers. The cast includes Aladese and features Shaffy Bello (Big Love, Head Over Bills, Elevator Baby), Wale Ojo (Phone Swap, Alter Ego The CEO), Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, Rayxia Ojo (Supacell, Call The Midwife), Richard Mofe Damijo (The Black Book, Postcards, Castle and Castle) and others.

'Everybody Loves Jenifa' (Nigeria)

When actor and filmmaker Funke Akindele first created the character of Jenifa — an ambitious, spunky, but socially awkward woman looking to belong and make it at university, it may not have been immediately apparent just how impactful and well-loved the character would be. With a long-running series and films based on the character and her unending antics, Akindele brings a new side to a cherished character in her upcoming film Everybody Loves Jenifa. The film, which will see Jenifa (Akindele) go on another adventure while addressing socio-cultural concerns, stars new and old faces from the franchise, including Bisola Aiyeola (Introducing The Kujus, Sugar Rush, A Simple Lie), Nancy Isime (Blood Sisters, Shanty Town, Hijack' 93), Jide Kosoko (Atunwa, Funnilayo Ransome Kuti, Orisa), Patience Ozokwor (Omugwo, Ukwa, Chief Daddy) and many others.

'One Night Guests' (Nigeria/Ghana)

In this refreshing new comedy centered around Christmas, two groups of strangers with unclear intentions arrive at a wealthy home and must prove they were invited. Funny, lighthearted, and perfect for an exciting holiday watch, One Night Guests is a film collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria. This partnership hasn't happened in a long time, making it a timely release. The film stars Ini Edo (World Apart, Girl's Cot, Chief Daddy), Majid Michel (A Taste of Sin, Tokunbo) and Chidi Mokeme (Merry Men 3, '76, No Way Through).

'Demba' (Senegal)

In Demba, directed by Mamadou Dia (Nafi's Father, Samedi Cinema), a man grieving the loss of his wife finds solace in reconnecting with his estranged son. As his wife's passing anniversary draws near, reflection, return and regret circle his life. The film stars Awa Djiga Kane (C'est la vie, Black and White), Saikou Lo (Twist à Bamako, Nafi's Father, La Pirouge), and others.

'Two Of A Kind' (Ghana/Nigeria)

In this heartwarming story of restorative love, a grieving resort owner struggles to repair a fraying relationship. Her determination to save this relationship shapes her understanding of love and transforms her outlook on life. Directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso, the film features Rita Dominic (known for roles in La Femme, The Meeting, The Trade, and One Room) alongside Akosua Agyapong, Arion Amon, Sena Agbeko, Jessica Larny and others.

‘Gazoua doit mourir’ (Cote d’Ivoire)

In Gazoua doit mourir (Gazoua Must Die), a man makes a grave misunderstanding while drunk, setting a series of events in motion that take humorous and somber turns. Funny, reflective and attentive to social nuances, Gazoua doit mourir is a well-delivered story from writer and director Fidèle Koffi (La Radio, Mon ingrate de femme), starring Fortuné Akakpo (Caramel, Enjeux, Monsieur le Maire) Omèga David, Tiekoumba Dosso and others.

‘Opaah Noel’ (Cote d’Ivoire)

Opaah Noel is a classic Christmas sitcom centered around Ivorian families. A man visits his family and finds himself unable to adapt to modern life. Meanwhile, a mother tries to make ends meet for her family at a time when abundance is expected. This is a heartwarming story about getting out of your comfort zone and facing the unexpected. The film stars Ivorian actor Michel Gohou (Ma Famille, Welcome to Gondwana, Ma grande famille) and many others.

'Seven Doors' (Nigeria)

In his directorial debut, Femi Adebayo (Jagun Jagun, Orisa, House Of Ga'a) presents Seven Doors, a story of harmony, love, family ties, betrayal, and a fight for tradition. The story revolves around a couple from different tribes whose lives are turned upside down when the husband is chosen to assume a traditional role. This pivotal moment strains their relationship and challenges their understanding of one another. Alongside Adebayo, who also stars in the film, Seven Doors features Chioma Akpota (Wives On Strike, Gangs of Lagos, Swallow), Adebayo Salami (King Of Thieves, Jenifa, Anikulapo), Ronke Oshodi, Yinka Quadri and others.

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