Udechukwu “The 12” Uchenna’s directorial debut Ọkụkọ Christmas, set in the yuletide season and reminiscent of Sean Baker’s Tangerine, is set to premiere on 21-12-2024 on AgunzeTV YouTube channel. 

Directed by The 12, Ọkụkọ Christmas is a horror film about a group of students who, in their desire to partake in Christmas festivities, get ensnared in the worst nightmares of their lives. Set on a Nigerian campus, the film isn’t just another horror flick but a psychological thriller that reflects how far people can go to enjoy Christmas. In the film, the universal struggle for life when death is imminent and the blurry line between the physical and spiritual plane is blurred. 

Like Tangerine, Ọkụkọ Christmas is set apart by its cinematography with the entirety of the film captured on the Samsung Galaxy S23. This technical choice recalls Steven Soderbergh’s dedication to using phones to shoot films. Additionally, the film is a testament to the guerilla-type commitment of indie filmmaking to bringing original stories to viewers at whatever cost. 

The 12, the director, is an ardent mobile cinematography trailblazer, who has worked with brands across Africa with over a decade’s experience.

The film also stands out for its vibrant cast of mostly young actors, and its reimagining of an annual global event. The cast members include DJ Capello, Chidinma Ugwu, Alams Fel Dubem, Chidera Noble O., Emcee Passion, Ben-Okoye Xavier, and Jess Koko. The inspiration behind Okuko Christmas is universal but also uniquely Nigerian as it’s a heartfelt foray into a local student community and the characters it comprises. At heart, it is a coming-of-age story. 

As Nigerian indie cinema continues to push boundaries, the film is a bold reminder that compelling stories can emerge from the most unexpected places and tools. Its minimalist yet inventive approach heralds a new chapter in Nigerian filmmaking that prioritizes authenticity over spectacle. And not new to the Nigerian indie filmmaking terrain is filmmaker Ebuka Njoku, who is also a producer on this film.

Ọkụkọ Christmas is brought to you by Agụnze Entertainment and will premiere on 21-12-2024 on the AgunzeTV YouTube channel where the teaser and other featurettes are already on. 

The team behind Ọkụkọ Christmas wishes you a Scary Christmas 🎅