NFVCB’s 39 December Films Light Up Nigerian Cinemas
By Jerry Adesewo
Abuja, Nigeria — Although approved in the closing days of 2025, a slate of 39 films cleared by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) in December has become the creative engine driving Nigeria’s cinema screens into the early weeks of 2026.
A breakdown of the approvals shows the linguistic and thematic diversity that continues to define Nollywood. Of the 39 titles cleared, 20 are in English, nine in Yoruba, three in Igbo, two in Hausa, three in Hindi, while Epic and Igala productions account for one title each. In terms of audience classification, the Board approved four PG titles, four rated 12A, 16 rated 15, 14 rated 18, and one rated G, reflecting a slate largely skewed toward youth and adult audiences while still accommodating family-friendly fare.
The approvals, which cut across multiple languages and age classifications, reflect both the scale and diversity of contemporary film exhibition in Nigeria, while underscoring the NFVCB’s role in ensuring order, clarity, and audience protection as Nollywood’s release calendar transitions into the new year.
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According to a summary of classifications issued by the Board, the December approvals comprised 20 English-language films, alongside productions in Yoruba (9), Igbo (3), Hausa (2), Hindi (3), Epic (1), and Igala (1). The titles were spread across G, PG, 12A, 15, and 18 ratings, with mature-themed productions forming a notable portion—an indication of the industry’s expanding thematic ambition.
Titles Carrying the Season into 2026
Among the most visible films benefitting from the December approvals and now screening nationwide is A Very Dirty Christmas, a family drama produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason. The film, which premiered in cinemas on December 16, 2025, has continued its theatrical run into 2026, sustaining audience interest beyond the festive season.
Despite public conversations around its title, the NFVCB reaffirmed that its approval was based strictly on content assessment and statutory classification guidelines. The film explores the emotional fault lines of a family reunion disrupted by long-buried secrets, combining domestic drama with social commentary. Its ensemble cast includes Eucharia Anunobi, Femi Branch, IK Ogbonna, Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, Wumi Toriola, Taye Arimoro, and Josephina Otabor.
Also drawing attention is Colours of Fire, a Nigerian production by Niyi Akinmolayan that has resonated with audiences for its intense emotional themes and visually striking storytelling. Classified appropriately for its subject matter, the film adds depth to the December slate, reinforcing the growing appetite for socially conscious narratives on Nigerian screens.
On the international front, the globally popular horror title Five Nights at Freddy’s—based on the cult video game franchise—was among the films cleared for exhibition, reflecting the NFVCB’s mandate to classify both local and foreign content for Nigerian audiences. Its approval and continued screenings highlight the Board’s role in ensuring that imported titles meet local exhibition standards while expanding audience choice.
A Strategic Bridge Between Seasons
Industry observers note that December approvals have increasingly become a strategic bridge between year-end releases and the first quarter of the new year. Rather than tapering off after the holidays, many films now extend their exhibition windows into January and February, allowing producers and exhibitors to maximise audience turnout.
The NFVCB’s 39-film December approval list has effectively ensured that cinemas entered 2026 with a ready pipeline of classified content—supporting box office continuity, employment across the exhibition chain, and steady audience engagement.
Classification, Not Censorship
The Board continues to emphasise that its work centres on classification rather than censorship, providing guidance that empowers audiences while allowing creative expression to flourish within legal boundaries. The December slate reflects this approach, balancing family-friendly films with youth-focused dramas and adult-oriented narratives, each clearly rated.
Bayero University, Kano’s Ola Ifatimehin, a theatre scholar and practitioner posited that “this balance remains critical to sustaining public trust and encouraging investment, especially as Nigerian cinemas increasingly host a blend of homegrown and international titles.”
Looking Ahead
While the NFVCB is expected to release a full breakdown of January approvals in the coming weeks, the December list has already set a confident tone for the new year. For cinema-goers, it means a steady stream of new stories; for filmmakers, continuity; and for exhibitors, the excitement that Nigerian screens has remained active beyond the festive rush.
NFVCB’s 39 December Films Light Up Nigerian Cinemas