Regina Udalor’s “A Warm Christmas” Shines in Leeds Cinema Africa Screening

Today, Leeds' Hyde Park Picture House welcomed audiences to a heartwarming and culturally rich cinematic experience with the screening of A Warm Christmas, directed by prominent diasporan Nigerian filmmaker Regina Udalor. Part of the Cinema Africa Program—a permanent initiative to showcase the vibrancy of African lives and culture through film—the event brought a dose of festive cheer to viewers, both African and non-African alike.

The film, a heartfelt family tale, follows siblings Ariel, Jaden, and Zarah as they journey from Canada to Nigeria to spend Christmas with their grandparents for the first time. Skeptical about celebrating the holiday in the village, the trio soon discovers meaningful lessons about family, tradition, and the true spirit of Christmas. Udalor’s ability to capture the diasporic perspective adds a rare and authentic touch to this joyful holiday adventure.

• “A Warm Christmas”, which premiered globally at the Silicon Valley Film Festival in California, (October 2023) has continued to captivate audiences internationally. After screenings in Norway (December 2023) and Barbados (December 2023), today's UK debut at Hyde Park Picture House adds another milestone to its screening journey.

A Warm Christmas, produced by Peridot Entertainment in co-production with Handcuffs Entertainment, beautifully captures the essence of family, culture, and holiday joy. 

Audiences in Leeds were treated to a special pre-recorded message from Regina Udalor, a talented and dynamic filmmaker whose vision brings this African diasporic Christmas story to life. The 77-minute film written by Jemimah Nyako Kukyem and Regina Idu Udalor features veteran Nollywood actors Rekiya Atta Ibrahim, and Bimbo Manuel, whose stellar careers have spanned decades, alongside rising stars Ruby Akubueze, and Emeka Nwagbaraocha young talent making waves as one to watch in Nollywood. Other notable featured talent include Lois Itodo, Omachonu Udalor and Kayla Udalor. With a mix of English and Pidgin dialogue, A Warm Christmas offers a layered and accessible narrative, for global audiences, showcasing Udalor’s skillful storytelling and cementing her reputation as a strong, innovative voice in African cinema.

Norway youths from Bragi Festival and Film Director Regina with her children on event red carpet.

Previous screenings- Norway

Udalor, in her heartfelt pre-recorded message to the Leeds audience, emphasized the beauty and communal spirit of Christmas in Africa, a theme that resonates deeply throughout A Warm Christmas. Speaking about the film’s inspiration, she shared, “For those of us in the diaspora, this is a beautiful opportunity to showcase our culture to the children and help them experience the joy and traditions we grew up with.” Audiences at the screening were visibly moved, with many praising the film for its nostalgic storytelling and vivid depiction of African Christmas traditions. One viewer described it as “a heartwarming journey into the rich, colorful world of Nigerian culture,” while another shared how the film felt like “a love letter to childhood memories.”

The screening forms part of the Cinema Africa program, which aims to bridge cultural understanding and appreciation through excellent African films. The program’s focus on inclusivity and cultural celebration made it the perfect home for Udalor’s poignant holiday movie. This  Leeds event facilitated by Mosa Mpetha, Hyde Park’s creative engagement officer and program founder, is the movie’s first UK screening. 

“The fact that we are committing to a regular African cinema programme at HPPH is quite unique and incredibly exciting!”-Mosa Mpetha

'A Warm Christmas' was born out of a heartwarming conversation between producer Regina Udalor and her children. When they inquired about how Christmas is celebrated in Africa, specifically in Nigeria, She saw an opportunity to share her heritage with them. This poignant moment sparked the inspiration for 'A Warm Christmas', a film that beautifully showcases the unique traditions and joy of Christmas celebrations in Nigeria."

If you missed the screening today, A Warm Christmas is a must-watch this holiday season. With its rich storytelling, heartfelt performances, and cultural depth, it’s the kind of film that reminds us why representation matters in cinema.

For more on A Warm Christmas and other standout films, stay tuned to Black Film Wire!

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