Nollywood audiences crave heartfelt stories, and A Danfo Christmas delivers just that.
By Joseph Jonathan
Christmas is a time-honoured tradition celebrated worldwide, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to exchange gifts, strengthen bonds with loved ones, and celebrate. During this season, the air is filled with excitement and festive cheer, as families, friends, and communities unite to mark this special time of year.
For many Nigerians, Christmas is synonymous with travelling back to their hometowns or villages—a journey that is as much about reconnecting with loved ones as it is about rediscovering one’s roots.
This annual ‘pilgrimage’ is a cherished part of Nigerian culture, brimming with anticipation, excitement, and a profound sense of belonging. In his film, A Danfo Christmas, Sebastian Ukwa endeavours to capture the Nigerian Christmas spirit.
Based on a screenplay by Adeayo Sangowawa, the film revolves around Akin (Seun Kentebe) and his family, who take an unexpected trip back to the village for Christmas—but the journey hardly goes as planned.
From the very first scene, we are introduced to this eclectic family: the father, Akin, is a struggling commercial bus (danfo) driver, while his wife, Amaka (Valerie Odunukwe), owns a restaurant business that helps support the family.
Their children are just as complex: Tracy (Loveth Ogbene), the eldest, is under pressure to gain university admission, five years after completing secondary school, while Justin (Korede Lawal), the youngest, harbours a secret passion for boxing, fearing his parents’ disapproval.
Familial ties can be complicated, and Akin’s family is no exception. Despite their differences, the film doesn’t fail to show the love that runs through each of them. Amaka supports her husband financially in his time of need, demonstrating her unwavering commitment. Justin enters a boxing competition to win prize money and help with the family’s finances.
He also takes over his sister’s social media accounts when she’s too dejected to post, and his posts surprisingly go viral, making Tracy an internet sensation.
Through these acts, the film paints a picture of the love and sacrifice that exist within the family, despite their imperfections and disagreements. These selfless actions reveal the depth of their emotional bonds and their willingness to support one another in times of need.
By highlighting these moments of love, sacrifice, and loyalty, the film offers a heartwarming portrayal of family dynamics, reminding us that even amidst chaos and challenges, the ties that bind us can be a powerful source of strength and inspiration.
Given that this film is rooted in family dynamics, it is no surprise that most of the action unfolds when Akin’s family visits the village for the first time in 10 years and reunites with the extended family.
Akin’s mother, Kemi (Carol King), loathes Amaka and attempts to frustrate her at every opportunity. Akin’s father, Agbayomi (Patrick Doyle), is almost bedridden, and Akin’s brother, Tolu (Wale Morgan), has run the family business into the ground. These characters and their motivations come together to create an engaging narrative.
This heartfelt story is elevated by the convincing performances of most of the cast. Kentebe and Odunukwe’s portrayal of a devoted couple is particularly noteworthy, as they bring their committed relationship to life in an entertaining way. Their chemistry on screen is undeniable, making their interactions a joy to watch.
King and Doyle also deliver impressive individual performances, showcasing their talent and charisma. While their on-screen chemistry as a pair may not be as prominent, they both bring depth and nuance to their respective roles, enriching the story.
Although the story is well-told, some parts of the dialogue could have been better crafted to suit cultural nuances, as certain sections felt somewhat ‘un-Nigerian.’ Similarly, more attention could have been given to how the actors pronounced words, especially in Yoruba.
Additionally, the boxing scenes could have been better choreographed, as they appeared somewhat unrealistic and lacked the intensity and grit typically associated with the sport.
Sebastian Ukwa is establishing himself as a filmmaker known for crafting heartfelt stories. Following his debut feature, A Father’s Love, Ukwa continues this trend with his latest film, A Danfo Christmas.
Nollywood audiences crave heartfelt stories, and A Danfo Christmas delivers just that. The film feels like a warm hug, enveloping viewers in a sense of comfort, love, and togetherness.
A Danfo Christmas is now streaming on Prime Video.
Rating: 2.9/5
Joseph Jonathan is a historian who seeks to understand how film shapes our cultural identity as a people. He believes that history is more about the future than the past. When he’s not writing about film, you can catch him listening to music or discussing politics. He tweets @JosieJp3.