Nigerian filmmaker Sarah Stella Kwaji is poised to make a powerful entrance into the film industry with her debut feature, Out In The Darkness, which officially hits Nigerian cinemas on July 4th, 2025. After a well-received international festival run and limited screening in Canada, the film is finally making its way home, bringing with it a timely conversation about mental health, motherhood, and societal silence.
Out In The Darkness first caught the attention of global audiences when it was selected as an official entry at the Nollywood Week Festival 2025, where it stood out for its subject matter and strong storytelling. The film later screened in Canada in May, drawing praise from critics and cinema-goers alike for its emotional depth and artistic restraint.
Now, with local anticipation building, Kwaji’s deeply personal and socially relevant film is set to meet a broader Nigerian audience.
A Story Rooted in Real Struggles
Out In The Darkness is a compelling drama that delves into the emotional and psychological complexities of postpartum depression, a condition that remains largely misunderstood and under-discussed in many African societies. The narrative centres on a woman grappling with the isolating aftermath of childbirth, shedding light on the mental toll of new motherhood and the cultural pressures that often prevent women from speaking out.
Told with empathy and quiet intensity, the film gives voice to women who suffer in silence, illuminating a hidden reality that transcends socioeconomic boundaries.
A Strong Creative Vision
Sarah Stella Kwaji wears many hats in this debut, serving as writer, director, and producer, and brings a unified and deeply felt vision to the screen. Despite being her first feature-length film, Out In The Darkness is marked by confident direction and a cinematic style that prioritises realism over melodrama.
The film adopts a restrained approach, opting for subtle dialogue, quiet tension, and reflective moments that allow audiences to engage with the characters’ experiences truly.
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An All-Star Cast with Heart
Bringing Kwaji’s script to life is a powerhouse cast of seasoned actors and fresh faces. Kehinde Bankole leads the film with a poignant performance, supported by stars like Deyemi Okanlawon, Bimbo Akintola, Tina Mba, Jide Kosoko, Ronke Oshodi Oke, and Jennifer Eliogu.
In addition to its veteran ensemble, the film features notable appearances from reality TV stars Liquorose and Symply Tacha, both of whom bring nuance to their supporting roles. Together, the cast delivers a grounded portrayal of personal struggle and societal expectation.
A New Voice in Nollywood
For Kwaji, this project represents more than just a career milestone; it’s a heartfelt statement about the need for mental health awareness and authentic storytelling in Nigerian cinema.
As the Nigerian film industry continues to evolve, Out In The Darkness marks a shift toward narratives that reflect real-life complexities, particularly in areas such as mental health, family life, and gender roles.
As July approaches, Out In The Darkness emerges not just as a movie, but as a movement. With its honest portrayal of mental health struggles, it invites audiences to reflect, empathise, and most importantly, talk.
Genesis Cinemas will handle nationwide distribution, ensuring audiences across Nigeria have access to the film from July 4th.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When will Out In The Darkness be released in Nigeria?
A: The film will be released nationwide in Nigerian cinemas on July 4th, 2025.
Q2: What is the movie about?
A: Out In The Darkness explores the struggles of postpartum depression, focusing on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by new mothers.
Q3: Who directed the film?
A: The film is written, directed, and produced by Sarah Stella Kwaji in her debut as a feature filmmaker.
Q4: Who stars in the movie?
A: The cast includes Kehinde Bankole, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bimbo Akintola, Tina Mba, Jide Kosoko, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Jennifer Eliogu, and appearances by Liquorose and Symply Tacha.
Q5: Where has the film previously been screened?
A: It premiered at the Nollywood Week Festival 2025 and had a limited run in Canadian cinemas in May 2025.
Q6: What themes does the film explore?
A: Key themes include mental health, motherhood, family expectations, and societal silence around postpartum depression.
Q7: Where can I watch the film in Nigeria?
A: The film will be available at Genesis Cinemas and other major cinema chains nationwide.
