December Is the Biggest Moment for the Cinema Economy
By Aramide Pearce, Public Relations and Communications Executive, Filmhouse Group The Christmas holiday season consistently delivers the year’s highest cinema attendance, here’s what fuels the surge. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! December cheer is in the air and the festive spirit is in full swing. This month is one of the biggest windows for movie releases worldwide. Research on cinema attendance consistently shows that audience engagement rises during the holiday season. Films released in December often outperform other months in terms of ticket sales which is driven by families seeking entertainment during school breaks, couples and groups looking for shared experiences and the general uplift in spending during the festive period. Globally, December and holiday-season releases have historically delivered some of the highest box-office grosses of the year. Classics like Home Alone (1990) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) achieved massive domestic and international revenue, while more recent releases such as The Grinch (2018) continue the trend. In 2025, industry analysis shows that December remains one of the highest-grossing months across multiple markets. These films benefit not only from initial excitement but also from sustained word-of-mouth, as audiences seek shared experiences during the holiday period. Families on school break, groups of friends, and couples looking for feel-good entertainment make cinema outings a popular choice, and festive-themed marketing further reinforces this trend. The social and emotional context of the holidays makes movie-going particularly attractive, creating an ideal window for engaging audiences. Kicking off the festive season on Friday 5th December was Wale Ojo’s “This Is Not a Nollywood Movie.” As the first Nollywood release of December, it set the tone for a month of exciting cinema experiences, benefiting from holiday audiences seeking family outings, shared experiences, and feel-good entertainment. Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes (BTS), releasing on Friday 12th December is a prime example of tapping into that festive spirit. Films like this not only benefit from initial excitement but also from extended word-of-mouth during the weeks between Christmas and New Year, as families and friends gather, discuss, and recommend movies to one another. Box office analysis shows that holiday films often maintain strong cinema runs well beyond opening weekends, maximizing both revenue and audience engagement. Toyin Abraham’s Over Sabi Aunty releasing on Friday 19th continues our December momentum. Hollywood is also coming in strong this season with major global blockbusters that will amplify the festive excitement. On Friday 19th December, Avatar: Fire & Ash arrives as one of the biggest worldwide releases of the year. Niyi Akinmolayan’s Colors Of Fire releasing on Thursday 24th December (Christmas Eve) further strengthens our holiday lineup. With family-friendly appeal and festive themes, it’s designed to engage audiences in one of the busiest cinema periods of the year. Following closely are two family-friendly titles on Thursday 26th December (Boxing Day) Anaconda and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants both positioned to take advantage of the massive post-Christmas cinema rush. For us, December isn’t just another month, it is a strategic opportunity to reach audiences when they are most excited to go to the movies. By further leveraging the festive spirit, family gatherings and heightened leisure activity we position our films for maximum impact. This year, the festive season is shaping up to be truly unforgettable and we have a slate that is set to capture all the excitement.
Disney’s Snow White: From Animation to Live Action
When Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in 1937, it made history as the first-ever feature-length animated film. Nearly nine decades later, Disney is reimagining the beloved fairytale in a live-action adaptation starring Rachel Zegler. While the heart of the story remains, the 2025 version introduces modern updates that reflect changing perspectives on storytelling and character development. Rachel Zegler steps into the role of Snow White, bringing a modern take on the character that leans more into independence than wishful thinking. She’s not just waiting for a prince she’s shaping her own destiny. The 1937 Evil Queen was one of Disney’s most iconic villains. Gal Gadot’s version brings all the glamour and wickedness, but with a bit more depth. In 1937, the Seven Dwarfs were some of Disney’s most recognizable characters, each with their own one-word personality trait: Sleepy, Grumpy, Happy, and so on. They were comic relief, emotional support, and unlikely heroes all in one. The 2025 version, however, takes a different route. Disney has shaken up the dwarfs’ portrayal, steering away from their classic animated charm. And then there’s the prince one of the biggest points of discussion. Rachel Zegler’s past comments about the original Snow White story being “creepy” sparked controversy, particularly her critique of the prince’s role. In response, the new adaptation gives him a significantly reduced presence. Instead of Snow White’s story revolving around romance, the focus shifts to her personal growth and leadership. The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a technological marvel of its time, pioneering hand-drawn animation in a way no other film had done before. The 2025 version leans into live-action with CGI elements to bring the fairytale world to life. As for the music? The classic songs like Someday My Prince Will Come are still part of the story, but new songs have been added to reflect the film’s updated themes. Snow White remains a story about resilience, transformation, and the dangers of accepting a red apple from a stranger. But the way it’s told in 2025 is different from how it was in 1937. One thing’s for sure: this Snow White isn’t just waiting for a prince to wake her up.
Cinema Snacks 101: The Best Bites For The Big Screen
Where It All Began What’s a movie at the cinema without popcorn? It’s been a staple since the introduction of sound movies in 1927, and here we are, 98 years later, still enjoying it during every movie. Popcorn is affordable, smells irresistible, and of course, is easy to eat. Popcorn and cinema go together and complete every movie moment. The Worst Cinema Snacks As much as there are a ton of delicious foods out there, some just aren’t cut out for the cinema experience. For example, ribs. Sure, they’re mouth-watering, but they’re a mess with that sticky sauce that’s impossible to manage in the dark. Then there’s stew. It’s flavorful and comforting, but with the strong spices and potential for spills, it’s not exactly ideal for a movie theater. And let’s not forget pasta. They are fun to eat, but the sauce can splatter and create chaos—and no one wants to deal with that during a movie. The Best Cinema Snacks Luckily, there are plenty of snacks that are just as tasty as popcorn but won’t create a mess or make a scene. Here are five movie snacks that are easy to enjoy without the hassle: Enjoy Kravings By Filmhouse If you’re looking to upgrade your movie experience, check out Kravings by Filmhouse for the best movie snacks now available in all our cinemas in Nigeria. Also, you can order our delicious movie snacks on Glovo and Chowdeck. We’ve got shawarmas, hot dogs, chicken and chips, parfaits, slushies, ice cream, and more to make your cinema snack game stronger than ever. Next time you’re at the cinema, treat yourself to something new!