Sarah Stella Kwaji’s debut feature film, Out In The Darkness, is scheduled for release in Nigerian cinemas on July 4th, 2025. Following its international festival run and limited screening in Canada, the film has started attracting attention for its subject matter and direction.

The drama made its first official appearance earlier in the year as an official selection at the Nollywood Week Festival 2025. After its festival debut, it was screened in Canadian cinemas in May, where it received positive feedback from viewers and critics alike. With its Nigerian release now confirmed, the film is expected to reach a broader local audience.

Out In The Darkness explores the emotional and psychological challenges that come with postpartum depression. Set within the experience of new motherhood, it draws attention to the silence, pressure, and mental strain that many women face after childbirth. The film approaches these issues with sensitivity, offering a story that feels both relevant and timely.

This marks Sarah Stella Kwaji’s first feature-length film. She serves as writer, director, and producer, making the project a personal and multi-layered effort. Despite being a debut, the film reflects careful planning and a clear artistic vision, particularly in how it presents mental health through a Nigerian lens.

The cast includes Kehinde Bankole, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bimbo Akintola, Tina Mba, Prince Jide Kosoko, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Jennifer Eliogu, and others. Public figures such as Liquorose and Symply Tacha also appear in supporting roles. The range of performers contributes to the film’s grounded and emotionally realistic tone.

Early reviews point to a story told through subtle dialogue and restrained performances. The film does not rely on heavy exposition but instead leans into the weight of quiet moments. This approach allows the audience to observe, reflect, and connect with the experiences presented on screen.

Genesis Cinemas is handling distribution, ensuring nationwide availability across key cinema locations. Since the Canadian screenings, promotional activity has steadily grown, with emphasis now shifting to its Nigerian release and audience engagement.

As mental health continues to gain more recognition in public discourse, Out In The Darkness arrives with a message that is both necessary and overdue. It is positioned not only as a film but as a conversation starter for families, health professionals, and viewers who may recognize parts of themselves in the story.

With its local release set for July, the film adds to the ongoing shift in Nollywood toward stories that reflect lived realities. For Sarah Stella Kwaji, it marks the start of a promising journey as a filmmaker unafraid to handle weighty themes. Nigerian audiences can expect Out In The Darkness in cinemas nationwide from July 4th, 2025. Here’s the trailer for a first look at what to expect.