Shot in Boston, with a cast of 42, it's a wonderful Kwanzaa

Cayla M. Johnson, Michael M. Davis Jr., Alvin Penn Jr., Christopher L. Mclaughlin, and Deidre T. Kerr.

While the Christmas film has been a staple of American cinema since George Bailey discovered it's a wonderful life, the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa, observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 each year, has been around for only about 40 years, and the cinematic pickings are much slimmer. That's why a Boston-based independent filmmaker believes he's breaking new ground with his movie.

"Kwanzaa with the Jones's" will have its premiere Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline. The film is the work of Jibril Haynes and Nicole D. Parker, both of Dorchester, and their Origin Nile Films. It was shot in and around Boston with a cast of 42, most from Boston, and a score that features local musicians.

"It will be an exciting night because even the cast hasn't seen it yet," said Haynes, 34, who directed the film with Parker, based on Parker's screenplay. The film tells the story of a wealthy, and apparently flourishing, African-American family in the suburbs. Each member, though, has issues that set him or her apart from the others, and the family is largely ignorant about its heritage. A friendly spirit comes to the father in a dream, showing him how the seven principles of Kwanzaa can help him to better nurture his family.

Haynes said that thanks to support from former Boston Celtic M.L. Carr, he will also premiere his film in Brooklyn, N.Y., Philadelphia, and Atlanta.

The Boston premiere of "Kwanzaa with the Jones's" is open to the public, and tickets are $10.

RICH FAHEY