I May Destroy You star Aml Ameen is set to make his directorial debut with the Christmas romantic comedy, Boxing Day. He’ll also star in the film with Aja Naomi King, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and in her film debut, Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock.

Ameen also co-wrote the screenplay, which is inspired by the diary of Ameen’s life, with Bruce Purnelln.

Here’s the description (per the Deadline exclusive): The film, which the filmmakers are saying is the first UK holiday film featuring an all-black cast, follows Melvin (Ameen), a British author living in America who returns home to London for Christmas to introduce his American fiancée Lisa (King) to his eccentric British-Caribbean family. Their relationship is put to the test, as she discovers the world her fiancé has left behind.

The project is financed by BFI and Film4. They are financing the project with Warner Bros. Pictures, which will distribute the film in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

“It is such an honour to be teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures, Film4 and BFI to bring Black British Culture to the world in this universal holiday rom-com, remarked Ameen. “It’s long been a dream of mine to capture films that reflect the wonderfully multi-cultural city that raised me while sharing stories from the diary of my life.”

Ameen can be seen next in Run Sweetheart Run opposite Ella Balinska, while King will be seen soon in Amazon Studios’ Sylvie’s Love.

Photo: Getty