In Africa, there is no dearth of talented filmmakers. The continent has churned out some of the best movies in the world. If you are looking for a superb movie-viewing experience, then you must watch at least one of the following African films. They are all hugely entertaining and well worth your time.
Here are 10 African movies that you must watch at least once in your life:
1. Timbuktu (2014)
This is a drama set in the troubled Mali of recent times. The rebels enforce Islamic law and this has an impact on people’s daily lives. At its heart, Timbuktu is a love story but it also explores other themes such as fear and forgiveness. This beautifully shot film features some outstanding acting by the cast, especially the lead actor, Ibrahim Ahmed aka Pino.
2. Tsotsi (2005)
This powerful movie tells the tale of an angry young man who is part of a gang. He accidentally gets hold of a car belonging to a woman who dies in the hijacking incident. The baby, Tsotsi, who is in the back seat grows attached to him. That’s when he decides to transform his life and become responsible for this small human being. This South African film won various awards including an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
3. Benda Bilili (2010)
This French-Congolese documentary sheds light on some of Africa’s most marginalized people – those with disabilities or albinism living in Kinshasa’s streets. Can they find love? Can they find respect? Can they find happiness despite their physical limitations? Benda Bilili! is a fantastic watch that will leave you inspired.
4. Bamako (2006)
Bamako tackles the west’s role in Africa’s economic problems through a trial that takes place in Mali, West Africa. The questions raised during this fictitious event are effectively put across by the Hollywood A-list cast which includes Danny Glover and Angela Bassett among others. Malian director Abderrahmane Sissako was nominated for an Oscar for his work on this film.
5. The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980)
This comedy about living with cultural differences looks at life from a Bushman point of view as well as that of Lee, who comes from a modern civilization. While the naive Bushmen struggle to understand Lee’s gadgets, he is similarly intrigued by their simple yet happy way of life. This charming tale is truly heartwarming and was hugely popular on its release across Africa and other parts of the world.
6. Mapantsula (1988)
A controversial movie that saw South African director, Jack Lewis arrested for making it without official clearance – this dark comedy explores an incident where a group of young black men steal some cars and accidentally get hold of a briefcase full of money belonging to the white government. They need an escape plan before there’s trouble! If you’re interested in Apartheid era films, then give this brilliant example from down a watch.
7 .Red Dust (2004)
A South African movie set earlier this century, Red Dust is a tale of the difficult choices people were forced to make during that time. The protagonist, Xuma, is a powerful village chieftain who must choose between his love for two city women from vastly different backgrounds. This film is another Oscar nominee and features some outstanding performances by South African actors including Sharlto Copley and Lynn Anderson among others.
8 . Lost in the Desert (1990)
Lost in the Desert tells of one man’s terrifying experience when he gets lost in the desert on his way back home. He spends days without food or water but still manages to survive by drawing on his inner strength and God grace! At one point, he is even forced to kill his beloved dog in order to stave off hunger pangs.
9. Sarafina (1992)
Sarafina tells of the 1976 students’ uprising against apartheid that saw many young people lose their lives or end up in prison. It provides us with a good view into what life was like for black South Africans living under Apartheid rule and how they were inspired by events such as the Soweto uprising to fight for change.
10. Blood Diamond (2006)
This Oscar-winning film brings much-needed attention to the issue of blood diamonds and the terrible human rights abuses that have been committed as a result of them. Blood Diamond tells a fictional story set during Sierra Leone’s civil war in 1991-2002 but offers us a great insight into how diamonds can fund wars and perpetuate violence between different groups in parts of Africa. There is also an interesting cameo from well-known South African singer Zahara among other memorable moments.
Conclusion
African movies are a great way to learn about different cultures such as African American culture and how people live in Africa. These 10 films on the list have been ranked by their popularity with critics, viewers, awards won, or mentioned. You may not have heard of all of these but they’re worth checking out!