Movies Made in Africa By Africans: A Window into Another World
African movies have come to represent an important part of the continent’s voice and economy in recent years. Nigeria has been especially fruitful in creating films that speak to the world about Africa.
It’s come to be known as Nollywood.
The Nigerian film industry creates movies by Africans, filmed in Africa, about Africa and its people. It has become one of the most prolific film producers in the world.
Nigerian movies offer a unique perspective to those who haven’t gotten to know Africa in person. They give us a glimpse into a world we’d otherwise only read about in books or see on the news.
Thanks to Nollywood we can watch rom-coms like The Wedding Party and Hollywood hits like Black Panther. We can get to know an entirely different side of Africa.
Movies also provide a look into the continent’s rich cultural heritage and its times of slavery, war, and self-determination.
They might even take us on epic journies into the heart of African mythology. Or they could depict a realistic slice-of-life story that could take place anywhere in the world.
Regardless, these movies can offer us insight into our shared humanity, as well as our cultural differences.
They showcase stories of love and tragedy, courage and resilience. Stories that remain as timelessly inspiring today as they have been for centuries.
From comedies to dramas, they provide a window into the cultures, languages, and customs that shape this continent.
These films also offer us an opportunity to contemplate our own history and the lessons we can take from it. Whether they evoke laughter or tears, they remind us of the ties that bind us together as global citizens.
And of the atrocities that we’re capable of.
Each frame offers a unique glimpse into a different world. They can captivate our minds and open our eyes to new horizons.
Top African Movies – Current and Classic
These movies, made by and starring Africans, offer a window into the continent’s cultures and customs.
They’re examples of the power of African stories to inspire audiences worldwide. They also provide the perspective of Africa from its own people, as opposed to the perspective of non-Africans of Africa.
And they’re just incredibly enjoyable and entertaining. If you’re a movie lover, add a few of these to your repertoire. Here is a selection you should check out.
🎥 Battle on Buka Street (2022)
This 2022 Nigerian comedy-drama was directed by Nigerian filmmakers Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde.
One of the highest-grossing movies of the first weekend of 2023, the movie centers on the two daughters of a polygamous family.
Life-long rivals, the drama escalates when the two women set up restaurants near each other on the same street. It was the recipient of several Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, including best overall movie.
Battle on Buka Street claimed its own place in history as “the first indigenous Nollywood release in the US“, according to pulse.ng. After its considerable success, though, it certainly will not be the last.
🎥 Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper (2022)
A 2022 suspense-thriller about love, betrayal, revenge, and the church. These universal plotlines come with a twist.
The Pastor’s main sponsor may be a cult member, and it turns out that he betrayed the wrong girl. Evil hiding behind spirituality is a theme that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This Nigerian movie was released on January 13, 2023, in the US and the UK. It hasn’t seen quite the success that Battle on Buka Street achieved.
But it was nominated for three Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
🎥 Isoken (2017)
This rom-com was released a few years ago, in 2017. It draws a parallel between the stereotypical plight of single women in Africa with that of single women the world over.
Funny and relatable, the film’s study of cultural stereotypes sets it apart. At the same time, the family pressure on the star to find her perfect match bind its audiences together.
Who hasn’t been there?
🎥 The Garbage School (2021)
Released in 2021, The Garbage School is based on the book of the same name. It is by acclaimed writer and academic Abdullahi Ismaila.
The lead character, played by award-winning actor and comedian Nkem Owoh, is the principal of the local school. He decides that his students will work on his farm instead of doing schoolwork.
This causes a rebellion among the students, who fight for their right to learn. The movie illustrates the very real problem that exists within Nigeria’s school system.
It teaches its audience a bit about the inner workings of a part of Nigerian life. Things that those outside of Africa are generally not privy to.
🎥 Omo Ghetto the Saga (2022)
Considered one of the best Nigerian movies of 2022, the Saga is the African take on the age-old nature vs. nurture debate.
Unknown to each other, twin sisters grew up in completely different environments, living entirely different lives. As a result, one is “good”, and one, our hero, Lefty, is “bad”.
The story is fun, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. It highlights, again, the similarities and differences between growing up in an African culture and growing up in a Western one.
🎥 Black Girl (1966)
This classic film was written in French, the official language of Senegal. Its director is Senegalese writer, producer, and director Ousmane Sembène.
It was one of the very first productions from the African film industry to be recognized and acclaimed internationally.
Black Girl received the prestigious Prix Jean Vigo award for best feature film in France. It was also given the Tanit d’Or, the grand prize in Tunisia’s annual Carthage Film Festival.
The movie tells the story of Diouana, a young Senegalese woman who is offered a job working for a Caucasian family. She accepts the position and soon moves with them to continue as their servant in Antibes, France.
The story is told as a combination of present-day events and flashbacks of the past. We see the contrast between our main character’s life in Dakar and her current situation in France.
We are with Diouana as she deals with the racism that she is subjected to in her new life in Antibes. The dramas and the struggles that become Diouana’s life will become yours as well as you watch this powerful movie.
🎥 Grey Matter (2011)
Grey Matter was set in Rwanda’s Capital of Kigali. It has the distinction of being the first full-length narrative-style movie directed by a Rwandan living in Rwanda.
The film is something of a mirror to director Kivu Ruhorahoza’s journey in filmmaking. Kivu’s lead character, Rwandan filmmaker Balthazar, attempts to gain funding for a dark and disturbing movie project.
He encounters seemingly insurmountable obstacles that he must struggle to overcome.
As we follow Balthazar’s journey, we see how he is affected by the pressures to create films based on alternative as well as more mainstream topics.
There are other branches to this story, and they are all woven together seamlessly. They create a multidimensional tale that you’ll want to watch more than once.
Kivu masterfully draws us into the world that Balthazar sinks into – a world of his own making. The film made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2011.
Grey Matter won awards at both the Tribeca and the Warsaw Film Festivals.
Kivu Ruhorahoza is also responsible for the 2019 film Europa: Based on a True Story. I recommend that you check both of these movies out.
Frequently Asked Question
Are there African movies on Netflix?
Yes! Of course, they change periodically, and it depends on the country your Netflix account is in. Here are just a few that are available to stream in the US:
- Black Rose – drama
- Voiceless – thriller
- Dinner at My Place – rom-com
Where can I watch African movies for free?
A website called Naijapals has a selection of African movies that you can watch for free. YouTube is another good option.
What are some notable African film festivals?
The African International Film Festival is one of the largest African film festivals. It has taken place annually in Nigeria since 2010. It’s a 5-day event, held in Port Harcourt, in Rivers State.
Another is the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, held every second year in Burkina Faso. The African Movie Academy Awards is an annual event in Yenagoa, Nigeria.
Summing It Up: African Movies
No matter the genre or style, movies made by Africans can be a powerful tool in educating us about Africa’s past and present. They provide us with insight into our shared history as well as encourage cultural understanding and appreciation.
The films can inspire us to look for commonalities between people and cultures. They can give us the chance to reflect on our shared humanity and appreciate the differences that make us unique.
With each scene, they help us to better understand Africa’s history, culture and current challenges—making them a valuable tool in our collective journey toward global understanding.
On top of all that, the world of African movies includes some very enjoyable, funny, and heartwarming films!
Read more about Africa:
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➢ The 10 Best African Countries to Visit 2022
➢ 98 Amazing Things to Know About Southern Africa
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➢ Find Your Dream Destination in Africa
