Films about Africa span various genres and often explore the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and issues facing the continent. Africa serves as a magnificent backdrop for epic adventures, as well as a focal point for stories addressing colonialism, wildlife conservation, political struggles, and personal narratives. These films can be fictional stories set in Africa, documentaries showcasing real-life events, or biographical films about significant figures from the continent.
“Out of Africa”, 1985
Director: Sydney Pollack
Based on the memoir by Isak Dinesen, this romantic drama film tells the story of Karen Blixen, a Danish baroness who starts a coffee plantation in Kenya and engages in a passionate love affair with a free-spirited hunter.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Michael Kitchen, Malick Bowens, Joseph Thiaka, Stephen Kinyanjui, Michael Gough, Suzanna Hamilton, Rachel Kempson;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 161 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Out of Africa” on the website imdb.com
“Hotel Rwanda”, 2004
Director: Terry George
This historical drama highlights the story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed thousands of Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda.
Starring: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte, Cara Seymour, Joaquin Phoenix, Jean Reno, Fana Mokoena, David O'Hara, Tony Kgoroge, Desmond Dube;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Hotel Rwanda” on the website imdb.com
“The Last King of Scotland”, 2006
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Set in Uganda, this film follows a young Scottish doctor who becomes the personal physician and confidant to Ugandan President Idi Amin. The movie portrays Amin's brutal rule and the doctor's eventual disillusionment.
Starring: Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Simon McBurney, David Oyelowo, Stephen Rwangyezi, Abby Mikiibi Nkaaga, Adam Kotz, Sam Okelo;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: thriller, drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “The Last King of Scotland” on the website imdb.com
“Tsotsi”, 2005
Director: Gavin Hood
A South African crime drama that examines the life of a young Johannesburg gang leader who steals a car only to discover a baby in the backseat. The film explores issues of redemption and morality within the context of South Africa's urban poverty.
Starring: Presley Chweneyagae, Terry Pheto, Kenneth Nkosi, Mothusi Magano, Zenzo Ngqobe, Zola, Rapulana Seiphemo, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Nonthuthu Sibisi, Ntuthuko Sibisi;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Tsotsi” on the website imdb.com
“Blood Diamond”, 2006
Director: Edward Zwick
Set during the Sierra Leone Civil War in 1999, this film tells the story of a fisherman, a diamond smuggler, and a journalist who join forces to recover a rare pink diamond, which can transform each of their lives.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Arnold Vosloo, Michael Sheen, Caruso Kuypers, David Harewood, Basil Wallace, Jimi Mistry, Antony Coleman;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: thriller, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 143 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Blood Diamond” on the website imdb.com
“The Gods Must Be Crazy”, 1980
Director: Jamie Uys
A comedy that follows the journey of a tribal Bushman named Xi as he attempts to return a discarded Coke bottle that he believes has brought trouble to his community.
Starring: N!xau, Sandra Prinsloo, Marius Weyers, Louw Verwey, Michael Thys, Nic De Jager, Fanyana H. Sidumo, Joe Seakatsie, Brian O'Shaughnessy, Ken Gampu;
Production year: 1980;
Genre: comedy, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Gods Must Be Crazy” on the website imdb.com
“Invictus”, 2009
Director: Clint Eastwood
Directed by Clint Eastwood, this film focuses on Nelson Mandela's attempts to unite post-apartheid South Africa through the universal language of sport, specifically by supporting the South African national rugby team during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng, Matt Stern, Julian Lewis Jones, Adjoa Andoh, Marguerite Wheatley, Leleti Khumalo, Patrick Lyster;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: history, sport, drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Invictus” on the website imdb.com
“Queen of Katwe”, 2016
Director: Mira Nair
This biographical film highlights the life of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan girl living in a slum in Katwe who learns to play chess and goes on to compete in international tournaments.
Starring: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Kabanza, Taryn Kyaze, Ivan Jacobo, Nicolas Levesque, Ronald Ssemaganda, Ethan Nazario Lubega, Nikita Waligwa;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Queen of Katwe” on the website imdb.com
“The Constant Gardener”, 2005
Director: Fernando Meirelles
A British diplomat in Kenya investigates the murder of his wife, who was an activist about to reveal a major pharmaceutical company's exploitation of the local population.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Hubert Koundé, Danny Huston, Archie Panjabi, Bill Nighy, Pete Postlethwaite, Gerard McSorley, Donald Sumpter, Richard McCabe;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Constant Gardener” on the website imdb.com
“Sarafina!”, 1992
Director: Darrell Roodt
A musical drama film set in South Africa during the apartheid era, focusing on the Soweto uprisings and the youth's involvement in the struggle against apartheid, seen through the eyes of a young girl named Sarafina.
Starring: Leleti Khumalo, Whoopi Goldberg, Miriam Makeba, John Kani, Dumisani Dlamini, Mbongeni Ngema, Sipho Kunene, Tertius Meintjes, Robert Whitehead, Somizi Mhlongo, Nhlanhla Ngema, Faca Khulu, Wendy Mseleku, Mary Twala, James Mthoba, Greg Latter, Gideon De Wet, Nicky Rebelo, James Whyle, Bheki Mqadi, Michelle Bestbier, Patrick Ndlovu, David Manqele, Sibusiso Ngema, Zanele Sangweni, Ayanda Nhlangothi, Bafana Hendricks, Pheto Wildeman, Xolani Dlamini, Siya Ngcobo, Louis Seboko, Sam Ngakane, Doris Sehula, Dominic Skosana, Ishmael Boikanyo, Siphamandla Ngcamu, Mfana «Jones» Hlope, Congo Radebe, Thufani Didi, Vincent Ngobese, Vukani Dlamini, Gugwana Dlamini, Dipou Lehlongwa, Khuluiwe Sithole, Batho Mhlongo, Billy Mashigo, Dixon Malele, Eric Seema, Velaphi Msini, Mate Bashe, Princess Msala, Sbongile Dingatha, Olga Mvicane, Sindi Dlathu, Mabusi Gumede, Khanyo Maphumulo, Mmabatho Ramoupi, Sonto Khumalo, Nonhlanhla Sithole, Seipati Sothoane, Sindisiwe Sokhela, Velile Mchunu, Brian «Jazz» Mazibuko, Thapi «Joko» Khambule, Gugu Mkhize, Lerato Wildeman, Nokuzola Dhlathu, Futhi Mhlongo, Rayhana Myles, Sibonakaliso Sothoane, Zanele Radebe, Alfred Ndlovu, Cyprian Shandu, John Lata, Mazwe Shabalala, Phakiso Motloung, Sduduzo Mthethwa, Thulani Mofokeng, Mabonga Khumalo, Nkosana Mzolo, Sduduzo Mbili, Skhumbuzo Kubheka, Sindane Mbatha, Stephen Evans, Dieketseng Mnisi;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: musical, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Sarafina!” on the website imdb.com
Please note that the descriptions provided are brief and don't capture the full complexity of the films or the intricacies of their portrayals of Africa and its diverse cultures. The list is also not exhaustive and only represents a fraction of the many films set on the continent.
In conclusion, films about Africa offer audiences a window into its vast and nuanced landscapes, both physical and cultural. They provide a platform for African storytellers to share their rich histories, complex social issues, and vibrant cultures, capturing the continent's spirit with authenticity and respect. While some narratives may thrive on the exoticization or oversimplification of African experiences, a growing number of films have started to challenge stereotypes, inviting a more diverse and genuine representation. From the blistering heat of the Sahara in sweeping epics to the colorful bustle of a market in a Nollywood drama, these films ensure that the many voices of Africa are not only heard but resonate with power and beauty in the global cinematic scene, fostering a better understanding and appreciation of a continent that has long been misrepresented and underexplored in mainstream media.
