The weekend is just around the corner, take a journey through some of the best African movies released this year. These films beautifully showcase African culture, stories, and perspectives, bringing them vividly to life on screen.
Here’s a list of must-watch African movies:
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Ako Kantu
Directed by Moise Ganza, the satirical short film is a mockumentary following Jado Jean Jacques, a disgraced journalist turned sensationalist YouTuber. He interviews Niyibizi, a thief from Kigali’s slums, delving into his life and lack of romance.
As their interaction unfolds, Niyibizi’s unexpected charisma challenges common stereotypes, sparking deeper questions about morality and values. The film critiques modern journalism and explores how social media blurs the line between news and entertainment in the race for attention.
Dahomey
Dahomey is a documentary that blends fact and fiction to tell the story of 26 African artworks from the Kingdom of Dahomey, which were taken by French colonial forces and displayed in the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris.
After a campaign for repatriation, these artefacts, including statues of two Dahomey kings and a throne seized in 1892, were returned to Benin and are now housed in a museum in Abomey.
The film features discussions by students from the University of Abomey-Calavi, some of whom criticise the limited return of cultural items. A key focus is a statue of King Ghézo, with a voice-over narrating its memories of Africa and its journey back home.
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Freedom Way
This is a Nigerian movie about two software developers, Themba and Tayo, who work hard to create a new startup called Easy Go, a rideshare app connecting Lagos motorcyclists with customers.
Their excitement about their successful venture quickly fades as they face challenges such as harsh government regulations, difficult compliance requirements, and police brutality.
Mother Mother
This is a Kenyan-Somali movie about Qalifo, a widowed mother, and her son Asad, who live on a remote farm in rural Somalia, raising camels. Asad struggles with the memory of his late father's violent reputation and resents his mother's strict rules. He often escapes to a nearby village. When Asad finds out his girlfriend has been seeing another boy, Liban, an American visitor, a confrontation between the two is bound to happen.
A Village Next to Paradise
A Village Next to Paradise is about Mamargrade, a father struggling to raise his son Cigaal in their rural Somali village. They face challenges like conflict, natural disasters, and constant surveillance from US drones. Their lives change further when Mamargrade’s sister, Araweelo, arrives after her divorce, seeking a new beginning.
Head of the Hunter
The Netflix movie follows Zuko Khumalo, a retired South African assassin, who is pulled back into action when the daughter of his old friend, Johnny Klein, reaches out for help. Johnny has been kidnapped while investigating a dangerous conspiracy within the South African government. Zuko must use his skills to uncover the truth and rescue Johnny.