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Earlier than going to Africa, studying just a little concerning the continent is important. Among the best methods to try this earlier than is to look at some films about Africa! From the lions within the Serengeti to a number of the worst civil wars on the continent, listed here are my favourite African films to look at earlier than going.
Finest Films About Africa
The Lion King
Set within the Savannah (Probably Kenya or Tanzania)
I grew up within the 90s, and I can’t consider the animals in Africa with out considering of the Lion King. That is simply probably the greatest films set in Africa. For those who haven’t seen this film but, you must cease studying proper this second and get on Amazon, hop on Disney Plus, or go about your normal manner of accessing films and watch this tonight.
I imply, cmon that opening scene? “NA SEE WANG YA” and Simba’s christening! I can’t even watch the primary 5 minutes and not using a tear in my eye. This film about Africa is endlessly beloved, and though it’s animated, it reveals the great thing about a few of these international locations.
Gorillas within the Mist
Set in Rwanda
One in all my favourite films about Africa that’s nonetheless very related right now. Seeing the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda has been excessive on my checklist for years (UPDATE: We checked that off), however I by no means knew all the story behind these lovely creatures. So in case you’re off gorilla trekking in both Uganda, Rwanda, or DRC we advocate watching this film first.
Meet Dian Fossey, an American primatologist that devoted her life to learning the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Gorillas within the Mist, starring the fabulous Sigourney Weaver, is an 80’s film documenting Dian’s struggles and achievements whereas in Africa.
Beasts of No Nation
No named setting
A Netflix authentic film garnered worldwide recognition and gained many awards. Beasts of No Nation takes place in an unnamed West African nation and follows a younger boy who loses his household to a brutal conflict.
He’s quickly adopted as a baby soldier right into a rising insurgent group. Though the movie stays ambiguous concerning the location, it portrays the horrors the navy use of youngsters has on younger boys’ lives in Africa. To at the present time, this isn’t solely probably the greatest films about Africa on Netflix however probably the greatest films on the entire platform.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Set in Malawi
This is without doubt one of the finest African films based mostly on precise occasions in Africa. I just lately noticed this pop up on my Netflix solutions, and seeing that it was directed by one among my favourite actors, Chiwetel Ejiofor, I knew I needed to watch it. Inside the first couple of minutes, I used to be utterly mesmerized because the scenes introduced me again to our time in Malawi.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is based mostly on the identical e book by William Kamkwamba, who can also be the movie’s major topic. Kamkwamba lives in a rural Malawian village that’s experiencing a major drought. Wanting to avoid wasting his household and village from hunger and demise, he devises a plan to construct a windmill and energy a water pump to avoid wasting the land.
Virunga
Set within the Democratic Republic of Congo
One other Netflix authentic, this documentary focuses on conserving the Virunga Nationwide Park within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Or not less than that’s how the documentary begins till the filmmakers and park rangers discover themselves embroiled in a civil conflict.
The movie showcases heart-stopping footage as conservationists work to guard the park, which is house to a number of the world’s final mountain gorillas.
Resort Rwanda
Set in Rwanda
Referred to as the “African Schindler’s Listing,” this movie is an absolute must-watch for anybody wanting to look at films about Africa. It’s deeply saddening to keep in mind that simply 30 years in the past, there was a genocide occurring in Rwanda, with the ethnic Tutsi being the victims of the Hutu militia, killing off 20% of the Rwandan inhabitants!
That is the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, who saved over 1,200 refugees by hiding them in a resort he managed. If you’re off to Rwanda, you’ll indisputably be reminded of this genocide and this film does an amazing job at organising the scene of what truly occurred.
It’s a disgrace that Paul Rusesabagina was lured again to Rwanda from the US (the place he’s a resident), and kidnapped in 2020. He has since been sentenced to 25 years for terrorism by a Rwandan courtroom. Supporters referred to as a sham trial, and the battle to free him is way from over.
Pores and skin
Set in South Africa
Starring Sophie Okonedo, the feminine lead in Resort Rwanda above is a terrific biographical film about Sandra Laing. Among the best films based mostly on precise occasions in Africa.
Sandra is a South African girl born to white mother and father; she was then categorized as “coloured” on account of atavism throughout apartheid.
The movie follows Sandra and her household, who’re divided by the colour of their pores and skin. It’s an enchanting story that reveals a deeper have a look at apartheid South Africa.
The Coloration of Friendship
Set within the USA and South Africa
One other film is about apartheid in South Africa and its results. I watched this film as a younger lady on the Disney Channel, and it by no means left my thoughts. It paints an image of apartheid within the Seventies and the way it impacts two younger ladies in two separate international locations.
All through the movie, the 2 should overcome their variations. I really like this film because it’s appropriate for youngsters with vital messaging. You probably have Disney Plus, you’ll be capable of discover this movie there!
The Fixed Gardener
Set in Kenya
This was in my Netflix queue endlessly and is now one among my favourite thriller films set in Africa. Though I really like Ralph Fiennes, I by no means introduced myself to look at it. I just lately sat down to look at this political thriller and LOVED it and have since learn the e book and rewatched the movie many instances.
Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes are an unlikely couple residing and dealing in Kenya. Tessa (Weisz) is a diehard Amnesty activist who’s uncovering huge secrets and techniques within the pharmaceutical business. After her demise, her husband units out to find the reality.
What drew me extra in was that this film was loosely based mostly on a real story in Nigeria.
The English Affected person
Set in North Africa
This romantic drama was nominated for 12 Academy Awards in 1996 and featured younger Ralph Fiennes in his prime. Did I point out I really like Ralph Fiennes? Set throughout WWII, The English Affected person tells the story of a widowed nurse caring for a severely burned affected person.
This injured man is understood solely as “The English Affected person” for his distinct English Accent and has an fascinating life story. It’s probably the greatest Hollywood films based mostly in Africa.
A United Kingdom
Set in Botswana
A United Kingdom is a movie based mostly on the true-life story of Seretse Khama, inheritor to the throne of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), and his romance with Ruth Williams Khama, a white English girl, post-WWII. The movie follows their courtship, eventual marriage, and the hardships they endured due to their racial variations in Bechuanaland and Southern Africa.
Seretse Khama turned the primary president of Botswana and, to at the present time, is a well-loved determine in Botswana. Throughout his presidency, the nation underwent optimistic social and financial adjustments. Their son, Ian Khama, was even just lately the President of Botswana and was additionally beloved by the nation.
Mandela: A Lengthy Stroll to Freedom
Set in South Africa
This film about Africa is predicated on Mandela’s autobiography. A Lengthy Stroll to Freedom lends viewers a deeper understanding of the politics of South Africa.
This African film does an amazing job at showcasing historic occasions however nonetheless mixes in a little bit of Hollywood to maintain viewers engrossed within the story. Throughout our three months in South Africa, we noticed photos of the anti-apartheid revolutionary in all places. From statues and vital buildings to avenue names and avenue artwork, you’ll be able to actually see the impression of Mandela.
The Good Lie
Set in Sudan (Get a field of tissues for this African film!)
A feel-good film a few group of Sudanese siblings who escape the brutal Second Sudanese Civil Struggle that was a battle from 1983 to 2005. These brothers win a lottery to relocate in the USA, and the movie follows their integration into American tradition and takes audiences on a rollercoaster journey of feelings.
Tsotsi
Set in South Africa
Set within the Johannesburg slums, this movie follows Tsotsi. A younger avenue prison steals a automobile, finds a child within the backseat, and should navigate the night time with the new child. This movie obtained widespread crucial acclaim and gained the 2006 Academy Award for Finest International Language Movie! It was the primary South African movie ever to win this award!
I Dreamed of Africa
Set in Kenya
This movie didn’t deserve any academy awards, nevertheless it managed to get me enthusiastic about going to Africa and Kenya. The movie tells the true story of Kuki Gallman, an Italian girl who relocates to Africa to run a farm. It’s like Below the Tuscan Solar however set in Africa.
The movie is tailored from Kuki’s memoir, I Dreamed of Africa, and is heartbreaking at instances and uplifting at others. I really helpful studying each her reminiscences, I Dreamed of Africa and Evening of the Lions as they’re much higher than the film.
Half of a Yellow Solar
Set in Nigeria
One other one among my favourite African films. Half of the Yellow Solar is a Nigerian movie that opens viewers’ eyes to a number of the terrifying atrocities of the Nigerian Civil Struggle. Interweaving two love tales, household betrayal, and an undiscovered thriller, this movie is predicated on the 2006 novel by African feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Casablanca
Set in Morocco
This is without doubt one of the many films we watched in movie faculty, and it could be onerous for me to not point out it on this “films about Africa” checklist. Ranked as one of many biggest American movies of all time, this 1942 romance takes place in Casablanca, one of many largest cities in Morocco. Rick and Ilsa are star-crossed lovers in the course of the second world conflict.
The First Grader
Set in Kenya
For those who’re searching for a tear-jerker film that takes place in Africa, I like to recommend this one. I can’t depend the variety of instances I cried from disappointment and pleasure in The First Grader.
Telling the true story of Kimani Maruge, an 84-year-old Kenyan farmer that enrolled in elementary faculty in 2003 after the Kenyan authorities granted residents free common major training. As we speak, Maruge nonetheless holds the Guinness World Document for the oldest pupil in major faculty.
Madagascar
Set in Madagascar
For those who’re searching for African films accessible to stream, one of many Madagascar movies is at all times sure to be there. I needed to throw this one in with so many critical movies on this checklist! Madagascar 1, 2, and three are a number of the funniest animated movies I’ve seen and have some good tune and dance scenes from some very cheeky lemurs (I Wish to Transfer it Transfer it!).
Madagascar tells the story of 4 zoo animals who escape Central Park and get stranded on the island of…Madagascar! You’ll giggle your manner by this 90-minute movie with an all-star comedic solid.
Sembene!
Set in Senegal
It is a nice documentary film about Africa from a celebrated African filmmaker. Ousmane Sembene is taken into account the “father of African cinema,” has made many implausible films like Ceddo, Camp de Thiaroye, and Guelwaar. This documentary is concerning the story of his life and is heartwarming and intriguing.
Final King of Scotland
Set in Uganda
One of many extra critically acclaimed movies on this checklist, The Final King of Scotland, is an intense thriller set in Seventies Uganda (not Scotland).
Forrest Whitaker offers a stellar efficiency as Idi Amin, the third Ugandan president, was closely criticized for human rights abuse. The movie reveals Amin’s harsh ruling from the eyes of his private doctor.
Blood Diamond
Set in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone went by an atrocious civil conflict simply 20 years in the past. This movie, that includes my boy Leo, follows one native fisherman’s gut-wrenching hardship in the course of the battle. It’s a wonderful African conflict film with a compelling storyline. Blood Diamond primarily focuses on simply that, a “blood diamond.”
Blood diamonds are the harvesting and mining of diamonds in conflict zones, offered by warlords to intermediaries to finance their wars. The diamonds are then labored into the authorized circulation of diamonds by a number of middlemen, and will ultimately find yourself on someones ring finger. Fortunately, the diamond business is about to stricter requirements now, however that also doesn’t imply the Blood Diamonds have been eradicated.
District 9
Set in South Africa
Films about Africa don’t get way more entertaining than District 9. An alien species makes contact in Johannesburg and should stay there till they’ll repair their craft. The aliens, “prawns,” are then subjected to residing in horrible circumstances and ghettos, and face day by day discrimination. The movie could look like your typical Alien movie, however District 9 holds a a lot deeper which means than a bunch of invasive “Prawns.”
The South African director attracts on a lot of South Africa’s apartheid historical past, together with the notorious clearing of District Six in Cape City. The narrative extends to present points going through South Africa right now. It manages to do all of this whereas making a massively entertaining alien thriller.
Born Free
Set in Kenya
Born Free is probably probably the greatest African films of all time. That is the true story of the lives of Pleasure and George Adamson, who raised Elsa the Lionness after she was orphaned as a cub.
They raised her to maturity and launched her into the wild. The 1966 film set in Africa is predicated on Pleasure Adamson’s 1960 e book underneath the identical identify, Born Free. If you’d like an inspiring feel-good story, this film is for you!
Out of Africa
Set in Kenya
Oh, Merryl Streep and Robert Redford, you each produced one nice African safari film collectively while you had been younger. Out of Africa is a movie set in colonial Africa and garnered seven Academy Awards, together with Finest Image. The movie follows the lifetime of Karen Blixen, who establishes a espresso plantation in Africa.
This is without doubt one of the films on this checklist that portrays elements of an African safari and is predicated on an autobiographical e book of the identical identify that reveals Karen’s difficult life in Kenya, with a facet twist of a younger love affair with Robbie Pink.
The Burial of Kojo
Set in Ghana
Wow! The Burial of Kojo is a implausible African film shot totally in Ghana on a small price range. Even a number of the actors are first-timers! (However you’ll by no means be capable of inform.
The movie follows Kojo, who’s left to die in an deserted gold mine whereas his household should discover him. It obtained 9 nominations on the Africa Film Academy Awards, successful two! The African movie is out there on Netflix and is without doubt one of the solely Ghanian movies on the streaming service.
Queen of Katwe
Set in Uganda
Chess is the escape from poverty for a younger Ugandan girl residing in Kampala. This film is predicated on precise occasions in Africa and tells of a woman defying the chances and her story of changing into a high chess champion. It is a must-watch film about Africa earlier than heading to Uganda!
Into the Okavango
Set in Botswana and Angola
This visually lovely Nat Geo documentary uncovers the reality concerning the Okavango Delta water scarcity. This is without doubt one of the planet’s final wetlands and various wildlife areas.
The expedition takes them 1500 miles throughout three African nations over 4 months. Apart from implausible truthful storytelling, you’ll additionally get gorgeous visuals of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia.
The Gods Have to be Loopy
Set in South Africa
The Gods Have to be Loopy is the highest South African movie of all time. Though the story is about in Botswana, this film tells the story of a rural village with little information of the surface world. Someday a glass bottle of coke falls from the sky, and the villagers take it as an indication from god. Solely a comedy can ensue from there!
7 Days in Entebbe
Set in Uganda
I had no concept about this historic occasion till watching this film about Africa. 7 Days in Entebbe is concerning the true story of Operation Entebbe.
In 1976 terrorists hijacked Air France Flight 139 from Tel Aviv to Paris and held the passengers and crew hostage in Entebbe whereas demanding a ransom finish launch of 53 Palestinian prisoners. The federal government steps in, and nicely, except you realize the story, I can’t share anymore!
Tarzan
Set in Presumably Cameroon
We’re not totally positive the place Tarzan takes place, however it’s assumed it’s in Cameroon’s lush rainforests. There are various renditions of Tarzan, however my private favourite is the Disney model with all of the Phil Collins jams.
The Lady King
Set in Benin
Within the 1820s, this historic action-adventure African film unfolds, narrating the inspiring story of the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit that valiantly defended the esteemed West African kingdom of Dahomey in the course of the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries.
On the coronary heart of this epic, Viola Davis portrays a outstanding common, entrusted with the pivotal activity of coaching the following technology of warriors to bravely confront their adversaries on the battlefield. It offers a glimpse into what tribal West Africa was like, and naturally, reveals the brave tales of the one feminine military in trendy historical past.
Escape from Pretoria
Set in South Africa
The true life story of Tim Jenkin and Stephen Lee – two white South Africans who’re arrested for finishing up anti-apartheid missions within the 70s. They’re given harsh jail sentences at Pretoria Jail and try an elaborate escape.
The Pink Sea Diving Resort
Set in Sudan
It’s definitely not the most effective Africa film on this checklist or going to win any Oscars, nevertheless it definitely is entertaining.
The Pink Sea Diving Resort is loosely based mostly on the occasions of Israel’s Operation Moses and Operation Joshua in 1984-1985. That is the place the Mossad (nationwide intelligence company of Israel) rescued Jewish-Ethiopian refugees who suffered from persecution in Sudan. They had been smuggled to Israeli utilizing an deserted dive resort off the Sudanese Pink Sea.
Beast
Set in South Africa
Maybe not essentially the most life like of the Africa films, however definitely an entertaining one with heartthrob Idris Elba because the lead man.
The story revolves round a father who has misplaced his partner and his two adolescent daughters on a visit to a recreation reserve in South Africa. Their tour takes a harmful flip when they’re pursued and assaulted by a fierce, rogue lion with a historical past of attacking people. This survival story is a thriller safari film, so long as you bear in mind that may be a Hollywood film, and never indicative of how a real-life safari would go.
Films About Africa on IMDB
To be taught extra about these Africa films, examine them out on IMDB. It’s most likely our favourite website unrelated to journey. Just about the bread and butter of any die-hard film fan.
What are the most effective films about Africa that you simply Can advocate to us?
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