Earlier than going to Africa, studying a bit of concerning the continent is important. Top-of-the-line methods to try this earlier than is to observe some motion pictures about Africa! From the lions within the Serengeti to a number of the worst civil wars on the continent, listed here are my favourite Africa motion pictures to observe earlier than going.
Motion pictures About Africa and Motion pictures Set in 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 the most effective motion pictures set in Africa. In the event you haven’t seen this film but, it’s essential to cease studying proper this second and get on Amazon, hop on Disney Plus, or go about your traditional means of accessing motion pictures 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 with no tear in my eye. This film about Africa is endlessly beloved, and though it’s animated, it exhibits the great thing about a few of these nations.
Gorillas within the Mist
Set in Rwanda
Certainly one of my favourite motion pictures about Africa that’s nonetheless very related at present. 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 the whole story behind these stunning creatures. So in the event you’re off gorilla trekking in both Uganda, Rwanda, or DRC we suggest watching this film first.
Meet Dian Fossey, an American primatologist that devoted her life to finding out 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 unique film garnered worldwide recognition and received 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 battle.
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 army use of youngsters has on younger boys’ lives in Africa. To this present day, this isn’t solely the most effective motion pictures about Africa on Netflix however the most effective motion pictures on the entire platform.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Set in Malawi
This is likely one of the greatest Africa motion pictures primarily based on precise occasions in Africa. I not too long ago noticed this pop up on my Netflix options, and seeing that it was directed by one in every of my favourite actors, Chiwetel Ejiofor, I knew I needed to watch it. Inside the first jiffy, I used to be utterly mesmerized because the scenes introduced me again to our time in Malawi.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is primarily based on the identical e-book by William Kamkwamba, who can also be the movie’s foremost topic. Kamkwamba lives in a rural Malawian village that’s experiencing a big drought. Wanting to avoid wasting his household and village from hunger and loss of life, 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 unique, this documentary focuses on conserving the Virunga Nationwide Park within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Or at the very least that’s how the documentary begins till the filmmakers and park rangers discover themselves embroiled in a civil battle.
The movie showcases heart-stopping footage as conservationists work to guard the park, which is residence to a number of the world’s final mountain gorillas.
Lodge Rwanda
Set in Rwanda
Referred to as the “African Schindler’s Checklist,” this movie is an absolute must-watch for anybody wanting to observe motion pictures about Africa. It’s deeply saddening to keep in mind that simply 30 years in the past, there was a genocide taking place 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 lodge he managed. If you’re off to Rwanda, you’ll unquestionably be reminded of this genocide and this film does an ideal job at organising the scene of what really 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 known as a sham trial, and the combat to free him is much from over.
Pores and skin
Set in South Africa
Starring Sophie Okonedo, the feminine lead in Lodge Rwanda above is a terrific biographical film about Sandra Laing. Top-of-the-line motion pictures primarily based on precise occasions in Africa.
Sandra is a South African girl born to white mother and father; she was then labeled as “coloured” as a result of atavism throughout apartheid.
The movie follows Sandra and her household, who’re divided by the colour of their pores and skin. It’s a captivating story that exhibits a deeper take 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 Nineteen Seventies and the way it impacts two younger ladies in two separate nations.
All through the movie, the 2 should overcome their variations. I really like this film because it’s appropriate for kids with essential messaging. When you have Disney Plus, you’ll be capable to discover this movie there!
The Fixed Gardener
Set in Kenya
This was in my Netflix queue endlessly and is now one in every of my favourite thriller motion pictures set in Africa. Though I really like Ralph Fiennes, I by no means introduced myself to observe it. I not too long ago sat down to observe this political thriller and LOVED it and have since learn the e-book and rewatched the movie many occasions.
Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes are an unlikely couple dwelling and dealing in Kenya. Tessa (Weisz) is a diehard Amnesty activist who’s uncovering huge secrets and techniques within the pharmaceutical trade. After her loss of life, her husband units out to find the reality.
What drew me extra in was that this film was loosely primarily based 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 thought solely as “The English Affected person” for his distinct English Accent and has an attention-grabbing life story. It’s the most effective Hollywood motion pictures primarily based in Africa.
A United Kingdom
Set in Botswana
A United Kingdom is a movie primarily based 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 this present day, is a well-loved determine in Botswana. Throughout his presidency, the nation underwent constructive social and financial adjustments. Their son, Ian Khama, was even not too long ago 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 Africa film does an ideal 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 photographs of the anti-apartheid revolutionary in every single place. From statues and essential buildings to avenue names and avenue artwork, you possibly can really see the influence of Mandela.
The Good Lie
Set in Sudan
A feel-good film a couple of group of Sudanese siblings who escape the brutal Second Sudanese Civil Warfare that was a battle from 1983 to 2005. These brothers win a lottery to relocate in america, and the movie follows their integration into American tradition and takes audiences on a rollercoaster experience of feelings.
Tsotsi
Set in South Africa
Set within the Johannesburg slums, this movie follows Tsotsi. A younger avenue felony steals a automotive, finds a child within the backseat, and should navigate the evening with the new child. This movie obtained widespread important acclaim and received the 2006 Academy Award for Greatest Overseas 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 Beneath the Tuscan Solar however set in Africa.
The movie is customized from Kuki’s memoir, I Dreamed of Africa, and is heartbreaking at occasions 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 in every of my favourite Africa motion pictures. Half of the Yellow Solar is a Nigerian movie that opens viewers’ eyes to a number of the terrifying atrocities of the Nigerian Civil Warfare. 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 likely one of the many motion pictures we watched in movie faculty, and it will be arduous for me to not point out it on this “motion pictures about Africa” checklist. Ranked as one of many best 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 battle.
The First Grader
Set in Kenya
In the event you’re searching for a tear-jerker film that takes place in Africa, I like to recommend this one. I can’t rely the variety of occasions 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. At this time, Maruge nonetheless holds the Guinness World Document for the oldest pupil in major faculty.
Madagascar
Set in Madagascar
In the event you’re searching for African motion pictures out there 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 severe movies on this checklist! Madagascar 1, 2, and three are a number of the funniest animated movies I’ve seen and have some sensible track and dance scenes from some very cheeky lemurs (I Prefer 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 chuckle your means by this 90-minute movie with an all-star comedic solid.
Sembene!
Set in Senegal
This can be 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 improbable motion pictures 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 Nineteen 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 exhibits Amin’s harsh ruling from the eyes of his private doctor.
Blood Diamond
Set in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone went by an atrocious civil battle 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 superb African battle 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 battle 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 trade is ready to stricter requirements now, however that also doesn’t imply the Blood Diamonds have been eradicated.
District 9
Set in South Africa
Motion pictures about Africa don’t get rather more entertaining than District 9. An alien species makes contact in Johannesburg and should stay there till they will repair their craft. The aliens, “prawns,” are then subjected to dwelling in horrible situations and ghettos, and face every day discrimination. The movie might 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 dealing with South Africa at present. It manages to do all of this whereas making a massively entertaining alien thriller.
Born Free
Set in Kenya
Born Free is presumably the most effective African motion pictures 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 beneath the identical identify, Born Free. In order for you 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 whenever you have been younger. Out of Africa is a movie set in colonial Africa and garnered seven Academy Awards, together with Greatest Image. The movie follows the lifetime of Karen Blixen, who establishes a espresso plantation in Africa.
This is likely one of the motion pictures on this checklist that portrays elements of an African safari and is predicated on an autobiographical e-book of the identical identify that exhibits 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 improbable African film shot solely in Ghana on a small finances. Even a number of the actors are first-timers! (However you’ll by no means be capable to 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 obtainable on Netflix and is likely 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 dwelling 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. This can be a must-watch film about Africa earlier than heading to Uganda!
Into the Okavango
Set in Botswana and Angola
This visually stunning Nat Geo documentary uncovers the reality concerning the Okavango Delta water scarcity. This is likely one of the planet’s final wetlands and numerous wildlife areas.
The expedition takes them 1500 miles throughout three African nations over 4 months. Apart from improbable truthful storytelling, you’ll additionally get gorgeous visuals of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia.
The Gods Should be Loopy
Set in South Africa
The Gods Should be Loopy is the highest South African movie of all time. Though the story is ready in Botswana, this film tells the story of a rural village with little information of the skin world. At some point 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, until you understand the story, I can’t share anymore!
Tarzan
Set in Probably Cameroon
We’re not solely certain the place Tarzan takes place, however it’s assumed it’s in Cameroon’s lush rainforests. There are lots of renditions of Tarzan, however my private favourite is the Disney model with all of the Phil Collins jams.
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 primarily based 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 persecutions in Sudan. They have been smuggled to Israeli utilizing an deserted dive resort off the Sudanese Pink Sea.
Motion pictures About Africa on IMDB
To be taught extra unbelievable about these Africa motion pictures, test them out on IMDB. It’s in all probability our favourite website unrelated to journey. Just about the bread and butter of any die-hard film fan.
