While films serve to entertain, they also help appreciate and tell tales of our practices and ways of life. Movies that have done this fall into genres that include but are not limited to drama, war, crime, and even comedy. Here is a list of movies that explored unique African cultures and histories.
A Glimpse into African History and Culture Through Film
These films offer a powerful lens through which to view the diverse and complex narratives of the African continent.
THE LAST TRUE FEMALE ARMY | The Woman King: True Story | Viola Davis | John Boyega Movie
1. Saworoide
Saworoide(Sha-wo-ro-e-ther) tells a tale of tradition, tyranny, betrayal, love, and loyalty, to name a few. The story takes place in the Yoruba town of Jogbo where the tradition involves beating the Saworoide (brass bell talking drum) to establish the crowning of every new king. Anyone who avoids the use of the Saworoide for his coronation will end up sharing his kingdom with another ruler. Saworoide portrays the results of unbridled greed and endless repayment of cutting corners to achieve goals.
2. Hotel Rwanda
The story explores the events surrounding the genocide, taking the viewer through the several facets of human morals. It tells a tale of love, greed, betrayal, loyalty, and violence. Hotel Rwanda shows the undying resolution of the human spirit even in the face of adversity and hopelessness.
3. Sankofa
Sankofa starts with a modeling shoot that takes a disastrous turn when model Mona mistakenly goes back in time. Mona would go on into slavery, introducing the viewer to the dark realities of the slaves. Haile Gerima wrote a tale that encouraged the audience never to forget their past and roots. Sankofa aimed at showing the importance of not forgetting the past.
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4. Blood Diamond
Although this movie has a non-African lead actor (looking at you DiCarprio), it gives a great insight into the Sierra Leone Civil War of 1991-2002. Co-written and directed by Edward Zwick, Blood Diamond tells of the discovery of a large pink diamond and the quest to sell it for maximum profit. However, it goes deeper than that. Blood Diamond reveals the horrors that plagued the affected regions of Sierra Leone between 1991 and 2002.
5. Shaka Zulu
Shaka Zulu depicts the story of the rise and fall of the Zulu tribe and their then-leader, Shaka. Written by William C. Faure and Joshua Sinclair, the series occurs mostly as frequent flashbacks of Dr. Henry Fynn. Shaka Zulu remains a part of movies that explore unique African cultures and histories.
6. The Woman King
Inspired by true events, The Woman King tells the tale of the Agojie, a group of warriors who were exclusively female. You might start wondering at this point how this relates to the movie’s title. However, the story reveals the immense influence that General Nanisca (the main character) had in the kingdom. The Woman King was written by Maria Bello and Dana Stevens. This action-packed movie shows the way of life of the military arm of an ancient and once-dominant kingdom.
7. Anikulapo
A word that translates into “He who holds Death in his pocket,” Anikulapo (Ah-Ne-Ku-Lah-Kpo) follows the life of Saro. This young man would die because of his illicit affair with the queen. Saro would go on to gain the power to resurrect the dead with the help of Arolake.
8. A Long Walk To Freedom
A Long Walk To Freedom is a biography of the life of Nelson Mandela, an irreplaceable icon of South Africa’s path to freedom. Watching this movie gives an insight into the person of Nelson Mandela.
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Other Notable Films
Beyond the highlighted movies, several other films offer unique perspectives on African life and history:
- Xala (1975): A satirical look at post-colonial Senegal.
- Zulu (1964): Depicts the Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War.
- Egypt (2005): A TV mini-series dramatizing the great discoveries of ancient Egypt.
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