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[T]he holiday season is here and you will definitely be spending more time at home. Binge-watching movies with family and friends is a great way to spend time with your loved ones.
If you are a fan of true-life movies and a lover of African movies, we’ve compiled the best movies just for you. These movies are so interesting and emotional. Scroll further.
Table of Contents
1. The boy who harnessed the wind
The movie tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who helps save his family and his town during their time of famine. Coming from a poor family, he was unable to pay his school fees and was chased away from school. He enters into a coerced arrangement with one of his teachers, to allow him to study in the library. But soon the headmaster finds out and expels him. He then had an idea to harness the wind and create a turbine to supply water.
2. Queen of Katwe
This is the ‘self-positivity’ movie you need right now. The movie (true life story) is about a Ugandan girl, Phiona, who is from a poor family. She learns to play chess and becomes a Woman Candidate Master after her victories at the World Chess Olympiads.
3. City of joy
Another story of American filmmakers parachuting to a troubled spot in Africa to extract a story? Not exactly. City of Joy is an illuminating look into the war-torn Eastern Congo as well as the efforts of survivors, natives and partners working to heal their community. Among them are Nobel prize winner Denis Mukwege, activist Christine Schuler-Deschryver and famed American playwright Eve Ensler. Through breathtaking stories of horror, survival and human resilience, director Madeleine Gavin presents the gated community, dubbed City of Joy, a safe place that serves women survivors of war.
4. Lionheart
Nollywood heavyweight Genevieve Nnaji made her directorial debut with this warm, delectable drama about a powerful Igbo transporting family navigating change in the business. Nnaji plays Adaeze, a young executive who must work with her uncle to rescue the family business when her father is sidelined by ill health. The story is one of succession, sexism and staying relevant amidst a shifting landscape. Lionheart’s unforced comic moments and pro-family values messaging would sit well in any one of the old-school Nollywood films that made Nnaji a household name. But the film is also updated with world-class production values that appeal to a global audience.
5. I am all Girls
Drawn from actual events, this intense action thriller offers a gripping and fulfilling twist on the detective genre. Erica Wessels stars as a haunted special crimes investigator, unable to distance herself emotionally from her job. As a string of murders unfolds, she senses that the killer may be leaving clues to assist law enforcement in dismantling a child sex trafficking syndicate. However, the shocking revelation of the criminal network’s worldwide influence and her unexpected personal ties to the case leaves her utterly unprepared.
Conclusion
So, as you settle into the warmth of the holiday season and prepare for moments of cinematic delight, these African films stand ready to captivate your heart and mind. From tales of innovation and empowerment to stories of resilience and intrigue, each movie on this curated list brings a unique flavour to your holiday watchlist.
As the credits roll and the stories linger, we invite you to savour the richness of African storytelling and the diverse narratives that unfold within each frame. Whether you’re sharing these films with family and friends or embarking on a solo cinematic adventure, the emotional depth and cultural resonance of these movies promise to leave an indelible mark on your holiday experience.
And as you explore the captivating worlds crafted by these filmmakers, remember that the journey doesn’t end here. Our recommendations extend beyond, offering spine-tingling Nollywood movies for Halloween, the top Korean films of 2022, and an additional selection of African movies deserving of your attention.
So, let the holiday celebrations commence, the popcorn pops and the screens light up with the magic of African cinema. May your holidays be filled with joy, inspiration, and the enchantment of great storytelling.
Happy watching!
