Contemporary African Films to Watch: Celebrating the Diversity of the African Film Industry
African cinema has been gaining recognition globally. Filmmakers telling unique stories and tackling important issues on and off the continent. The African film industry has been producing quality content that has garnered critical acclaim and several awards from international-film festivals. This article provides a list of Contemporary African Films to Watch that is gaining recognition. And showcases the diversity of the African film industry.
Atlantics (2019)
Directed by Mati Diop, a supernatural love story set in Dakar, Senegal. A young woman named Ada, who falls in love with a construction worker named Souleiman. After he and his colleagues disappear at sea, mysterious events happen, that turn into supernatural.
The Milkmaid (2020)
Directed by Desmond Ovbiagele, a drama set in a rural village in Nigeria. A Fulani milkmaid named Aisha confronts religious extremism after a jihadist insurgency turns her world upside down.
Eyimofe (2020)
Directed by Arie and Chuko Esiri, a story of two individuals struggling to find a better life in Lagos, Nigeria. The film weaves together the separate yet connected lives of Mofe, a factory technician, and Rosa, a hairdresser. In a bid to escape their past and start fresh.
The Man Who Sold His Skin (2020)
Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, a Tunisian drama that tells the story of a Syrian refugee who agrees to have a permanent work of art tattooed on his back in exchange for the opportunity to travel to Europe. The film explores issues of migration, exploitation, and art.
The White Line (2019)
Directed by Desiree Kahikopo, a Namibian drama that explores issues of race, identity, and class. A young girl named Simoné, who is forced to confront the realities of her heritage when she is sent to live with her white grandmother.
You Will Die at Twenty (2019)
Directed by Amjad Abu Alala, a Sudanese drama that tells the story of a young man named Muzamil. He is cursed at birth to die at the age of twenty. The film explores issues of identity, fate, and mortality in the context of a Sudanese village.
This Is Not a Burial, It's a Resurrection (2019)
Directed by Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese, a drama set in the mountains of Lesotho. The film follows the story of an 80-year-old widow named Mantoa, who fights against the destruction of her village to make way for a dam project.
The Fisherman's Diary (2020)
Directed by Enah Johnscott, The Fisherman’s Diary is a Cameroonian drama that tells the story of a 12-year-old boy named Ekah, who dreams of becoming a doctor. The film explores issues of education, gender, and culture as Ekah confronts the traditional expectations of his community.
These films are just a few examples of the quality content being produced in the African film industry. They demonstrate the diversity of stories being told and the unique perspectives of African filmmakers. With the growth of the African film industry, there is an opportunity to expand the scope of the industry and showcase the richness of African cultures to the world.