Six African Movies to Watch This Weekend
Africa boasts of incredible stories that are sliced up in movies and series. From the North to South, the black continent has produced inspiring stories of resilience through the power of the cinema. Here’s a carefully selected list of African of the week for you.
Lukas (Namibia)
Directed by Philippe Talavera, based on a script written by Mikiros Garoes, with a 100% Namibian cast and crew, the film offers a poignant exploration of the lives of street children, providing a raw and authentic portrayal of their challenges and the unwavering spirit that propels them forward. Based on interviews done with 17 children and young people currently living in the streets and four young people who have come in conflict with the law due to their lives in the streets, the film is a fiction based on facts.
The plot is developed through the eyes of Lukas who was 11 years old when he witnessed the brutal murder of his mom and grandma by his step-dad. Sent to Windhoek to live with an auntie, he soon runs away. In the streets, he meets with Samora and his gang. His life then becomes intimately intertwined with the one of Samora. Spanning over 15 years, the film follows Lukas’ story, discusses how street kids survive in the streets of Windhoek and how the past influences the present.
Our Land, Our Freedom (Kenya)
This powerful documentary traces Wanjugu Kimathi’s relentless journey to recover her father’s remains — a quest that leads her deep into the buried injustices of British colonial rule. Alongside her mother, Wanjugu’s pursuit evolves from a personal mission into an exposé of colonial atrocities, including concentration camps and widespread land seizures that left countless Kenyans dispossessed. Their unwavering efforts ignite a broader call for justice, transforming Wanjugu into a prominent voice advocating for land reclamation and restitution for the communities impacted by these historical wrongs. The movie is currently screening in Kenyan theatres.
Umjolo: The Gone Girl (South Africa)
Valentine’s Day promises mischief for these characters in Umjolo, a movie that centres around this theme of love revolving around the story of four women whose love lives intersect at a Valentine’s Day wedding none of them will forget in a hurry.
Conference 27 (South Sudan)
A group of “mediocre” Sudanese politicians travel for a conference to find that they have been abducted by an anonymous organisation and forced to come up with a vision for all of Sudan’s lingering problems by the end of the conference.
Mwizukanji: A story of a Zambian woman (Zambia)
Evoking the sense of tragedy and loss as well as the human’s strength to persevere and overcome is that powerful message that emerges from Cosmas N’gandwe’s masterful film, Mwizukanji. Set in a small Zambian town, this heartwarming tale follows a widow’s journey as she navigates the darkest moments of her life. With stunning cinematography and outstanding performances, Mwizukanji is a cinematic hit and purely inspirational.
One of the standout aspects of Mwizukanji is its thoughtful pacing, which allows the audience to fully absorb the protagonist’s emotional journey. The cinematography is equally impressive, capturing the beauty and vibrancy of Zambian culture. The performances are authentic and heartfelt, with the lead actress delivering a particularly compelling portrayal of grief and determination. N’gandwe’s direction is masterful, weaving together elements of drama, tragedy, and ultimately, hope.
