Today may be World Duvet Day what with the buzz around the cities, streets and social media about love and romance. Let’s get some air with a nice escapist plan that’s not too detached from the world to unwind this weekend. Whether single, married or divorced, romantic movies hold such emotional appeal for a multi-generation of movie buffs. And if you’re curious to know more about some classic romantic movies from Africa, here are five that you can watch or rewatch:
– The Wedding Party (2016): This Nigerian romantic comedy drama is a hilarious and heartwarming tale of love, family, and friendship. The movie follows the story of Dunni, a virgin bride, and Dozie, a reformed playboy groom, as they navigate their wedding day and the chaos that ensues. This picturesque movie changed the world’s view of African weddings to see marital ceremonies as celebratory, lavish and eventful.
– Isoken (2017): This movie never gets old. It’s a slow-cooked drama set in Nigeria. This romantic drama explores the complexities of love, family, and cultural expectations. The plot follows Isoken, a successful woman in her 30s and how she navigates her love life and career while dealing with the pressures of her family and society.
– Atlantics (2019): This Senegalese romantic drama is a supernatural tale of love, loss, and migration. The movie follows Ada, a young woman who falls in love with Souleiman, a migrant who embarks on a perilous journey to Europe.
– Rafiki (2018): This Kenyan romantic drama is a beautiful and poignant tale of love and self-discovery. The movie follows Kena and Ziki, two young women who fall in love in a conservative society that does not accept their relationship.
A scene from White Wedding
White Wedding (2009) is a South African romantic comedy that tells the story of a road trip adventure embarked by a groom and his best friend as they race across South Africa to attend a wedding. This film was South Africa’s official submission to the 82nd Academy Awards for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. What’s interesting about this movie is its’ exploration of inter- racial relationship in post-apartheid South Africa and how true healing stems from a place of unselfish – might I add uncoloured- love.
– Written by Yinka Olatunbosun, a senior culture journalist.
