Every year on 25 May we mark Africa Day to commemorate the formation of the African Union. This day is an opportunity for us to contemplate how we can contribute further to developing our continent – and celebrate how much we’ve already achieved! Storytelling has always been at the heart of our continent, and we’ve compiled a list of five must-see movies and series shot on African soil.
Watch it on: Netflix
Starring: Ama Qamata, Khosi Ngema and Gail Mabalane
What’s plotting: Two teens cross paths at a party in Cape Town. Is it possible that they’ve been separated at birth? Everyone seems to think they look alike, despite their different backgrounds. As the mystery unfolds, the plot takes dramatic twists in every episode, complete with lies, deception and drama.
2. District 9
Watch it on: Netflix
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope and David James
What’s plotting: This award-winning movie was made in 2009. Aliens escape their dying planet to seek refuge in a fictitious District 9, set in South Africa. A mysterious virus alters the DNA of a field agent – who heads there for safety too. Next thing you know, the aliens revolt. Guess who’s leading the pack?
3. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
Watch it on: Netflix
Starring: Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Aïssa Maïga
What’s plotting: It’s no surprise that this art film won the 2019 Heartland Film Truly Moving Picture Award. It’s set in Malawi, where a 13-year-old boy rises to the challenge of saving his village from starvation by building a wind turbine. This heart-warming narrative is based on a true story.
4. My Octopus Teacher
Watch it on: Netflix
Starring: Craig Foster and Tom Foster
What’s plotting: This year’s winner of the Academy Award for the Best Documentary (Feature) is set in the underwater kelp forests found in the icy Atlantic Ocean off Cape Town. Filmmaker and diver Craig Foster forms a unique bond with an octopus and shares the experience with us – through every triumph, defeat and hope for the future.
5. Queen Sono
Watch it on: Netflix
Starring: Pearl Thusi, Vuyo Dabula and Loyiso Madinga
What’s plotting: Netflix’s first original African series was shot in several cities on the continent, including Harare, Lagos, Nairobi and more. A notorious spy handles her business while facing personal struggles and trying to uncover the mystery behind the death of her mother.
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