6 must-see movies from the African continent

Africa is an ancient, mystical and storied place of peoples, cultures, languages, diversity, rich resources and natural beauty. The world’s second largest continent, home to over 1.3 billion people and widely accepted as the cradle of civilisation, it has a long and complex history.

Home to ancient civilisations that date back to cave murals and pyramids, the tradition of storytelling has been passed from generation to generation. From archeological discoveries to dreams of Wakanda, it seems that no story is too big or small. Celebrate this incredible continent by watching these distinctly African tales.

Induku

Induku (Stick) tackles traditional stick fighting, still practised as an ancient custom and tough sport that dates back to the reign of Shaka, from the perspective of a young female contender. A tragic incident and long-running family feud reaches a meltdown when a man’s first born son is reluctant to follow in his father’s footsteps. Secretly, his daughter Khethiwe takes up the art of stick fighting in an attempt to restore honour to her family name.

Induku stars Kwanele Mthethwa, Bahle Hadebe and Bheki Sibiya, whose impassioned performances underscore this spirited tale of family and resilience. This coming-of-age family sports drama grapples with tradition, patriarchy, family, forgiveness and pride. Induku is a multi-layered story with enough substance and character to entertain and provoke thought without resorting to the soapbox.

Umakoti Wethu

Marriage doesn’t guarantee your partner won’t change. Umakothi Wethu centres on a seemingly perfect marriage that starts to crumble when a wife struggles to fall pregnant. After they move back to her husband’s hometown, his affections drift as a domineering mother-in-law starts to call the shots. Yet, his wandering eyes are in for a shock as an unconventional love triangle develops.

Umakothi Wethu speaks to the modern age when it comes to customs, gender politics, patriarchy and love, dealing with contentious issues in this prickly yet humorous marriage portrait and family-matters drama. Wholehearted and spirited performances from Fulu Mugovhani, Melusi Mbele and Kwanele Mthethwa compel this entertaining, thoughtful, wry and timely movie.

Goodbye Gogo

Secrets are revealed, marriages are tested and the power of love is explored in Goodbye Gogo. This emotional drama centres on a wealthy matriarch’s dying wish to see restoration in her family before they say their final goodbyes. Her children’s marriages are in trouble and, feeling responsible for their choices, Gogo wants to resolve some of her dysfunctional family’s setbacks before it’s too late. 

Fronted by veteran actress Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Goodbye Gogo also stars Hope Mbhele, Keke Mphuti and Sizwe Khumbuza. Steeped in heritage and culture, this drama is directed by Neo Ntlatleng in his feature film debut. Quinton Jones and Minnie Dlamini-Jones serve as co-writers and executive producers.

Vaya

Vaya, which loosely translates to Go Away, journeys with three prodigal adolescents, strangers on a train, whose personal missions find them in the megacity of Johannesburg. Coming from sheltered communities, this is a baptism by fire as the youngsters discover the harsh realities of the dangerous city. Beautifully filmed, this gritty crime thriller is based on true stories and immerses itself in lawless pockets of society.

Actor turned director Akin Omotoso has a good eye and weaves these stories together through solid performances from the likes of Mncedisi Shabangu, Sibusiso Msimang and Warren Masemola. The film has the earmarks of a terrific miniseries, offering a pulsating chronicle of urbanisation and street justice.

This Is Not A Burial, It’s A Resurrection

It’s rare to see a film that captures a handful of classic African themes like This Is Not A Burial, It’s A Resurrection. A fine balancing act, this is the work of self-trained filmmaker Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese, whose fresh perspective guides this artful and unusual story about an elderly widow who reinvigorates a rural community when developers threaten its residents with forced resettlement.

Being Mary Twala’s swansong, it’s a bittersweet joy to watch this drama about a resilient woman wanting to ensure her final resting place among her ancestors. She leaves on a high note, an intrinsic part of Mosese’s inspired storytelling in this powerful character portrait, ably supported by Jerry Mofokeng and Makhaola Ndebele.

Boxing Day

Funerals are important in Africa as a way to bid farewell and allow spirits to return to their homeland and final resting place. Boxing Day takes on another meaning in this dark comedy drama about siblings who are trying to bury their dear gogo. Struggling to raise the funeral finances, they decide to take a government official hostage in the hopes of using the ransom money to celebrate her life.

Set over Christmas, this upbeat comedy caper stars Zola Nombona, Hamilton Dlamini and features Phumlani Magadla and Sthandiwe Kgoroge. Directed by Mandla M (Loving Thokoza), the film tackles social issues, exploring questions around land.