Africa, the second biggest continent in the world, has always captured us with its diverse culture, languages, and people. These movies set in Africa tell great stories with insight into life on this continent. From shocking eye-opening documentaries on the many problems in Africa to stories inspired by love, drama and real-life events.
- Hotel Rwanda
The film is set in Rwanda during the horrific genocide. Paul Rusesabagina, a Hutu, manages the Hôtel des Mille Collines and lives happily life with his Tutsi wife and their three children. But when the Hutu military force initiates a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Tutsi minority, Paul is compelled to let Tusti refugees take shelter in his hotel. As the U.N. forces pull out, he struggles alone to protect the refugees in the face of the worsening violence. This film, the first in this list of famous flicks set in Africa, is based on actual events.
- The Lion King
It’s hard to think of African based films and not think of the Lion King. Originally shot in the 1990s, the film follows the tale of Simba, a young cub who inherits the land after his uncle kills his father. Simba must learn how to be a king, outwit his uncle and get out of danger. The little cub forms an ally with two misfits, and somehow, he survives to be the king the jungle needs. This film is so iconic that it has been made into a musical by Disney staring the likes of Beyoncé Knowles.
- Sarafina
Sarafina is a young black South African fighting for freedom during apartheid. She has remained relatively silent in her opposition to the racist government in her country. But the move to make Afrikaans the official language in her school leads her to protest, rallying her fellow students to join the fight. Her anti-government views and rebellious spirit intensify when her favorite teacher is arrested for protesting.
- The Gods must be crazy
This is a funny film about a nomadic tribe who live in a remote African desert. They go about their happy lives oblivious of life outside their village. Their lives are torn to pieces when a coca-cola bottle falls from the sky. When fights break out over the bottle, the tribe leader decides to take the bottle back and restore peace. What follows is a series of random events that center around him as he encounters civilization and its unknown aspects and a host of interesting characters.
- 7 days in Entebbe
In 1976, a flight from Tel-Aviv to Paris was highjacked and forced to land in Uganda Entebbe. Jewish passengers were separated and used as hostages in a bid to release terrorists held in Israel prisons. The film follows the heroic and tactful act of Israeli elite commando who raid the airfield and release the hostages.
If you can’t travel to Africa, then Africa will come to you. Through these films, you can enjoy riveting storytelling set in the picturesque scenery of this vast continent.
