W2TCH

42 Films in Sharon A. Russell’s African Cinema Guide

41 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 1The Blue Eyes of YontaMovie · 1992 · 90mYonta, a beautiful, intelligent, and playful young woman, harbors a secret love for Vicente, a war hero and a friend of her parents. Vicente remains unaware of her feelings, just as the young man who sends Yonta anonymous love letters is oblivious to the affection she holds for him.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.8
  2. 2Picc MiMovie · 1992 · 16mThis is the story of two young boys and their journey through the streets of Africa.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.2
  3. 3EmitaïMovie · 1973 · 101mDuring World War II, tensions escalate between the French and the Diola people of Africa. Faced with this conflict, the women of a village gather the men together for a prayer vigil under a tree.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.3
  4. 4NeriaMovie · 1991 · 103mIn Zimbabwe, a widow (Jesesi Mungoshi) is exploited by her avaricious brother-in-law (Dominic Kanaventi), who steals her children and possessions.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.7
  5. 5The Battle of AlgiersMovie · 1966 · 121m · Drama, War, HistoryThis film explores Algeria's struggle for independence from France through the eyes of Ali. Initially involved in small crimes, Ali joins the Front de Liberation Nationale (FLN), a movement fighting to end French rule. The movie follows his journey from an ordinary thief to an important member of the FLN. His rise is cut short when he is captured by French forces in 1957. The film depicts the intense conflict between Algerian rebels and French colonizers, highlighting the escalating brutality on both sides. As the war intensifies, tensions rise among the characters, offering a deeply emotional look at this critical period in history. Ali’s story provides a personal perspective on the sacrifices, successes, and difficulties faced by those fighting for freedom during a time of major political upheaval.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.9
  6. 6Angano... Angano... Tales from MadagascarMovie · 1989 · 65mExperienced storytellers share the foundational myths of Malagasy culture with both the camera and their audiences.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.0
  7. 7DilemmaMovie · 1962 · 89mToby (Ivan Jackson), a young English businessman, travels to South Africa to run a publishing company. Unaware of apartheid, he initially doesn't see any conflict in associating with wealthy white women and those actively opposing apartheid. However, as Toby befriends a black South African (Zaku Mokae) and witnesses the ingrained racial prejudices of the white minority, he begins to understand the reality of the oppression. This understanding is tragically reinforced by a devastating event.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.1
  8. 8A Dance for HeroesMovie · 1989 · 107mIn a close-knit village, two women challenge long-held societal customs.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.5
  9. 9Gito the UngratefulMovie · 1992 · 87mGito returns to Bujumbura after graduating from a Parisian university, anticipating a career in public service. Instead, he faces unemployment and is torn between two women: his French girlfriend, Christine, and Flora, a woman from his past.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.2
  10. 10YeelenMovie · 1987 · 105m · DramaA young person with magical abilities begins a dangerous journey to find their estranged uncle. The uncle may be the only one who can help them face their powerful and mysterious sorcerer father. Along the way, the hero explores new places and learns more about themselves, testing their magic and dealing with complicated family relationships. The story explores themes of power, family history, and loyalty, keeping audiences engaged.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6
  11. 11Camp de ThiaroyeMovie · 1988 · 154mAfter fighting in France, a unit of Senegalese soldiers from the French Free Army are temporarily stationed at a desert military camp with barbed wire and guard towers. The platoon includes Sergeant Diatta, a charismatic leader educated in Paris with a French wife and child. Also among them is Pays, a soldier deeply traumatized by the war and concentration camps, now unable to speak and communicating only through screams and grunts.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
  12. 12Rocking PoponguineMovie · 1994 · 87mThis is a coming-of-age story set in 1960s Senegal. Bacc recounts his formative years in Popenguine, a town marked by cultural divisions and differing musical preferences.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.0
  13. 13SaarabaMovie · 1988 · 90mAfter 17 years in Europe, Tamsir returns to Senegal and takes a seemingly easy job arranged by his uncle in Dakar. He visits his family's village and meets Lissa, a woman he finds captivating. Both Tamsir and Lissa embrace traditional customs. However, when Lissa’s parents arrange a marriage for her with a powerful, corrupt politician, Tamsir and Lissa defy their family, resulting in Lissa becoming pregnant. The politician's reaction, his uncle's plans to seize the village land, Lissa's parents' strict religious beliefs, the growing discontent among young people in Dakar, and a village mechanic’s yearning for a utopian place called "Saaraba" complete the narrative.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.2
  14. 14Zan BokoMovie · 1988 · 92mIn Mossi culture, a child's birth and entry into the community includes a placenta burial ritual. The burial site, called 'Zan Boko,' symbolizes the deep religious, cultural, and emotional connection between the child and the land, representing 'rootedness' and 'belonging.' *Kaboré* tells the story of Tinga, who fights against the growing urbanization of his homeland. The traditional rhythms and worldview of the rural community – its values, social bonds, and individual and collective futures – are disrupted when a city develops near an ancient native village.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5
  15. 15GuelwaarMovie · 1993 · 115mThe burial of a Christian political activist in a Muslim cemetery ignites a conflict fueled by strong religious beliefs.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.6
  16. 16Ramparts of ClayMovie · 1970 · 80mIn an Algerian village, salt mine workers strike over poor wages. The owner requests military intervention, but a young woman cuts off the water supply, forcing the troops to withdraw.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4
  17. 17The Great White of LambareneMovie · 1995 · 94mAlbert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was a doctor, theologian, and philosopher who founded a hospital in the rainforests of Gabon. He was widely considered a saint during his life. However, recent evaluations of his work have been more complex. Ba Kobhio Bassek offers the first examination of this medical missionary from a distinctly African perspective.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.0
  18. 18HyenasMovie · 1992 · 110m · Drama, ComedyIn a desolate desert town, a woman who once struggled with poverty unexpectedly gains great wealth. Determined to make amends for a painful past, she returns to her hometown with an astonishing offer: her fortune for the life of the man who abandoned her and their child years ago. As the town becomes increasingly divided and people's loyalties are questioned, her resolve fuels a powerful struggle. The film explores vengeance, forgiveness, and the cost of seeking justice, examining themes of personal redemption and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1
  19. 19Keita! The Voice of the GriotMovie · 1996 · 94mOn an unremarkable afternoon in Burkina Faso, young Mabo Keïta is reading on the porch while his parents rest. A stranger arrives – an elderly man with a hammock. He's a griot, a traditional West African musician and storyteller who preserves tribal histories and family lineages. The griot's role is a long-standing tradition, passed down through generations.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.1
  20. 20Life Is RosyMovie · 1987 · 80mA young man leaves his rural village for the capital city to chase his musical ambitions. There, he develops a strong affection for a woman who is also the object of his boss's interest, and the boss has his own motives for wanting her.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.1
  21. 21God's WillMovie · 1992 · 62mDirector David Achkar embarks on a quest to find his father, Marof Achkar, who was imprisoned in the infamous Camp Boiro in 1969 on charges of treason.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.8
  22. 22Lumumba: Death of a ProphetMovie · 1991 · 69mThis documentary examines the life of Patrice Lumumba, the African political leader who served as Prime Minister of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). It chronicles his time in power and culminates with the circumstances surrounding his assassination in 1961.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7
  23. 23Le FrancMovie · 1994 · 46mA struggling musician, resourceful and quick-witted, buys a lottery ticket and sticks it to his back door, hoping to get his instrument back from his demanding landlady. Unexpectedly, the ticket wins.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2
  24. 24Guimba the TyrantMovie · 1996 · 93mThe film chronicles the ascent and decline of Guimba, a ruthless and tyrannical village chief, and his son Jangine, set against the backdrop of a fictional village in the Sahel region of Mali.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.5
  25. 25Fire!Movie · 1991 · 100mThis gentle drama offers a glimpse into 1990s Mali. A young forest ranger believes reforestation is vital for his country's future, but is frustrated by the self-serving attitudes of his superiors. He finds more connection with the local villagers than with his own agency. The film begins as the villagers prepare for a hunting ceremony, debating whether to follow a government ban on open fires or continue with their traditional bonfire ritual. Throughout the community, there's playful flirtation and teasing, such as a wife playfully reacting to her husband whispering another woman’s name in his sleep.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.2
  26. 26Quartier MozartMovie · 1992 · 80mThis lively and funny story updates traditional Cameroonian folk tales, depicting the everyday lives of its people as they are subtly affected by magic. A spirited young girl encounters a witch who can transform her into a man, granting her a glimpse into romantic relationships. She then becomes a potential suitor for a policeman's daughter, joining a group of men with peculiar names and even stranger magical abilities – including one who can make a man's genitals vanish with a handshake.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.2
  27. 27The LawMovie · 1990 · 81mAfter a long time away, Saga returns to his village only to find his father has claimed Nogma, Saga’s intended wife. Despite the taboo, Saga and Nogma rekindle their love and begin a secret relationship.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6
  28. 28Touki BoukiMovie · 1973 · 91m · Drama, RomanceMory, a simple cowherd yearning for something more, and Anta, a driven student with limited funds, connect over a shared goal: to travel to Paris. They work various jobs – from tending cattle to navigating city life – to raise money for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. As they pursue their dream, Mory and Anta face life's obstacles while deepening their friendship, revealing their vulnerabilities, growth, and strength. They discover important lessons about happiness, hope, and appreciating contentment in everyday life.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7
  29. 29In a Time of Violence: The LineMovie · 1994 · 150mThis politically charged thriller, which caused widespread protests and nine deaths in South Africa upon its initial release, depicts the African National Congress's vision for reconciliation in a multiracial democracy. After an Inkatha militant's train massacre, the sole witness flees from Soweto to Johannesburg for safety. However, the violence pursues him as his ANC colleagues attempt to acquire weapons for a retaliatory attack against Inkatha supporters.IMDb 8.4TMDB 5.0
  30. 30Everyone's ChildMovie · 1996 · 90mAfter their parents die, teenagers Tamari and Itai fall into poverty when their uncle takes the family plow, leaving them without a way to survive. The villagers, focused on their own lives, largely ignore the children's plight. Itai leaves for Harare, while Tamari stays behind to care for her younger siblings. Eventually, some of the neighbors begin to notice the children's hardship and rally together to offer support.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.7
  31. 31Sango MaloMovie · 1990 · 93mIn a small Cameroonian village, a new teacher named Bernard Malo Malo arrives and quickly challenges the community. Openly discussing politics and sexuality with his students, he proposes a cooperative for the farmers. This suggestion sparks conflict with the village leaders.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.0
  32. 32Africa, I Will Fleece YouMovie · 1992 · 88mThis documentary explores the restrictive political climate in Cameroon, starting with the 1990 release of an open letter to President Biya requesting a national conference – an act that led to the immediate arrest of the author and publisher. The film then details the country's colonial past, beginning with the arrival of the first German missionary in 1901 and the subsequent establishment of schools. It covers French occupation after World War I, the scarcity of books written by Cameroonians, and the suppression of the CPU, a leftist organization active in the 1950s and 1960s. The film portrays Cameroon and its people as vulnerable, exploited first by colonialism and then by local leaders, echoing the phrase "Alouette, je te plumerai" – "Lark, I will pluck you."IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.8
  33. 33God's GiftMovie · 1983 · 71mBefore European colonization, a traveling merchant finds an unconscious boy in the African savanna. The boy awakens with no memory and unable to speak. The merchant takes him to a nearby village where a family adopts him, naming him Wend Kuuni, meaning "God's Gift," and he forms a close bond with his adopted sister. Wend Kuuni only begins to speak again after witnessing a devastating event, finally revealing the painful truth of his past.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4
  34. 34XalaMovie · 1975 · 121m · ComedyThis unusual film is set in Senegal and tells the story of a wealthy businessman whose wedding day to his third wife is disrupted by a medical issue. He's told by local healers that the only cure for his impotence is a public humiliation. This unusual situation leads him on a journey of self-discovery, forcing him to confront cultural expectations and personal fears to regain his virility – both physically and emotionally. The film explores male identity, power, and societal pressures, offering a thoughtful look at modern relationships and human nature.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8
  35. 35Women with Eyes OpenMovie · 1994 · 52mThis film presents portraits of modern women living in Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, and Benin.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.9
  36. 36SambizangaMovie · 1973 · 102mDomingos, involved in an African liberation movement, is arrested by the Portuguese secret police following violent clashes in Angola. His wife desperately searches for him, moving from one prison to another, unable to determine his whereabouts.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0
  37. 37Faces of WomenMovie · 1985 · 105mDuring a festival, women perform songs and dances as two stories intertwine. In a village, a young woman, unhappy in her marriage, orchestrates a situation to provoke her husband's jealousy when his more successful younger brother visits from the city.IMDb 6.2TMDB 4.3
  38. 38Black GirlMovie · 1966 · 65m · DramaA determined Senegalese woman journeys to the vineyards of southern France hoping for a better life. Instead, she faces cultural clashes, isolation, and subtle prejudice that challenge her aspirations. Working as a governess for a French family, her experiences reveal the difficulties of adapting to a new culture while staying true to herself. The film explores themes of displacement and identity, offering a thoughtful look at the human experience in today's interconnected world.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3
  39. 39Fary the DonkeyMovie · 1990 · 21mWhen Serigne Ibra decides to marry, he insists his bride must be exceptionally beautiful, without any scars or blemishes.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.0
  40. 40JitMovie · 1990 · 98mIn this story, a young African man employs every possible strategy to win the affection of the village's most beautiful woman.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.5
  41. 41The Silences of the PalaceMovie · 1994 · 124mA prince's death draws a young woman back to the palace, where she once lived as a servant. The past, hidden behind luxurious walls, begins to surface.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.4