The Best African Movies of 2024

The landscape of African cinema has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with 2024 marking a pinnacle of creativity and international recognition. From the bustling streets of Lagos, where Nollywood continues to churn out crowd-pleasing hits, to the art houses of Dakar and the indie film scenes of Nairobi and Cape Town, African movies are captivating audiences both at home and abroad. 

As we explore the best African movies of 2024, we witness the industry's growing diversity. While Nollywood remains a powerhouse, producing films that blend local content with universal themes, other regional cinemas are making their mark on the global stage. From gritty urban dramas to historical epics, and from thought-provoking social commentaries to lighthearted romantic comedies, this year's crop of African movies demonstrates the continent's vast storytelling potential.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti" (Nigeria) This 91-minute biopic is a tour de force, bringing to life the story of one of Nigeria's most influential women. The film doesn't shy away from the complexities of Funmilayo's life, portraying her not just as an activist and educator, but as a mother and wife grappling with personal sacrifices. The scene where she leads the Abeokuta Women's Union in protest is particularly stirring, capturing the raw energy and determination that made her a force to be reckoned with. The cinematography beautifully contrasts the vibrant markets of Abeokuta with the stark colonial offices, visually underlining the cultural clash at the heart of her struggle.

"Heart of the Hunter" (South Africa) This thriller takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through South Africa's diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg mountains. At its core, it's a tale of a former assassin pulled back into a world he thought he'd left behind, but it's the film's exploration of post-apartheid South Africa that truly sets it apart. The protagonist's internal conflict mirrors the nation's ongoing struggle with its past, creating a narrative that's as thought-provoking as it is exciting. The car chase through Cape Town's narrow streets is an adrenaline-pumping highlight, showcasing both the director's technical skill and the city's unique geography.

"Ahl Al Kahf" (Egypt) Amr Arafa's time-bending adventure blends historical drama with philosophical musings on progress and cultural identity. The film's premise - three people waking up after three centuries - could easily have felt gimmicky, but instead, it's handled with a deft touch that allows for both humor and profound observations. The scenes of the protagonists encountering modern Cairo are both hilarious and poignant, highlighting how much (and how little) has changed over the centuries. Khaled Nabawi delivers a standout performance as the group's reluctant leader, his expressive face conveying volumes as he grapples with this strange new world.

"Nome" (Guinea-Bissau) Sana Na N'Hada's war drama is a haunting, intimate portrayal of a young man caught up in the struggle for independence. Set against the lush, oppressive backdrop of Guinea-Bissau's forests, the film follows Nome as he leaves his village to join the liberation fighters. What sets this film apart is its focus on the quiet moments between battles - the camaraderie among the fighters, the longing for home, the gradual loss of innocence. There's a particularly memorable scene where Nome and his comrades share stories around a campfire, their faces flickering in the firelight as they struggle with their hopes and fears for the future. The film's sound design is exceptional, using the ambient noises of the forest to create a constant sense of tension and uncertainty.

"A Soweto Love Story" (South Africa) This charming romantic comedy weaves together the lives of three brothers in Soweto, each facing their own relationship challenges. Sandile, a one-hit-wonder music producer, is shocked when his girlfriend of six years leaves him, all while he's struggling with debt and pressure to create another hit. His brother Menzi, a perfectionist restaurant owner, can't keep chefs or romantic partners due to his rigid personality. Meanwhile, their flamboyantly dressed brother Sky designs women's clothes and faces assumptions about his sexuality. The plot takes a delightful turn when their mother, eager for grandchildren, promises her house to the first son who marries by year's end. The ensuing race to the altar is both hilarious and heartwarming, showcasing the multicultural energy of Soweto amidst the complexities of modern relationships in South African urban life.

"Makula" (Uganda) Directed by Nisha Kalema, this gripping thriller subverts expectations of a typical romance, instead plunging viewers into a dark world of human trafficking. The film follows a woman who believes she's arriving for a marriage, only to find herself trapped in the home of a family involved in organ and human trafficking. Kalema's direction creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia and terror, using the confined setting to heighten the psychological tension. "Makula" is a nail-biting thriller that sheds light on the very real and often overlooked issue of human trafficking, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about exploitation and deceit.

"Half Heaven" (Cameroon) Set against the backdrop of Cameroon's ongoing linguistic and cultural conflict, "Half Heaven" is a profound exploration of faith, prejudice, and personal transformation. The film follows Kizito, a devout evangelist raised in an orphanage, who is sent on a mission to convert at least one person in Mboko, a crime-ridden ghetto. Stripped of his possessions upon arrival, Kizito finds unlikely shelter with Bisona, a respected prostitute. Their unlikely alliance forms the heart of the film, challenging both characters' preconceptions. A particularly striking scene shows a woman defiantly blowing cigarette smoke in the preacher's face, highlighting the film's themes of confrontation and change. Through Kizito's journey, the film presents deep questions about empathy, judgment, and the nature of true faith, all while painting a vivid picture of Cameroon's complex social landscape.

"Otis Janam" (Kenya) This heartwarming tale set in coastal Kenya follows Janam, a lazy fisherman whose life takes an unexpected turn when he wins a boat racing championship. His prize? The hand of Api, the daughter of the wealthiest man in town. As their romance unfolds, the film explores themes of personal growth and the power of love. Nick Kwach brings charm and depth to Janam, portraying his journey from unmotivated fisherman to a man inspired to change. Sarah Masese shines as Api, whose influence on Janam drives much of the story's emotional core. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Kenya's coastal region, the film celebrates not just the central love story, but also the courage to change and the potential for personal reinvention.

"Everybody Loves Touda" (Morocco) Nabil Ayouch's vibrant film is a love letter to Morocco's rich musical traditions and a powerful statement on women's empowerment. Touda's journey from a small-town sheikha to aspiring Casablanca star is inspiring and heart-wrenching. The film's musical sequences are its best features, pulsating with energy and authenticity. One unforgettable scene shows Touda performing in a working-class bar, her voice soaring above the crowd as the camera captures the mix of admiration and judgment on the patrons' faces. Beyond the music, the film offers a nuanced portrayal of motherhood and ambition, never shying away from the difficult choices Touda faces. The bustling streets and hidden corners of Casablanca come alive on screen, serving as a fitting backdrop to Touda's dreams of stardom.

"Tug of War" (Tanzania) Set in the historic Stone Town of Zanzibar, this period drama brings to life the island's struggle for independence with both style and substance. The film centers on a forbidden romance between a revolutionary and the daughter of a British colonial officer, using their relationship to showcase the larger political conflict. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the faded grandeur of colonial architecture and the timeless beauty of Zanzibar's beaches. A scene set during a clandestine meeting in the winding alleys of Stone Town showcases the director's skill at building suspense. While the love story drives the plot, it's the film's careful attention to historical detail and its complex portrayal of all sides of the conflict that make it more than a typical period romance.These films show the talent and creativity thriving across Africa, and they promise to move, inspire, and entertain audiences around the world.