The future of African film is looking bright, with a number of talented African filmmakers across the continent and abroad gaining international recognition for their productions. This selection of African films is anticipated to do well, and is worth viewing in 2014.
Pearls of Africa
Set in the 1970s, a young Kenyan girl struggles for her education and independence while resisting the patriarchal tradition that insists on her marrying a doctor, in return for a customary dowry. Her world intersects with a young British man, who has left his fiance in the UK to work in Africa. The two fall in love but are held apart by the hate and prejudice of others.
The film is written and directed by Sharon Agina (The Trade Winds of the Indian Ocean) and stars Lizz Njagah (House of Lungula), Kevin Leslie (Essex Boys Retribution) and Neil Reidman (Casualty).
Visit: Pearls of Africa trailer to view the trailer.
Foleni Man
This super hero movie tells the story of a Tanzanian man who, after suffering a number of hardships due to road congestion in Dar Es Salaam, decides to fight against road jams as the superhero: Foleni Man. Wearing a suit marked with a big F, Foleni Man tackles issues relevant to the people of Tanzania.
Produced by Selemani Kaki and the Kaya Film Company, the film is set for release in early 2014.
My Nigeria
A documentary about a first generation American filmmaker of Nigerian descent, who seeks to clarify misinformed public perceptions of her ancestor’s homeland and discover her own cultural identity. The film showcases the beauty, culture and people behind Nigerian history.
Produced and directed by Maeyen Bassey (Nigeria at Fifty), the movie features Nigerian musician Femi Kuti, Nigerian elder statesman and nationalist Pa Enaharo and German-Nigerian hip hop and soul singer Nneka.
Simi Visits Grandma
An animated feature about a young girl in Lagos who visits her grandmother, situated outside of the city. While there, their relationship develops and the girl begins to understand the value of elders, family and cultural heritage.
Produced by Lagos-based animation company, Ostudiolabs, and directed by Mayowa Osewa, the film is set to release in December 2014.
Though not originating from Africa, The Good Lie is a movie which tells a compelling story with African themes. African actors feature in the cast and a number of scenes were shot in South Africa and Kenya, serviced by Kenyan production company, Blue Sky Films.
The Good Lie
The film is based on the true story of an American who attempts to help four Sudanese refugees, who have won a relocation lottery to come to the United States, escaping the civil war in their country. Famously known as the “lost boys’, they struggle to adjust to a new life, remembering those they left behind.
The film is directed by Philippe Falardeau (Monsieur Lazhar), was written by Margaret Nagle (Boardwalk Empire) and stars Reese Witherspoon (Water for Elephants), Corey Stoll (House of Cards) and Maria Howell (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire).
