Editors' Picks: What to Watch When You're in Lockdown
If you, like most people nowadays, are experiencing some sort of lockdown then you’re probably aching for something - anything - good to watch. But with so much to chose from online, it can be hard to decide where to start. Luckily, East Africa Herald has you covered. We’ve compiled some of our favourite films either produced or set in Africa, that are currently streaming, to help get you through quarantine with you sanity intact.
King of Boys
King of Boys is a Nigerian political thriller that dominated the box offices for several months in 2018. It features a superb performance from Sola Sobowale, who is reunited with director Kemi Adetiba after the pair’s previous triumph in Wedding Party (see below).
The film tells the story of Alhaja Eniola Salami (Sobowale), a businesswoman who is drawn into a power struggle as a result of her growing political ambitions. It’s a classic story of plotting and betrayal that reminds us of The Godfather II with all its intricate, non-linear story telling. The movie scooped an Africa Movie Academy Award for Sobowale and has become a modern Nollywood classic. Not one to miss.
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Youtube
Kati Kati
Kati Kati is a Swahili film that was selected as Kenya’s entry for the best foreign language category at the 2016 Oscars. It tells the story of Kaleche, a young woman who wakes up in the middle of the wilderness with no memory of what happened beforehand.
This is a sublime and at times hypnotic film that explores themes of death, purgatory and guilt. It won the Prize of the International Federation of Film at the Toronto International Film Festival and is often considered one of Kenya’s greatest pieces of cinema. A little more ‘out-there’ than some of the titles on this list, this is the perfect quarantine movie to really boost your status as a film-buff.
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime
District Nine
Produced by Lord of the Ring’s director Peter Jackson, District Nine is a different kind of alien invasion story: one where the aliens are forced to reside in a Johannesburg ghetto while authorities try to figure out what on earth to do with them.
Themes of xenophobia and apartheid are deftly handled throughout District Nine, while still delivering gripping action scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including best picture and best visual effects. A tour de force for South African cinema, with excellent performances from Sharlto Copley and David James.
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Youtube
Blood Diamond
Set during the Sierra Leone Civil War, Blood Diamond tells the story of veteran diamond smuggler Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he attempts to leave the world of illegal gem trading behind and shine a light on the atrocities that fuel the world’s appetite for jewellery.
The film features one of DiCaprio’s best performances to date and has been praised for its impressive use of African locations, having been largely shot in Mozambique. This is an exciting thriller with an important message that leaves its audience breathless. A little by-the-numbers at times, director Edward Zwick is craftsman enough to make sure the pace never slackens, the chase scenes thrill, and the battle scenes make your stomach turn.
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Youtube
The First Grader
Based on the true story of Kimani Maruge, The First Grader tells the tale of an 84-year-old from Kenya who tries to go to school after the government starts to offer free primary education in 2003.
The film paints a vivd picture of the disparities between rural and urban Kenya, as well as sketching out some forgotten passages in the country’s history. Flashbacks to Maruge’s suffering in a British prison camp make his plight at the hands of his own countrymen even harder to watch and add to the overall poignancy of this incredible film. Just be sure to have the tissues handy.
Available on: Amazon Prime
Spud
Based on the popular South African novels by John van de Ruit, Spud tells the uplifting and hilarious story of 14 year old John Milton as he starts his first year at an elite South African boarding school.
This cheeky film is packed full of laughs, with a terrific turn from John Cleese as eccentric English teacher ‘the Guv’. But it also has some really tender scenes and tells a relatable story of teenage angst and wanting to fit in.
Available on: Amazon Prime
The Wedding Party
This raunchy rom-com was acclaimed Nigerian director Kemi Adeteba’s first project and became the country’s highest grossing film ever - only to be surpassed by its sequel in 2017. We still prefer the original though.
The movie takes place over the course of a wedding day and stars Adesua Etomi as a young art gallery owner who is preparing to marry a wealthy IT entrepreneur, played by Banky Wellington. The film is packed full with family drama and is widely considered to be one of the best Nigerian comedies ever. A real crowd pleaser that might soften the blow of not going to any actual weddings this spring.
Available on: Amazon Prime, Netflix
Cry Freedom
Directed by the legendary Richard Attenborough, and starring a formidable Denzel Washington, Cry Freedom is an apartheid epic based on the real-life events of black activist Steve Biko and his friend Donald Woods.
This is a powerful film about the darkest passage in South Africa’s history and features some phenomenal work both in front of and behind the camera. Washington was nominated for the Academy Award for best supporting actor, while Attenborough picked up the coveted Peace Film Award at the Berlin Film Festival.
Available on: Amazon Prime, Youtube
Last King of Scotland
Based on real details of the reign of Idi Amin, Last King of Scotland depicts a fictional Scottish doctor - played by James McAvoy - who is forced to treat the infamous dictator and accidentally falls in love with his youngest wife.
This exhilarating film will have your heart racing, while Forrest Whitaker’s blunt and brutal depiction of Amin - though fictionalised - will still leave a hollow feeling in the pit of your stomach. A formidable tale of power and corruption that picked up 23 major awards, this film is sure to jolt you out of your quarantine coma.
Available on: Amazon Prime
Subira
Equal parts chilling and captivating, Subira is the story of a young Kenyan journalist, who travels to a remote village to document the untold story of a teenage girl with supernatural powers.
This Kenyan-produced thriller is a strong opening performance for debut director Steve Ominde, made all the more impressive by its relatively unknown cast. If you’re looking for something to keep you up at night then this is the film for you - just don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Available on: Amazon Prime
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tells the story of William, a young schoolboy who learns how to build a windmill and eventually saves his entire village from drought. Based on the memoir of Malawi-born inventor William Kamkwamba, this is a heartwarming story of ingenuity and overcoming adversity.
The film marked the directorial debut of British-Nigerian actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and was received positively at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. It’s a truly beautiful story and is guaranteed to lift your spirits on days when lockdown feels like it’s going on forever.
Available on: Netflix
N.B. Not all films will be available to stream depending on your region