The Best African TV shows and films you must watch
Wired - The Inside Story Behind Disney's 'Radical' Queen of Katwe
One of the most successful ways that culture and stories of people can be told is through television and film. Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in investment towards African entertainment by mainstream streaming services and as a result, we have been graced with an abundance of great entertainment pieces that show us a side of Africa we the people have been yearning to see. For those of you who are looking for their new favourite film or longing for their next binge but do not know where to start, here is a short list of the best tv shows and films that cannot be missed.
The African Doctor (originally titled “Bienvenue à Marly-Gomont”)
This heart-warming comedy-drama is based on a true story and focuses on an African Doctor who has the opportunity to work in France and so, decides to migrate his family along with him. However, life turns out to not be as easy as imagined for the family. The central subject matter of the film mirrors the reality for many Africans who migrate across the world in hope for a better life. The family faces the difficulty of diminishing their own individuality in order to make others feel comfortable along with the societal pressures to integrate into western culture. The film also tackles the struggle of overcoming prejudice by equating success as a means to respect which shows a strong parallel to current society where black individuals are made to believe they can only be accepted in society if they are successful. Paired with these topical issues, the comedic elements throughout the film are what bring it together and make it a top story to watch.
Shadow
Set in Johannesburg, Shadow is a South African Thriller series, revolving around a vigilante taking on different cases and helping all those in need regardless of the circumstances or situation. This movie marks a monumental moment as it was one of Netflix’s first South African originals and is a clear example of the importance of continued investment into the African entertainment industry. The series breaks boundaries in regard to production, writing and acting, demonstrating the wide pool of talent South Africa has to offer. Throughout the eight episodes the series strikes a strong balance between drama and action making it a top series to watch.
Namaste Wahala
The main focus of this film is the relationship between an Indian man and Nigerian girl who fall in love unexpectedly and have to deal with the obstacles of their cultural differences. The film is a cross-cultural romantic comedy, merging different elements and themes of Nollywood and Bollywood. The film also goes further into tackling the challenges of their careers and how it affects their day-to-day lives. Despite these challenges and obstacles, Namaste Wahala uses a great deal of comedic themes and Bollywood music to bring together a roller coaster of a show. It is no understatement to say the title of this film explains it best; there is peace and there is trouble.
Queen of Katwe
The Disney movie follows the life of the young girl Phiona who has passion for Chess and is presented with a life changing opportunity to play internationally for Uganda. Queen of Katwe is a beautiful and realistic depiction of what trying for a better life can feel like for many and the struggles involved with that. There is also a strong lesson on breaking the cycle of poverty as often young children in deprived areas leave school early to support their family and therefore limit any future opportunities they may have had. However, one the most memorable themes is the emphasis on community and the importance of having a strong support network.
Seriously Single
Everyone loves a good Romcom and Seriously Single delivers the best kind, delivering the right balance between good storytelling and humorous themes. This South African Romcom focuses on the struggles of dating in today’s society, the pressures placed on women to be married and the importance of self-love in a relationship. Throughout the movie, the protagonist craves a stable relationship which creates the perfect set up for self-discovery. A further highlight of the movie is the chemistry between the protagonist and her best friend who pushes her towards this self-discovery. However, the most memorable feature of the movie is the display of Johannesburg’s beauty.
The views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Best of Africa.
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