My Favorite Movies About Africa
Thursday November 17, 2005
Here's a short list of some of my favorite movies and documentaries about Africa. With Christmas coming up, they make for great gifts:
- Battle of Algiers (1965): A riveting movie documenting the battle for independence in Algeria during the 1950's. Not for the feint of heart but very interesting and thought provoking.
- Out of Africa (1985): If you are planning an East African safari and you want to get in the mood, this is a good movie to watch. The scenery is spectacular, the acting is great (Meryl Streep and Robert Redford) and it's very romantic.
- African Queen (1951): A classic adventure featuring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, directed by John Huston. Filmed on location in Uganda and the Congo, the movie is about a drunken riverboat captain (Bogart) who takes a missionary spinster (Hepburn) on board his boat and much adventure and banter ensues.
- Hotel Rwanda (2004): Don Cheadle is excellent in this movie which is based on the true story of the remarkable Paul Rusesabinga, a hotel manager, who saved hundreds of lives in the midst of genocide.
- Cry Freetown (1999): An incredible documentary by Sorious Samura which informed the world about the terrible events taking place in Sierra Leone in 1999.
- Guelwaar (1993): A beautiful movie written and directed by Ousmane Sembene one of Africa's best film makers. Set in Senegal, this murder mystery unfolds around the death of a district leader whose family gathers for the funeral.
- Cry Freedom (1987): A biographical movie about Steve Biko and his editor friend Donald Woods. Cry Freedom has its critics but it gives a good overview of conditions in South Africa at the height of apartheid.
last king of scotland and blood diamond must be added
Correction: The lead actress in African Queen is Katherine Hepburn, not Audrey Hepburn.
Must see “White Mischief”
Definitely add Blood Diamond. That movie rock Although the historical accuracy of some aspects of the film have been contested by some, it still is a good eye-opener about what drives the conflict diamond business and its ill-effects.
Don’t forget The Ghost and the Darkness, Constant Gardener, Lord of War, and THE POWER OF ONE.