A roundup of our fav picks from African Cinema In May.
Another month has come and gone, but the movie industry keeps on giving. Despite global upheavals, national uncertainty and personal stress, one thing is constant: new shows for television, new movies for the big screen. While we enjoy the refreshing content and brand-new entertainment, the problem is that we do not know where to start. Fortunately for you, B.Side in its magnanimous kindness has decided to help. Here is a list of movies and shows from the Month of May for your viewing pleasure.
Lockdown
Directed by Moses Inwang, Lockdown tells the story of six people trapped at a hospital after the government shut down the building due to the emergence of a dangerous virus. According to the director, the script was ready way back in 2015, but budget constraints delayed the project till late 2020 when the world was going through a pandemic. Starring a classic cast of Nollywood stars like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Tony Umez, Charles Awurum, Sola Sobowale, and Nobert Young, Lockdown is a timely story that explores the emotions of humans trapped in a world of uncertainty, just like all of us right now.
Showing In: Cinemas near you.
Mamba’s Diamond (2021)
Popular Nigerian filmmaker William Uchemba’s latest release is an action-packed comedy about two car thieves trying to steal the world’s most valuable diamond. This put them in the bad books of the city’s most feared drug lord and has them running for their lives. Written by Darlington Abuda and directed by Seyi Babatope, this is bound to have you in stitches.
Showing In: Cinemas near you.
I Am All Girls (2021)
This South African movie explores the way human trafficking affects both victims and the officials who are charged with stopping it. The movie follows the working relationship between detective Jodie Snyman and Ntombizonke "Ntombi" Bapai, a forensic scientist handling a trafficking case. Filled with suspense, thrills and a very big twist at the end, I Am All Girls is an important exposé of the evils of trafficking and the trauma and violence that comes with it.
Showing On: Netflix
The Underground Railroad (2021)
An Amazon Prime Original, The Underground Railroad follows the story of Cora, a slave girl whose mother abandoned her after fleeing a plantation. Based on Colson Whitehead’s 2016 Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name, the movie is directed by acclaimed director Barry Jenkins and stars South African actress Thuso Mbedu as the main character. An interesting watch with a lot of content for the history buffs, The Underground Railroad is a perfect binge watch for the weekend.
Showing On: Amazon Prime.
Mimi (2021)
A story about class struggles and the intertwining of society, Mimi chronicles the life of Mimi, a haughty billionaire’s daughter who finds out she is actually adopted and is taken back to her “roots.” Starring Ireti Doyle, Ufuoma McDermott, Toyin Abraham, Deyemi Okanlawon, Jide Kosoko, and Bimbo Akintola, Mimi is funny, conscious and a great watch.
Showing In: Cinemas near you.
