A monthly roundup of the best of African cinema.
More often than not, a lot of cinephiles turn to Netflix when searching for African films, but it's hardly the only source for classic and contemporary films that cinephiles should know about. Streaming platforms cater to specific niches of film enthusiasts.
Bside's monthly guide highlights the best films to watch on every major streaming service this month, from the timeless wonders of cinema to the new frontiers of streaming offered by ShowMax, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Netflix.
Here are our picks for this month, in no particular order.
Becoming Abi
Becoming Abi, a Nigerian Netflix series starring Bolu Essien, is based loosely on Essien's personal experiences in Nigerian advertising. The series which premiered on Netflix worldwide on 26th October tells the story of a young, female millennial, who finds herself overcoming numerous obstacles and challenges as she navigates her way through the cut-throat world of advertising, she must learn to co-exist with her bosses, make friends and maybe even find love.
The series which is co-directed and co-produced by Essien stars Nollywood actors such as Juliana Olayode, Biodun Stephen, Seun Ajayi, Akah Nnani, Stan Nze, Ifeanyi Kalu, Iya Rainbow, and Benita A Okojie also star.
WHERE TO WATCH: NETFLIX
Soole
The story of Soole is mostly told in a moving vehicle as heroine Veronica, played by Adunni Ade, travels from Lagos to Enugu without being able to raise the funds for an orphanage home. On her journey to Enugu, she opted for a cheap option ride popularly called ‘Soole’ where she met different commuters like herself. The journey from Enugu is riddled with lots of drama, including an armed robbery attack.
A compelling crime comedy-drama film directed by Kayode Kasum in 2021, the film has huge potential and relatable characters that give the project a massive facelift that makes it worth your time.
WHERE TO WATCH: NETFLIX
Brave Ones
Akin Omotoso introduces us to South African mythology via The Brave Ones, the latest Netflix supernatural series. The six-episode long series premiered on September 16, 2022, and stars Sthandile Nkosi, Tony Kgoroge, Nomalanga Nkosi, Bonko Khoza, and more in an amalgamation of several genres.
Focussing on the struggling youth Ntsiki and the mother in despair Ayanda, The Brave Ones lets us in on the lives of the two women who live in stark contrasting conditions and situations. Despite the disjointed nature of their lives, there’s a lot that they share in common, and all of that relates to the supernatural lives of the ancient deities known as the Wise Ones and the titular beings.
WHERE TO WATCH: NETFLIX
DIICHE
Nigeria's first Showmax limited series Diiche features an indigenous language and alludes to an ancient African culture of divinity. Diiche, fast rising actress becomes a prime suspect in a high-profile murder investigation over the death of Nnamdi, her fiancé. She must take it upon herself and rise against the clock to find out who killed her fiancé and exonerate herself. However, there is more to the case than meets the eye and a backstory of almost 30 years, known only to her mother, which revealed the tussle between good and evil.
Diiche will leave you intrigued, and filled with suspense, keep you glued to your screens, and keep you guessing what’s next.
WHERE TO WATCH: SHOWMAX
Shaka Inkosi Yamakhos
On Wednesday, 26th of October, Netflix debuted the much-anticipated animated film Shaka Inkosi Yamakhos. With its simple and straightforward format, Shaka's bravery will inspire viewers.
The story begins with a young boy called Siyazi Manzini being bullied by other boys on his way to school. The bullying makes him reluctant to go back to school. In motivating him, his grandmother Gogo MaLamula Zulu decides to share the story of another young man, Shaka who experienced the same treatment by his peers and family and rose to become a powerful Zulu king.
WHERE TO WATCH: NETFLIX
