Movies About African Culture

From Malik Bendjelloul, starring Rodriguez, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman, Dennis Coffey, Mike Theodore
Rated PG-13

Searching for Sugar Man is a 2012 Swedish-British documentary directed by Malik Bendjelloul. It follows the story of two South African fans, Stephen "Sugar" Segerman and Craig Bartholomew-Strydom, who set out to find out what happened to their musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock ‘n’ roll star, Rodriguez. With only a few clues and the influence of the internet, they eventually locate the reclusive singer-songwriter living a modest life in Detroit. The film also reveals how, against all odds, Rodriguez's music had become a phenomenon in South Africa, where he was believed to have died, despite the fact that he had failed to make an impact in the United States. The documentary is a celebration of Rodriguez's unexpected resurgence, as well as a story of hope and inspiration.

From Edward Zwick, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Kagiso Kuypers
Rated R

Blood Diamond is a 2006 crime-drama directed by Edward Zwick, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly and Djimon Hounsou. Set in Sierra Leone during civil war, the film follows the story of Danny Archer (DiCaprio), a mercenary from Zimbabwe and Solomon Vandy (Hounsou), a Mende fisherman from Sierra Leone. When Solomon discovers a rare pink diamond, it sets off a desperate pursuit with Danny joining forces with Solomon to protect his family and smuggle the precious stone across the border. They are pursued by a local rebel militia and a South African mercenary (Craig). As the trio travels across Sierra Leone, they must outwit the militia and find a way to turn the diamond into a profit in order to save Solomon’s family. The film is a gritty exploration of the conflict diamond trade and its devastating effects on the people of Sierra Leone.

From Neill Blomkamp, starring Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt
Rated R

District 9 is a science fiction action movie directed by Neill Blomkamp and released in 2009. Set in South Africa, the film follows an alien race called the "prawns" who are refugees on Earth. The aliens, who have been living in an informal slum known as District 9, are forced to relocate by Multi-National United, a powerful corporation that oversees the aliens' presence. As a result of their relocation, the prawns are subjected to inhumane conditions and are treated as second-class citizens. The film follows Wikus Van De Merwe, a bureaucrat who is in charge of the relocation process. When Wikus makes contact with a mysterious alien fluid, he begins to undergo a transformation into an alien himself. Fleeing from MNU, he finds his way into District 9, where he must fight for survival against both the powerful corporation and the aliens. Through his journey, Wikus finds strength and a newfound respect for the alien race. By the end of the film, Wikus comes to understand the true plight of the prawns and works to bring peace between humans and aliens.

From Jamie Uys, starring N!xau, Marius Weyers, Sandra Prinsloo, Louw Verwey
Rated PG

From Clint Eastwood, starring Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng
Rated PG-13

From Gavin Hood, starring Presley Chweneyagae, Mothusi Magano, Israel Matseke-Zulu, Terry Pheto
Rated R

From Justin Chadwick, starring Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto, Robert Hobbs
Rated PG-13

From Ken Loach, starring Paul Brannigan, John Henshaw, Roger Allam, Gary Maitland
Rated R

From Darrell Roodt, starring Richard Harris, James Earl Jones, Vusi Kunene, Charles S. Dutton
Rated PG-13

From Jann Turner, starring Kenneth Nkosi, Rapulana Seiphemo, Jodie Whittaker, Zandile Msutwana
Rated PG-13