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Summary
As you unwind this weekend, add a bonus by watching movies that deepen your understanding of feminism and women’s rights.
The weekend is here! It’s the perfect time to relax, recharge, and explore thought-provoking films. If you’re interested in exploring feminism and celebrating powerful portrayals of women, we’ve compiled a list of 10 African movies that showcase themes of female empowerment and resilience. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a weekend of inspiring cinema!
- Lionheart (Nigeria)
This movie was produced by Chinny Onwugbenu and directed by Genevieve Nnaji. Lionheart tells the story of a woman who steps up to save her family’s business, challenging gender expectations in a male-dominated industry.
- Queen of Katwe (Uganda)
Queen of Katwe is a 2016 American biographical sports drama film directed by Mira Nair and written by William Wheeler. Based on a true story, this film follows a young girl from the slums of Kampala who rises to become an international chess champion, breaking free from traditional limitations on girls.
- The Girl in the Yellow Jumper (Uganda)
The Girl In the Yellow Jumper is a Ugandan mystery-thriller produced and directed by Loukman Ali and starring Rehema Nanfuka, Philip Luswata, Michael Wawuyo Jr., Michael Wawuyo, Oyenbot and Maurice Kirya. This thriller offers a glimpse into Ugandan society and subtly weaves in female autonomy and survival issues in difficult circumstances.
- Amina (Nigeria)
Amina is a historical drama inspired by the life of Queen Amina of Zazzau, a 16th-century warrior queen. The movie highlights Amina’s strength and leadership in a male-dominated society, showcasing how she uses her military skills and strategic tactics to defend her family’s kingdom.
- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Nigeria)
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is a 2024 biopic about the life and times of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a renowned Nigerian activist and mother of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. The film follows Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti from her youth as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School, her meeting with- and marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti, her career as an educationist and the formation of the Abeokuta Women’s Union which led to the revolt against colonial rule and the patriarchy.
- The Woman King
The Woman King is a 2022 historical action-adventure film about the Agojie, the all-female warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey during the 17th to 19th centuries.
- Dry (Nigeria)
This Nigerian drama film, directed by Stephanie Linus, stars Stephanie Okereke, Liz Benson, William McNamara, Darwin Shaw, and Paul Sambo. Dry tackles issues of child marriage and fistula, showcasing the power of women standing up for the rights and health of young girls. The making of Dry was inspired by the true life story of a lady Okereke met in northern Nigeria.
- Difret (Ethiopia)
Difret tells the story of a 14-year-old girl, Hirut Assefa (based on Aberash Bekele), who is kidnapped on her way home from school and subsequently grabs a rifle and tries to escape but ends up shooting her would-be husband. This film, based on a true story, follows a young Ethiopian girl accused of murder in self-defence after being kidnapped for marriage. It highlights the courage to fight for justice within a patriarchal legal system.
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- The Supreme Price (Nigeria)
The Supreme Price is a 2014 Nigerian documentary war film directed by Joanna Lipper and co-produced by herself together with Janis Vogel. The film stars Hafsat Abiola who narrates about women’s rights in Nigeria following the annulment of her father’s victory in Nigeria’s Presidential Election and her mother’s assassination by agents of the military dictatorship.
- Half of the Yellow Sun (Nigeria)
Half of a Yellow Sun is a 2013 Anglo-Nigerian drama film directed by Biyi Bandele and based on the novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This movie tells the story of two sisters navigating love, war, and identity in Nigeria during the Biafran War, highlighting themes of independence, resilience, and agency.
