Africa: A Continent of Film Making
African cinema has a rich and diverse history, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century. Despite facing many challenges, such as colonialism, political instability, and economic hardship, African filmmakers have persevered, producing films that capture the unique cultural and social dynamics of the continent. In this post, we'll explore the foundations of African cinema, including early directors, studios, and actors, and discuss the culture of movie watching in different regions of the continent.
Foundations of African Cinema
African cinema began to emerge in the 1950s and 1960s, during the period of decolonization and independence movements in many African countries. Many of the early African filmmakers were influenced by the Italian neo-realist movement and the French New Wave, using film as a means of exploring the social and political issues facing their countries. Some of the early African directors include Ousmane Sembène from Senegal, Djibril Diop Mambéty from Senegal, and Souleymane Cissé from Mali.
Tsotsi (2005)
South African Film
Despite facing numerous challenges, such as apartheid and political instability, South African filmmakers have continued to produce films that capture the unique cultural and social dynamics of the country. In this post, we'll explore some of the most notable actors, directors, and studios in South African cinema.
South African cinema has produced a number of talented actors who have gained international recognition for their performances. One of the most notable is Charlize Theron, who was born in South Africa and started her career in the country before moving to the United States. Theron has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for her role in the film "Monster."
Other notable South African actors include John Kani, who has appeared in numerous films and stage productions, including "Black Panther" and "The Lion King," and Terry Pheto, who gained international recognition for her performance in the film "Tsotsi," which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006.
South Africa has also produced a number of talented filmmakers who have made significant contributions to the world of cinema. One of the most notable is Gavin Hood, who directed the film "Tsotsi," which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006. Hood has also directed a number of Hollywood films, including "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and "Eye in the Sky."
Other notable South African directors include Oliver Hermanus, who directed the films "Shirley Adams" and "Skoonheid," and Zola Maseko, who directed the film "Drum," which explores the life of journalist Henry Nxumalo during the apartheid era.
South Africa has a number of film studios, including Cape Town Film Studios, which is one of the largest film studios in Africa. The studio has been used for numerous Hollywood productions, including "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Black Sails." Another notable studio is Triggerfish Animation, which produces animated films and television shows.
The Wedding Party (2016)
Nollywood: Nigerian Filmmaking
Nigerian cinema, also known as Nollywood, has become one of the largest film industries in the world delighting audiences across the globe. Nollywood originated in the 1990s with the production of low-budget films shot on video, and has since grown to produce over 2,000 films per year.
Nollywood films often focus on social issues and are known for their dramatic and emotional storytelling. They are also unique in that they often incorporate local languages and cultures, making them popular not just in Nigeria, but throughout Africa and the diaspora.
Some of the most famous Nollywood actors include Genevieve Nnaji, who starred in the film "Lionheart," which was acquired by Netflix and became the first Nigerian film to be streamed on the platform. Another is Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, who has appeared in over 300 films and is considered one of the most influential actresses in Africa.
Nollywood has produced a number of notable films, including "Living in Bondage," which is considered the first major Nollywood film and helped to establish the industry, and "The Wedding Party," which became the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.
Compared to Hollywood films, Nollywood films often have smaller budgets and are shot in a shorter time frame. However, they make up for this with their emphasis on storytelling and relatable themes, making them a popular choice among audiences in Nigeria and beyond.
The Future of African Cinema
Over the years, African cinema has undergone significant changes, with the emergence of new waves of filmmakers and the development of new technologies. Some of the most notable African films include Ousmane Sembène's "Black Girl," which was the first feature film made by an African director, and Abderrahmane Sissako's "Timbuktu," which was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards.
Culture of Movie Watching in Africa
The culture of movie watching in Africa varies greatly depending on the region, with different countries and communities having their own unique traditions and practices. In some African countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, movie theaters are a popular form of entertainment, with audiences flocking to see the latest Hollywood blockbusters as well as locally produced films.
In other regions, such as rural areas, movie theaters are less common, and people rely on other means of watching films, such as communal screenings or home viewing. In some cases, mobile cinemas or traveling film festivals are used to bring films to remote or underserved communities.
In recent years, the rise of digital technologies has also had a significant impact on the culture of movie watching in Africa, with more and more people accessing films through online streaming services and social media platforms. Mobile devices are a popular way of watching movies as well.
Conclusion
African cinema has a rich and diverse history, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century. Despite facing many challenges, African filmmakers have persevered, producing films that capture the unique cultural and social dynamics of the continent. The culture of movie watching in Africa varies greatly depending on the region, with different countries and communities having their own unique traditions and practices. With the continued growth and development of the African film industry, there is no doubt that African cinema will continue to have a significant impact on the global film landscape.
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Happy Queer Media Monday!
Today: Valley of a Thousand Hills (2022)
I’m still not over just how much nobody is talking about this.
(Thenjiwe and Nosipho on Nosipho's birthday, when Thenjiwe first shows her the house she's been building.)
Valley of a Thousand Hills (or The Valley of a Thousand Hills, if you go by the Netflix title) is a 2022 South African lesbian drama. The story follows Nosipho, a young woman from a traditional village, who is being pressured by her conservative father to marry a man he picked for her, while being actually in love with his sister, Thenjiwe. Thenjiwe has been secretly building them a house outside of the village, in the hopes that they’d move in together. But Nosipho is afraid to openly commit and tries to dance the tightrope between social expectations and her own desires, with disastrous consequences.
I want to stress once again: This is NOT a happy movie, and contains a whole load of subjects that might need a trigger warning.
What is remarkable about this movie is that 1) it is a South African lesbian movie, and is clearly speaking about queer issues (and other social problems) specific to that region, and 2) just how much you don’t see anyone talk about it. I couldn’t find a Wikipedia article, for example, and places like IMBD barely have any comments or other information.
The movie itself is on Netflix, and here is a trailer on YouTube. I also quite liked this review on Afrocritik, written by a Nigerian woman.
Queer Media Monday is an action I started to talk about some important and/or interesting parts of our queer heritage, that people, especially young people who are only just beginning to discover the wealth of stories out there, should be aware of. Please feel free to join in on the fun and make your own posts about things you personally find important!
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