What To Watch in West Africa This November

‘ATAFO SS24 Documentary’ (Nigeria)

What does it take to reinvent oneself? What does it cost to maintain a legacy? And how do you outdo an already impressive image? All these questions sit at the heart of the ATAFO SS24 Documentary. Although technically a behind-the-scenes look at the work that went into Mai Atafo’s well-celebrated 2024 fashion show, the documentary is less formulaic and surprisingly enriching. It’s a revealing and deeply instructive look at the life of a man whose work has been instrumental to the rise of modern Nigerian couture. In this documentary, and unlike most B.T.S videos, Atafo offers us a vulnerable, disarming view of his work and his vision. We go along with him as he oversees the finishing touches of an important line. He is open about the staggering scale of his ambition and embraces, without cheek, his undeniable influence. Through the small and big roadblocks, the unpredictable catastrophes that threaten the success of any business in Nigeria, we get a renewed, insightful look at ATAFO.

Where to watch: YouTube.

‘No Chains, No Masters’ (Benin)

In Simon Moutaïru’s feature directorial debut, the role of France as a vicious slave trading colony is put center stage. With France’s involvement in the slave trade not sufficiently highlighted, Moutaïru focuses the film on mid-18th century Mauritius and follows the lives of imported African slaves working on sugar plantations. Lauded for its frankness and impressive for its daring subject matter and striking cinematography, No Chains, No Masters sees Massamba and Mati as they wrestle for freedom and inconceivable dreams. The film is moving, studiously reflective and brilliant enough to reveal new perspectives to a somewhat well-established knowledge.

Where to watch: Now showing at Pathè cinema, Dakar.

‘A Ghetto Love Story’ (Nigeria)

A Ghetto Love Story is a new romance from polymathic creative Basketmouth (Bright Okpocha) and television host MizVick (Victoria Eze). The story is described as true to life and follows two friends whose passion and dreams of a lifelong connection are thwarted by the unforgiving realities of their lives. The film stars Akah Nnani (Man of God, Banana Island Ghost, Ghana Jollof), Daniel Etim Effiong (To Freedom, A Weekend To Forget, The One For Sarah, Kofa), Beverly Osu (Oloture, Chief Daddy, Nneka The Pretty Serpent), Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life, Far From Home, Blood Sisters) and many others. With a successful career in comedy and multiple albums curated, Basketmouth has demonstrated a knack for succeeding at various art forms and going by his track record, A Ghetto Love Story will be just as brilliant as his previous works.

Where to watch: In Nigerian theaters from November 22.

‘Pawn’ (Ghana)

In Pascal Aka’s thriller Pawn, a renowned detective is faced with inconsistent memories and frequent blackouts while pursuing a cryptic case involving interconnected murders and a dangerous secret society. The story trails his dissociative state as it tampers with his sense of perception, and finds him caught in the webs of a manipulative schemer. The film stars Adjetey Anang ( Ketekete, Azali, Things We Do For Love), Lydia Forson ( The Perfect Picture, Isoken, Phone Swap, A Sting In A Tale), Sika Osei (Single Not Searching, In Line, Bad Luck Joe) and others.

Where to watch: Now showing at Silverbird Cinemas, Accra.

‘Princess On A Hill’ (Nigeria)

In the forthcoming Showmax series Princess On A Hill, the ruthless landscape of the Nigerian corporate world is used as a lens to explore the allure and destructiveness of power. The series follows Zara (Onyinye Odokoro), a bright-eyed but perpetually self-doubting young woman whose climb in the corporate world starts with unlikely adversities. Co-directed by Abiola Sobo (Inspector K, Iredu) and Tolu Ajayi (The Dead, Oga John, Over The Bridge, Diiche), Princess On A Hill is a brilliantly written story that raises tough questions about morality and the extent to which one might go to get what they want. The acting is gripping, the cinematography is fast-paced and suffused with unending anxiety. Alongside Odokoro, the series also stars Bimbo Manuel (Gone, Ayinla, Blood Vessel, Love is War), Efa Iwara (The Beads, A Naija Christmas, King Of Boys: The Return of The King), Iretiola Doyle (Fifty, The Wedding Party, Tinsel, Kasanova) and many others.

Where to watch: Showmax, from November 7.

‘Family Gbese’ (Nigeria)

In Family Gbese, a man finds himself torn between a near-perfect life he’s struggled to build and various demands from people he holds dear. Starring Uzor Arukwe ( A Tribe Called Judah, Head Over Bills, Bank Alert, The Set Up 2), Lillian Afegbai (Dead Serious, Hotel Labamba, The Order of Things), Sandra Okunzuwa (The Rejected Stone, Love In Lagos) and many others, Family Gbese explores the often grueling reality of trying to achieve upward mobility in an environment determined to keep you down.

Where to watch: In Nigerian theaters from November 8.

‘The Smart Money Woman’ Season 2 (Nigeria)

The first season of Arese Ugwu’s hit drama series The Smart Money Woman was a successful execution of experimental television — combining and transforming the actionable points from her financial guidebook of the same name into a striking drama that still managed to sell its ideas.

In the second season, the ladies return for a series of events that shape their lives in unpredictable ways. Flashier, funnier and even more insightful, the new season returns with Osas Ighodaro, Eby Eno, Ini-Dima Okojie, Toni Tones and Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju.

Where To Watch: YouTube.