What to Watch in West Africa This Month

‘Moi Capitaine’ — Senegal

Starring Bamar Kane, Moustapha Fall, and Seydou Sarr, Moi Capitaine, also known as Io Capitano in Italian, is a striking feature from Matteo Garrone, about the state of illegal and dangerous migration in Senegal. The film follows two teenage boys from Senegal who embark on a dangerous journey to Europe in search of a better life, a search that is quickly and mercifully thwarted along the way by various forces. Moi Capitaine speaks to the worries and existential crisis of a generation forced to make a life for themselves in other places, no matter how steep the cost.

Now in theaters.

‘Strained’ — Nigeria

In Strained, a mother returns to her daughter’s life, after her daughter becomes a mother, to try to repair their estranged relationship. The film, directed by Okey Oku (Blackrose, The Duplex), follows the tension and constant negotiation of affection and forgiveness that unfolds during the mother’s visit. It stars Nollywood legend Queen Nwokoye, alongside actor Tracey George, Sam Nnabuike, Padita Agu and Adaeze Onuigbo.

‘A Tribe Called Judah’ — Nigeria

Funke Akindele’s A Tribe Called Judah raked in a whopping ₦1.4 billion (about $1 million) at the Nigerian box office, making history and breaking a record Akindele herself set with her previous film, Battle on Buka Street. In A Tribe Called Judah, a single mother with five sons falls dangerously ill, an event that forces her sons to take drastic measures to keep her alive. This film is an intelligent, well-reasoned exploration of class, single motherhood, tribal differences and love. Most of all, it is incredibly hilarious. A Tribe Called Judah stars Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Tobi Makinde, Uzor Arukwe and others.

Now streaming on Prime Video.

‘Ici et là bas’ (‘Here and There’) — Senegal

In this comedy, starring Ahmed Sylla and Hakim Jemili, a man who has been living in Senegal for the past fifteen years is sent back to France due to visa problems. The film follows his journey as he starts to live with his wife’s distant cousin and tries to figure out how to make a life in a home that has now become unfamiliar.

Now in theaters.

‘Funmilayo Ransome Kuti’ — Nigeria

In Bolanle Austen-Peters’ upcoming biopic, the life of the iconic Nigerian activist and social justice advocate Funmilayo Ransome Kuti is explored from her childhood to her activist days, all the way to her older years. The highly anticipated film puts the stellar work of Funmilayo in sharp focus. It removes her from the incessant association with the fame of her son, Fela Kuti, situating her with her own power as well as her own self-determination to root out injustice and confront oppression.

In theaters May 17.

‘Ajosepo’ — Nigeria

Ajosepo, the latest from director Kayode Kasum (Sugar Rush, Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story, This Lady Called Life) is a thrilling, consistently hilarious comedy flick. The film centers around two young people on the eve of their wedding and the chaos that ensues from their dysfunctional families. Ajosepo also tactfully explores traditional spirituality through a modern, comical lens. It stars Mike Afolarin, Tomike Adeoye, Lizzy Jay, Bisola Aiyeola, Mercy Aigbe, Timini Egbuson, Deyemi Okanlawon and a range of other stellar actors.

Now in theaters.

‘Beauté Maudite’ (‘Cursed Beauty’) — Senegal

When a mixed-race woman loses her grandmother, she is forced to live with her uncle, where her beauty, cast in the oxymoronic light of a curse, continues to trail her life with little pockets of misery. Beauté Maudite is an exploration of family dynamics and colorism that confronts difficult subjects with tact. The film stars Yasmine Osorio Natacha, Agustin Diomaye Ngom and others.

Now streaming.

‘Water and Garri’ — Nigeria

In Water and Garri, Tiwa Savage plays a fashion designer named Aisha, who returns home to confront a difficult past. Directed by longtime collaborator Meji Alabi and produced by Savage, Water and Garri evolved from a visual album into a gripping film that tackles various socio-cultural issues in deeply personal ways. “In a way, Aisha’s story is kind of similar to mine,” Savage tells OkayAfricaabout the role. “She travels to America to pursue her dreams. My family moved to London when I was young, and that’s when I fell in love with music. After ten years, Aisha moves back home. After a long time, I too moved back home and discovered my love for Afrobeats.”

Streaming on Prime Video, from May 10.

‘Saving Onome’ — Nigeria

In Dimejin Ajibola’s latest work, starring Nancy Isime (Blood Sisters), a couple find themselves in a desperate bid to save the life of their chronically-ill daughter. Saving Onome explores and stretches out the extent to which love can go, posing the question of where sacrifice and selfishness begin and end.