From the crystal-clear lagoons of Mauritius, to the lush valleys of Ethiopia, and over to the land of a thousand hills that is Rwanda, East African movies have been adopted as primary mediums of gaining insight into the region and its people.
By Frank Njugi
In 1992, the late Roger Ebert, who is considered the most influential voice in film criticism, is known to have given the quote, “A film critic’s job is covering the national dream beat. If you pay attention to the movies, they will tell you what people desire and fear in their deepest secrets”.
Ebert spoke on films being a reflection of the collective desires and fears of a society—that
by examining the themes, characters, and narratives in movies, we can gain insight into what people in a particular society truly yearn for or dread.
In East Africa, the 21st century has seen the art of film undergo an upward trajectory that has resulted in the field groping its way from the province of only hobbyists and amateurs, to become one of the foremost artistic mirrors to the collective consciousness and experiences of the East African people.
This is in contrast with the late 20th century, when the art of film was still in its infancy in the region, with a few releases only giving subtle hints on the profound impact East African movies would eventually have on African cinema as a whole.
From the crystal-clear lagoons of Mauritius, to the lush valleys of Ethiopia, and over to the land of a thousand hills that is Rwanda, East African movies have been adopted as primary mediums of gaining insight into the region and its people.
As a result, iconic feature films that have captivated audiences worldwide have been released, blending unique storytelling with groundbreaking visuals, and reflecting themes unique to the tales of the East African people.
This listicle unveils the magic of East Africa’s cinematic storytelling with a curated list of the 25 most iconic East African movies that have left an indelible mark on the region’s cinematic heritage.
25. The Children of Troumaron (2012, Mauritius)
The Children of Troumaron is a film set in Troumaron, an impoverished area of Port-Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Narrated in the film, is the story of four youngsters and their fight for survival. The youngsters include Sadiq, a poet; Eve, a prostitute, and their friends, Clelio and Savita. Eve has a plan for them to get away from Troumaron.
But it all goes terribly awry, and tragic consequences lead them into a spiral of violence. The film’s narrative skillfully explores survival with its portrayal of violence and desperation serving as a commentary on the socio-economic challenges faced by marginalised communities in the Indian ocean island countries.
The Children of Troumaron story was the handiwork of the writer, Ananda Devi, considered the most influential voice in Mauritian literature, and the 2024 laureate of the prestigious Neustadt International Prize for Literature. Harrikrisna Anenden and Sharvan Anenden served as the directors of the flick.
24. The Battle of the Sacred Tree (1994, Kenya)
In The Battle of the Sacred Tree, in a Kikuyu village, traditional African beliefs clash with missionary fervor, as a sacred tree holds a powerful influence over the community. The Christian missionaries view the tree as a relic of paganism, and they plan to cut it down.
However, Mumbi, the daughter of an old-fashioned medicine man who has just returned from the city and a troubled marriage, stands against them. Through her Polaroid snapshots capturing “the most dramatic occasion of the Feeling of the Sacred Tree”, she brings the community together, evoking healing laughter and a renewed sense of unity.
The Battle of the Sacred Tree was directed by renowned Kenyan writer, poet, journalist and filmmaker, Wanjiru Kinyanjui. It was freely based on a short story by the late British–Ugandan writer, Barbara Kimenye.
23. Africa United (2010, Rwanda)
Africa United is a film about the incredible journey of three Rwandan kids who embark on a 3,000-mile trek to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Armed with creativity and a playful spirit—plus a World Cup wall chart as their map—the adventurers set out across the vast African landscape to chase an unlikely dream.
Along the way, they form a motley crew of colorful characters, each with their own quirks, who help them navigate a series of thrilling, perilous, and often hilarious escapades.
Through their eyes, we witness a side of Africa that few ever experience, confront the stark realities of an epic journey through seven countries, and discover the joy, laughter, and resilience. The film was directed by Deborah “Debs” Gardner-Paterson.
22. Tembele (2022, Uganda)
Set in Kampala, Tembele follows the life of Tembele, a garbage collector working long, 12-hour shifts. He and his wife, Mawa, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child. However, when their baby dies shortly after birth, Tembele experiences a profound mental breakdown, unable to accept the loss. The next day, he returns to work filled with an unsettling happiness, contrasting sharply with the grief that surrounds him.
Directed by Morris Migisha, Tembele was Uganda’s first-ever submission to the Academy Awards Best International Feature category. The film has been lauded for its exploration of mental health, as in a profound way it offers a look at the complexities of grief and denial.
21. Simin Zetwal (2022, Mauritius)
In a working-class city in Mauritius, a man named Old Bolom vanishes and his son, Ronaldo, embarks on a quest to find him. He encounters Ajeya, an Indian immigrant worker. Ronaldo yearns for a life of luxury, while Ajeya seeks to escape her plight as a modern-day slave.
The film, Simin Zetwal, dives into the realities faced by marginalised individuals, capturing their yearning for a better life and fight for freedom. The film was directed by acclaimed Mauritian director David Constantin, with its distribution done by Sudu Connexion.
20. Nairobi Half Life (2012, Kenya)
Directed by David “Tosh” Gitonga, Nairobi Half Life tells the tale of how an aspiring actor from rural Kenya, who makes a living selling Western action films, tries to follow his dreams of becoming successful in Nairobi but gets caught up in crime and recidivism.
It is considered the most powerful East African film in terms of the exploration of ambition, aspiration, and the harsh realities of chasing dreams in a challenging environment.
The film was selected as Kenya’s entry for the Best Foreign Language at the 85th Academy Awards, making it the first time the country has submitted a film in this category. The script was written by former Kwani? editor, Billy Kahora, alongside Potash Charles Matathia and Serah Mwihaki.
19. The Somali Dervish (1983, Somalia)
Focusing on the revolutionary Dervish State and its pivotal leader, Muhammad Abdullah Hassan, The Somali Dervish presents an epic narrative of remarkable scale. It chronicles Hassan’s journey from his beginnings as a humble mullah to becoming a formidable anti-colonial leader who resisted the British Empire for over two decades.
Through his inspiring life story, the film captures the complexities of leadership, the struggle for independence, and the enduring spirit of a people fighting for their rights.
The Somali Dervish epic film was directed by Said Salah and Amar Sneh between 1983 and 1985. It is one of the few full-length feature films to have been produced in Somalia. Once thought to be lost, a copy of the movie was later discovered in the National Film Archive of India in 2019.
18. Gito L’ingrat (1992, Burundi)
Released in 1992, the Burundian comedy film, Gito L’ingrat, was directed by Léonce Ngabo. It tells the story of Gito, a Burundian student living in Paris who, upon completing his studies, resolves to return to his home country.
He makes a promise to his French girlfriend that he will call her when he becomes a minister—a future he is firmly convinced awaits him. However, as he confronts the harsh realities of life back in Burundi, his ambition begins to wane.
Faced with the challenges of his homeland, Gito finds solace in rekindling a relationship with his childhood sweetheart. As he navigates his evolving circumstances, he learns to adapt and makes the best of a difficult situation. With the support and guidance of both women in his life, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately finding strength in their love and friendship.
Hailed as one of the best Burundian films of all time, Gito L’ingrat beautifully captures the nuances of ambition, love, and the search for identity amidst the trials of returning home from the diaspora.
17. Lamb (2015, Ethiopia)
The Ethiopian film, Lamb, tells the story of a half-Jewish boy who is sent to live with relatives in the southern mountains of Ethiopia. Notably, it was the first film from Ethiopia to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival and served as the country’s entry for the Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopian cinema.
The performances in this film are deeply affecting, allowing audiences to connect with the boy’s plight and his unwavering loyalty to his beloved pet. This film not only addresses topics such as familial duty and sacrifice, but also highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of heartbreaking choices. Lamb was directed by Yared Zeleke.
16. Our Lady of The Nile (2019, Rwanda)
An adaptation of the novel, Our Lady of The Nile, by Rwandan writer Scholastique Mukasonga, this film tells the story of how in a Catholic boarding school in 1970’s Rwanda, a group of young girls are poised to become the future elite of their nation. As they engage in their studies and refine their skills, their lives appear pristine and full of promise.
However, beneath this polished facade lies a troubling undercurrent of Hutu and Tutsi racial hatred that threatens to unravel their seemingly idyllic existence. This French-language film, directed by Atiq Rahimi, won the Crystal Bear award at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival.
15. Running Against the Wind (2019, Ethiopia)
The Ethiopian film, Running Against The Wind, tells the story of Abdi and Solomon, who are childhood friends from rural Ethiopia, whose lives take dramatically different turns. Solomon escapes to the city, chasing his dream of becoming a photographer, but soon finds himself homeless, struggling for survival.
A decade later, inspired by legendary Olympics runner, Haile Gebrselassie, Abdi moves to the capital to pursue his own ambitions in athletics, ultimately winning a National Championship. Their heartfelt reunion brings hope, as Abdi attempts to rescue Solomon from his dire circumstances, but fate has other challenges in store for them.
Running Against The Wind was directed by Jan Philipp Weyl, and was selected as the Ethiopian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. The film greatly examines the dynamics of brotherhood, by highlighting the nuances of relationships, illustrating both the strength and fragility of connections, as humans confront challenges and evolve over time.
14. The Mercy of the Jungle (2018, Rwanda)
The Mercy of the Jungle is a compelling road movie that delves into the harrowing realities of war in Congo through the eyes of two disoriented soldiers navigating the dense, unforgiving jungle. Their narrative unfolds as they confront not only external dangers—militant factions, wildlife, and the harsh elements—but also their own inner demons.
The film is full of moments of tension and vulnerability, allowing viewers to witness their emotional transformations as they grapple with guilt, trauma, and the search for redemption. The film, which was the second feature film by Rwandan director Joël Karekezi, is acclaimed for its raw and unflinching portrayal of the complexities of the second Congo War.
13. Goodbye Julia (2023, Sudan)
Goodbye Julia tells the story of two women, embodying the complex relationship and cultural differences between the Northern and Southern Sudanese countries. Set in Khartoum during the final years of Sudan as a united nation—just before the 2011 separation of South Sudan—the film explores themes of guilt, identity, and redemption.
Mona, a Muslim and once a popular singer from the North, grapples with feelings of remorse after inadvertently causing the death of a Southern man. In an attempt to alleviate her guilt, she hires Julia, a Christian and the unsuspecting widow of the deceased, as her maid.
Their intertwined lives reveal the deep-seated tensions and humanity that persist despite the societal divides, ultimately leading to the film being a powerful exploration of forgiveness and understanding.
Goodbye Julia was directed by Mohamed Kordofani as his debut feature film. It was also the first movie from Sudan ever to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival. It was also selected by the Sudanese National Committee, operating in exile due to war, to compete for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
12. Subira (2018, Kenya)
Featuring acclaimed actors, Brenda Wairimu and Nice Githinji, Subira tells the story of a free-spirited young girl from Lamu, Kenya, who struggles to live out her unique dream of swimming in the ocean. She gathers the courage to go against local customs and an arranged upper-class marriage.
Subira is a captivating exploration of individuality and the pursuit of dreams against societal constraints. A testament to the spirit of defiance and the quest for personal liberation. The film was directed by Ravneet Sippy Chadha. It was selected as the Kenyan entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.
11. Lonbraz Kann (2014, Mauritius)
The story of Mauritian Film, Lonbraz Kann, unfolds with the closure of a sugar factory and its profound impact on the local community. As the factory shuts down, the homes of the factory workers are demolished to make way for new developments, leaving residents grappling with the loss of their livelihoods and sense of belonging.
This upheaval forces them to confront the harsh realities of displacement and the erasure of their close-knit community. Directed by David Constantin, Lonbraz Kann has been lauded for its unflinching examination of the socio-economic realities faced by communities in the wake of industrial change. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of development, and a beautifully crafted film that powerfully captures the emotional landscape of a community in crisis.
10. Rafiki (2018, Kenya)
Perhaps Kenya’s best film to date, Rafiki is a film that beautifully explores the blossoming romance between two young women, Kena and Ziki. It is set against the backdrop of a society grappling with stringent family expectations and the challenges of political oppression regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Kenya.
The film intricately weaves the personal and political, highlighting the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the country. It portrays the pressures from families who cling to traditional values and the broader societal stigma that challenges love and acceptance.
The film had its premiere at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, making it the first Kenyan film to be screened at the festival. Rafiki was directed by award–winning Kenyan director, Wanuri Kahiu, and is inspired by Ugandan Monica Arac de Nyeko’s 2007 Caine Prize-winning short story “Jambula Tree”.
9. The Athlete (2009, Ethiopia)
The Athlete is an Ethiopian film that dramatises the life of legendary marathon runner, Abebe Bikila. The film tells the story of how after losing the use of his legs in a car accident, the runner finds a new outlet for his athletic ability and competitive nature in archery and a type of sled-dog racing.
With over 15 award wins, The Athlete is a highly regarded film in regards to the actor performances which are deeply moving, particularly in how they convey the struggle and ultimate triumph over adversity.
The film’s story serves as an uplifting reminder that true strength lies in the ability to adapt and find new avenues for self-expression — a celebration of the indomitable spirit of athletes who redefine what it means to compete and inspire others along the way.
8. Maangamizi: The Ancient One (2001, Tanzania)
Maangamizi: The Ancient One tells the tale of Asira, an African-American doctor raised in Mississippi, who accompanies her Tanzanian boyfriend to his homeland, to serve at a local hospital.
There, she meets a man named Samehe, who is in psychiatric care due to recurring hallucinations and claims to be in contact with a mysterious shaman/spirit guide named Maangamizi. Asira grows more interested in Samehe and, in turn, with East African spirituality, which helps her connect with her own roots.
Maangamizi: The Ancient One not only showcases the beauty of cross-cultural relationships but also celebrates the journey of self-discovery and the healing power of connection. The film is a reminder of how exploring new worlds can lead to profound insights into our own identities.
It premiered at the Pan African Film Festival in 2001 and has played in over 55 Film Festivals worldwide since. Maangamizi: The Ancient One was Tanzania’s first-ever submission for the Academy Awards.
7. The Grave Digger’s Wife ( 2021, Somalia)
Somalia selected this film as an entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. The Grave Digger’s Wife tells the story of Guled, a gravedigger in Djibouti, who is struggling to raise money to pay for surgery when his wife, Nasra, becomes gravely ill with kidney disease.
This enchanting love story, grounded in Somali culture, paints a vivid portrait of passion and resilience, showcasing romance in a profound way. The film premiered in the Critics’ Week program at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. It was subsequently screened at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was one of the winners of the Amplify Voices Award.
6. Difret (2014, Ethiopia)
Produced by American actress and filmmaker, Angelina Jolie, Difret is an Ethiopian drama film that had its premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival where it won the World Cinematic Dramatic Audience Award. It was written and directed by Zeresenay Berhane Mehari.
Difret is based on the true story of a 14-year-old girl who is abducted by a gang of men and assaulted by one of them. She manages to fight back and shoot her primary assailant with his own gun. She ends up accused of murder and sentenced to death until one tenacious female lawyer comes to her aid and challenges their country’s customs.
The film has been lauded for how it narrates Ethiopia’s history with patriarchy and about the landmark court case that ended child bride kidnapping in the country.
5. Petit Pays (2020, Burundi)
Known as Small Country: An African Childhood in English, this film tells the story of a ten-year-old, Gabriel, the son of a French father and a Rwandan mother, who enjoys carefree days at school and playing with friends in a close-knit Burundian community.
However, his idyllic life is shattered when the ethnic genocide in neighboring Rwanda encroaches upon his world, endangering families and claiming lives. The film is based on the semi-autobiographical novel by singer and writer, Gaël Faye, of the same name.
Petit Pays is acclaimed for presenting a tale that in a unique way explores the disruption of childhood and the loss of paradise. It was written and directed by Éric Barbier.
4. Vuta N’Kuvute ( 2021, Tanzania)
Vuta N’Kuvute (Tug of War) is a film inspired by Adam Shafi’s acclaimed Swahili novel of the same name. It is a coming-of-age political drama set in the waning years of British colonial Zanzibar. Vuta N’Kuvute explores the vibrant East African coastal culture of the 1950s, highlighting the class and racial divides enforced by colonial rule.
Denge, a discontented and defiant Zanzibari youth is involved in the freedom struggle, and encounters Yasmin, a runaway Indian-Zanzibari bride whose rebellious spirit compels her to seek independence. Their troubled romance unfolds amidst the daily challenges of navigating their roles in the fight for freedom.
Vuta N’Kuvute was directed by Amil Shivji and was Tanzania’s second entry ever, and its first in 21 years, for the Academy Awards Best International Feature category. In November 2022, it was awarded the Tanit d’Or, the top prize at Tunisia’s Carthage Film Festival.
3. You Will Die At Twenty (2019, Sudan)
Sudan’s first ever Oscar’s entry, You Will Die At Twenty, was a film based on Sudanese writer, Hammour Ziada’s short story, “Sleeping at the Foot of the Mountain”. The film follows the life of Muzamil (Mustafa Shehata) from birth until his 20th birthday.
As he grows up, Muzamil leads a typical childhood but often feels anxious about his fate because in his Sudanese village near the Nile, a Sufi mystic predicts that he will die at twenty. The film is gorgeously crafted and a melancholic exploration of how life and death intersect.
The film was directed by Sudanese director, Amjad Abu Alala, as his country’s only eighth feature film, as few films had been produced in the country since independence in 1956. It was released in 2019 at the Venice International Film Festival and was awarded the Lion of the Future award for Best First Feature film.
2. Feuerherz (2009, Eritrea)
Feuerherz is a film based on the true story of a young Eritrean girl abandoned by her mother and trained to fight in one of Eritrea’s liberation armies in the 1970’s.
The main attraction might be the 10-year-old lead actress who gives an award worthy performance, making sure the film in a profound way tells a narrative that dives into the depths of innocence amidst chaos, providing a child’s perspective on a fratricidal war. The film was inspired by the best-selling book by the German singer, Senait Ghebrehiwet Mehari, of the same name. It was nominated for the International Film Critics Award at the 2010 Los Angeles International Film Festival.
1. Munyurangabo (2007, Rwanda)
While reviewing this film, Ebert described this first film ever in the Kinyarwanda language as “in every frame a beautiful and powerful film — a masterpiece”. Munyurangabo is a story of two boys named Munyurangabo and Sangwa.
After stealing a machete in Kigali, the two endeavor to leave the city for their villages where Munyurangabo wishes to seek justice for his parents killed in the 1994 Tutsi genocide, while Sangwa hopes to return home. What was meant to be a short visit stretched into several days, testing their friendship as Sangwa’s parents warn him about the enmity between Hutus and Tutsis.
Considered as the most compelling and authentic film to date on the moral and emotional aftermath of the genocide that devastated Rwanda, Munyurangabo was directed by Lee Isaac Chun and filmed entirely in Rwanda with local actors.
Honourable Mentions
- Semret (2022, Eritrea)
- KatiKati (2016, Kenya )
- Grey Matter (2011, Rwanda)
- Life Of Fare (2018, Eritrea)
- The Forbidden (2018, Uganda)
- Rain (2016, Uganda)
- Tigisti (2012, Eritrea)
- Price Of Love (2015, Ethiopia)
- Super Modo (2018, Kenya)
- Hadithi za Kumekucha: TUNU (2017, Tanzania)
Frank Njugi is a Kenyan Writer, Culture journalist and Critic who has written on the East African and African culture scene for platforms such as Debunk Media, Republic Journal, Sinema Focus, Culture Africa, The Elephant, Wakilisha Africa, The Moveee, Africa in Dialogue, Afrocritik and others. He tweets as @franknjugi.