Top 10 West African Movies That Defined 2024 – WAW Edition

Ikenna ChurchillDecember 13, 20243 Mins read59

As 2024 draws to a close, West African cinema has again managed to captivate the world. This year’s top films have shown a reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage, socio-political realities, and creative brilliance. From historical explorations to contemporary dramas, here are the top 10 movies that defined West Africa in 2024.

1. Áfàméfunà

Director: Kayode Kasum | Genre: Drama

Áfàméfunà is an Igbo name that means “my name will not be lost.” The film profoundly explores themes of love, betrayal, and brotherhood. The film navigates the labyrinth of Igbo culture and family dynamics to show how traditions mould and, sometimes, break families. Its emotional depth and culturally resonant storytelling earned it critical acclaim. Read more about Afamefuna here.

2. Dahomey

Director: Mati Diop | Genre: Historical Documentary

Winner of the Golden Bear at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival, Mati Diop’s Dahomey is a masterful exploration of identity, ownership, and history. The film narrates the return of 26 stolen royal artefacts to Benin from France, intertwining the perspectives of the artefacts, Beninese students, and the dark seas they crossed. Diop’s layered storytelling makes this historical event a deep reflection of the postcolonial world, solidifying her position as one of the great filmmakers.

3. Green Fever

Director: Taiwo Egunjobi | Genre: Film Noir

Set in 1980s Ibadan, Green Fever combines nostalgia with suspense. Architect Kunmi and his ailing daughter, Ireti, find refuge in a mysterious mansion during a curfew. Their host, Matilda, seems kind, but the arrival of her lover, Colonel Bashiru, plunges the night into chaos. This atmospheric noir explores themes of survival, power, and human fragility, all against the backdrop of Old Oyo.

4. The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos

Director: Agbajowo Collective | Genre: Drama

Inspired by the forced evictions in Lagos’ Otodo-Gbame community, this film centres on a young mother who stumbles upon corrupt blood money. Played by Temiloluwa Ami-Williams, her journey becomes a gritty tale of survival and justice. The film vividly portrays the resilience of Lagos’ underprivileged communities and the harsh realities of urban displacement.

5. With Difficulty Comes Ease

Director: Korede Azeez | Genre: Drama

Set in northern Nigeria, this is a heart-wrenching story about a young widow, Zainab, who faces the oppressive confines of her mother-in-law’s house, financial struggles, and a secret pregnancy. The blossoming friendship offers her hope and a way out to find herself. The rawness of the film in its expression of grief, resilience, and faith profoundly resonates with the audience.

6. No Chains, No Masters

Director: Simon Moutairou | Genre: Historical Drama

A riveting drama dealing with the devastating legacy of slavery and its repercussions on identity and freedom, No Chains, No Masters is shot in Senegal and France, impressively manoeuvring through various perspectives of liberation and historical accountability. Featuring fantastic visuals and strong performances, No Chains, No Masters challenges the conventions of storytelling in African narratives about slavery.

7. A Tribe Called Judah

Directors: Funke Akindele, Adeoluwa Owu | Genre: Family Drama

This is a gripping drama about Jedidah Judah, a single mother of five sons from five different fathers, who struggles to save her life from kidney disease. The story takes an unexpected turn when her sons plan a high-stakes robbery to fund her medical treatment. The film captures family, loyalty, and survival complexities, with standout performances from Funke Akindele and Timini Egbuson.

8. Kill Boro

Director: Courage Obayuwana | Genre: Domestic Drama

This intense story exposes the debilitating dynamics of domestic violence in families. Kill Boro tells the heartbreaking tale of Boma’s ongoing abuse by her husband, Boro, and how it affects their son, Elijah. The film unpacks this damaging circle of violence; it has the guts to show a raw, realistic portrayal of what goes on within its ripples over generations.

9. The Weekend

Director: Daniel Oriahi | Genre: Romantic Drama

This is a gripping story of Nikiya, an orphan desperate for a family; she pressures her fiancé, Luke, to take her to meet his estranged relatives. What starts as a romantic journey quickly becomes a personal and disturbing discovery. With strong performances and an emotional core, The Weekend is a drama that will be remembered.

10. Inside Life

Director: Clarence Peters | Genre: Anthology Thriller

This anthology series intertwines stories of characters connected through tragedy: a medical student and a girl forced to kill her abusive stepfather. Inside Life is a mix of drama, horror, and comedy, taking on death, myths, and human trafficking, among other stories that combine rivetingly.

These films showcase depth and variety in West African storytelling, consequently setting the region as a global thought-provoking and visually stimulating film hub. From historical reflections to contemporary dramas, 2024 was one such year when West African films left one wanting more.

Reviewing A Tribe Called Judah: Unveiling Love, Family, and Resilience