African history is full of drama, heroism, tragedy, and triumph — perfect ingredients for cinematic epics. And indeed, filmmakers across the continent are turning to the past to tell stories that inspire pride and provoke thought.
Here are some of the most compelling historical epics from Africa:
1. The Woman King (South Africa/USA)
Starring Viola Davis, this blockbuster celebrates the all-female warriors of the Dahomey Kingdom (present-day Benin). While it stirred debates around historical accuracy, it spotlighted powerful African queenship and military legacy.
2. Sarraounia (Niger)
Directed by Med Hondo, this 1986 classic tells the true story of Queen Sarraounia, who resisted French colonial forces. It’s beautifully told, with a feminist lens and deep cultural detail.
3. Toussaint Louverture (Haiti/France/Africa)
Though about Haiti, the film connects directly to African roots, telling the story of the enslaved African who led the Haitian Revolution. The series features scenes shot in Senegal and Cape Verde.
4. Adanggaman (Ivory Coast)
Set in the 17th century, this film explores the complex role of African leaders in the transatlantic slave trade, featuring royal courts, betrayal, and morality.
5. The Battle of Algiers (Algeria)
A political masterpiece about Algeria’s fight for independence from France. Shot in documentary style, it’s raw, real, and riveting.
Bonus Watch: Shaka Zulu: The Epic Mini-Series – Although dated, this 1986 series remains a cornerstone in African epic storytelling, tracing the rise of one of Africa’s greatest military tacticians.
Historical epics are more than costume dramas — they are cultural time machines, reviving ancestral memory and instilling national pride.
