African history is vast, diverse, and often underrepresented in mainstream narratives. Thankfully, a growing number of filmmakers and historians are creating documentaries that celebrate and interrogate Africa’s past — from ancient civilizations to colonial resistance and post-independence struggles.
Here are some must-watch documentaries that offer powerful insights:
1. Africa: The Story of a Continent (Basil Davidson)
A seminal series exploring African history before colonialism. Davidson debunks myths of a “dark continent” and highlights Africa’s advanced civilizations, trade routes, and rich cultures.
2. The Great African Civilizations (Henry Louis Gates Jr.)
A sweeping six-hour series that traces African civilizations from the Kingdom of Kush to Mali, and into the Atlantic slave trade and colonization. It’s educational and visually arresting.
3. Concerning Violence (Dir. Göran Olsson)
Narrated by Lauryn Hill, this film draws from Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth and uses archival footage to portray African liberation movements. A must-watch for those interested in revolutionary history.
4. Africa's Great Civilizations (PBS)
Another brilliant piece by Henry Louis Gates Jr., focusing on the development of arts, governance, and trade in places like Nubia, Great Zimbabwe, and the Swahili Coast.
5. The Rise and Fall of Apartheid (Multiple versions)
Many versions exist, but most offer chilling first-hand accounts and footage detailing South Africa’s apartheid era, the resistance, and the eventual triumph of democracy.
Honourable Mention: The Square Kilometre Array Documentary – This futuristic yet historical doc delves into South Africa’s role in a global space science revolution, rooted in a land with ancient stargazing traditions.
These documentaries are more than just films — they are tools for reclaiming history and understanding Africa’s profound contributions to global civilization.