The Africa Project Part 1 Algeria - Congo Brazzaville
By: The Africa Film Project

The Africa Project Part 1: Algeria- Congo Brazzaville
The Africa Project Part 2: Congo Kinshasa – Ghana
The Africa Project Part 3: Guinea Bissau – Mauritus
The Africa Project Part 4: Morocco – Sao Tome and Princpe
The Africa Project Part 5: Senegal – Sudan
The Africa Project Part 6: Swaziland – Zimbabwe
![]()
ALGERIA
Quick Overview
The Algerian cinema began as a war cinema and between 1963 and 1967 film was seen as forming a key part of the Algerian liberation struggle. In the mid-1960s the new Algerian government played the major part in the organisation of all aspects of cinema, maintaining a monopoly of production, distribution and exhibition through an often bewildering succession of bureaucratic organisations. The O.N.C.I.C (national office for the film industry, founded in 1968) fully monopolized the trade. Algeria is still producing a large number of films and documentaries often in a coperative with France. Directors such as Tariq Teguia, Lyes Salem and Rabah Ameur Zaimeche will ensure that Algeria play an important part in world cinema for years to come.

Inland
Selection of films
- Mais Un Jour de Novembre, Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, 1964, Battle of Algiers, Gillo Pontecorvo, 1966, the Winds of the Aures, Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, 1966, Dawn of the Damned, Ahmed Rachedi, 1966,Hassan Terro, Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, 1967, Z, Costa-Gavras, 1969, Hors La Loi, Tewfik Fares, 1969, L’opium et la Baton, Ahmed Rachidi, 1971, Generation de Guerre, Tewfik Fares, 1971, Viva Didou, Mohamed Zimet, 1971,Decembre, Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, 1972, Noua, Abdelaziz Tolbi, Inspector Tahar’s Holiday, Moussa Hadad, 1972, Chronicle of the Years of Fire, Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina,1975, Omar It Kills Him, Merzak Allouache, 1976, Nahla, Farouk Beloufa, 1979, Aulad el rih – Les enfants du vent, Brahim Tsaki, 1981, Vents de Sable, Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, 1982, Combien Je Vous Aime, Azzeddine Meddour, 1986, Les folles années du twist, Mahmoud Zemmouri, 1986, Rose of the Desert, Mohamed Rachid Benhadj, 1988, El Kaala, Mohammed Chouikh, 1988, Layla, Taieb Louhichi, 1990, Touchia, Mohamed Rachid Benhadj, 1992, Bab el Oued City, Merzak Allouache, 1994, Salut Cousin, Merzak Allouache, Youcef, Mohammed Chouikh,1994, Machaho, Belkacem Hadjadj, 1996, The Desert Ark, Mohammed Chouikh, 1997, Arabica 100%, Mahmoud Zemmouri, 1997, La Montagne de Braya, Azzeddine Meddour, 1997, Living In Paradise, Bourlem Guerdjou, 1998, Algeria, la Vie Quand Meme, Djamila Sahraoui, 1998, Le Harem de Mme Osmane, Nadir Mokneche, 2000, A Female Cabby In Sidi Bel-Abbes, Belkacem Hadjadj, 2000, Inch’Allah dimanche, Yamina Benguigui, 2001, L’autre monde, Merzak Allouache, 2001, L’attente des Femmes, Naguel Belouad, 2001, Algeria: La Vie Toujours, Djamila Sahraoui, 2001, Borders, Mostefa Djadjam, 2001, Jean Fares, Lyes Salem, 2001, Des Vacances Malgre Tout, Malek Ben Smail, 2001, Little Senegal, Rachid Bouchareb, 2001, Rachida, Yamina Bachir, 2002, Guerre Sans Images, Moahmed Soudani, 2002, La voisine, Ghaouti Bendedouche, 2002, The Sun Assassinated, Abdelkrim Bahloul, 2003, Hacla, Tariq Teguia, 2003, un Reve Algerien, Jean Pierre Lledo, 2003, Viva Algeria, Nadir Mokneche, 2004, Le the d’Ania, Said Ould Khalifa, 2004, Seekers of Oblivion, Raja Amari, 2004, Le Grand Jeu, Malek Ben Smail, 2004, Alienations, Malek Ben Smail, 2004, Cousines, Lyes Salem, 2004, the Suspects, Kemal Dehane, 2004, El Manara, Belkacem Hadjadj, 2004, Bab El Web, Merzak Allouache, 2005, Barakat, Djamila Sahraoui, 2006, Ball of Wool, Fatma Zohra Zamoum, 2006, Beur Blanc Rouge, Mahmoud Zemmouri, 2006, Rome Rather Than You, Tariq Teguia, 2006, Bled Number One, Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche, 2006, Delice Paloma, Nadir Mokneche, 2007, Yellow House, Amor Hakkar, 2007, Moruturi, Okacha Touita, 2007, Algeria Unspoken Stories, Jean Pierre Lledo, 2007, Cartouches Gauloises, Mehdi Charef, 2007, Gabbla, Tariq Teguia, 2008, Ben Boulaid, Ahmed Rachedi, 2008, Mascarades, Lyes Salem, 2008, Play In the Shade, Mohamed Lakhdar Tati, 2008, Dernier Marquis, Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche, 2009, Unlucky, Fatma Zohra Zamoum, 2009, La Chine Est Encore Loin, Malek Ben Smail, 2009, the Trip To Algiers, Abdelkrim Bahloul, 2009, Harragas, Merzak Allouache, 2009, Outside the Law, Rachid Bouchareb, 2010, Garagouz, Abdenour Zahzah, 2010, Taxiphone: El Mektoub, Moahmed Soudani, 2010, On Ne Mourra Pas, Amal Ketab, 2010, Dans le silence je sens rouler la terre, Mohamed Lakhdar Tati, 2010, A Few Days of Respite, Amor Hakkar, 2011, The First Man, Gianni Amelio, 2011, Tomorrow Algiers, Amin Sidi-Boumediène, 2011, Normal, Merzak Allouache, 2011, The Repentant, Merzak Allouache, 2012

Merzak Allouache
Important Filmmakers
- Merzak Allouache
- Mehdi Charef
- Yamina Bachir-Chouikh
- Abdelkrim Bahloul
- Yamina Benguigui
- Rachid Benhadj
- Malek Ben Smail
- Rachid Bouchareb
- Mohamed Chouikh
- Tewfik Fares
- Belkacem Hadjadj
- Amor Hakkar
- Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina
- Mohamed Lakhdar Tati
- Jean Pierre Lledo
- Azzeddine Meddour
- Nadir Moknèche
- Ahmed Rachedi
- Djamila Sahraoui
- Lyes Salem
- Mohamed Soudani
- Tariq Teguia
- Rabah Ameur Zaimeche
- Fatma Zohra Zamoum
- Mahmoud Zemmouri
Film Festivals
- Taghit Dor Short Film Festival
Links
- Algerian Cinema At A Turning Point
- Despite past challenges, Algerian cinema shows great potential
- Review of Barakat!
- Algerian Filmmaking Out of the Shadows
- Algeriades Website
- Aflam Website
Books/Essays
- Algerian cinema, Hala Salmane, Simon Hartog, David Wilson, BFI publishing.
- Algeria Cuts, Women and Representation, 1830 to the Present, Ranjana Khanna, Stanford Press

Battle of Algiers
Films/Trailers/Clips
- Harragas, Merzak Allouache, 2009
- Bab el oued city, Merzak Allouache, 1994
- Rachida, Yasmina Bachir, 2002,
- Mascarades, Lyes Salem, 2008
- La Harem de Madame Osmane, Nadir Mokneche, 2000
- El Manara, Belkacem Hadjadj, 2004
- L’opium et la Baton, Ahmed Rachidi, 1971
- Hassan Terro, Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, 1967
- the Sun Assassinated, Abdelkrim Bahloul, 2003
- Les folles années du twist, Mahmoud Zemmouri, 1986
- Bled Number One, Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche, 2006
- Chronicle of the Years of Fire, Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, 1975
Omar Gatlato, Merzak Allouache, 1976
- Gabbla, Tariq Teguia, Trailer
- Battle of Algiers, Gillo Pontecorvo, Trailer
- Barakat!, Djamila Sahraoui, Trailer
- Le Vent de Aures, Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, Clip
- Yellow House, Amor Hakkar, , Trailer
- Alienations, Malek Ben Smail, Trailer
![]()
ANGOLA
Quick Overview
Dating back to 1931, Angola’s broadcast media is one of the oldest on the continent. However, it is still very much under the control of the government. Television, radio and print journalists have been subjected to harassment, beatings and imprisonment. Action of this type is inflicted under the guise of ‘national security.’The Ministry of Information issues broadcasting licences and oversees the allocation of frequencies. Presently only the government is allowed to broadcast using television and medium/short-wave frequencies. Civil war has ravaged this country through the years and film production is limited. Still Angola is an important player in Lusophone cinema and boasts important filmmakers such as Zeze Gamboa, and Maria Joao Ganga.

Sambizanga
Selection of Films
- Monangambé, Sarah Maldoror, 1968, Des fusils pour Banta, Sarah Maldoror, 1970, Sambizanga, Sarah Maldoror, 1972, Malteses, burgueses e às vezes…, Artur Semedo, 1974, Faz la Coragem, Camarada, Ruy Duarte de Carvalho, 1977, O Golpe, Francisco Henriques, 1977, O Kimbanda Kambia, Roy Duarte de Carvalho, 1978, Carnaval da Vitoria, Antonio Ole, 1978, No caminho das estrelas, António Ole, 1980, Nelisita, Ruy Duarte de Carvalho, 1982, Memoria de um Dia, Orlando Fortunato de Oliveira, 1982, O Recado das Ilhas, Ruy Duarte de Carvalho, 1989, Comboio da Canhoca, Orlando Fortunatao de Oliveira, 1989, Un Lugar Limpio Y Bien Iluminado, Mariano Bartolomeu, 1990, Quem Faz Correr Quim?, Mariano Bartolomeu, 1991, Mopiopio, Zeze Gamboa, 1991, Caravana, Rogelio Paris, 1992, O Miradouro da Lua, Jorge António, 1995, Dissidence, Zeze Gamboa, 1998, Rostov-Luanda, Abderrahmane Sissako, 1998, Agostinho Neto, Oralando Fortunato de Oliveira, 2000, Burned By the Blue, Zeze Gamboa, 2001, The Hero, Zeze Gamboa, 2004, Hollow City, Maria Joao Ganga, 2004, Cuba: An African Odyessy, Jihan El tahri, 2007, Kangmamba, Rogelio Paris, 2008, Kuduro: fogo no museque, Jorge António, 2008, Luanda, Factory of Music, Inês Gonçalves, Kiluanje Liberdade, 2009, Alambamento, Mario Bastos, 2010, Bullets and Guns, Francisco Cáfua, 2010

Sarah Maldoror
Important Filmmakers
- Jorge Antonio
- Mariano Bartolomeu
- Ruy Duarte de Carvalho
- Orlando Fortunato de Oliveira
- Zeze Gamboa
- Maria Joao Ganga
- Sarah Maldoror
- Antonio Ole
- Rogelio Paris
Film Festivals
- Festival Internacional de Cinema – Luanda
Links
- Angolan Films and Filmed in Angola
- Angolan Cinema Flourishes After the War
- New York Times Review: the Hero
- A Profile of Sarah Maldoror
Books/Essays
- Angolan Filma, Study Guide, Books LLC
- Cinema em Angola, José de Matos Cruz, José Mena Abrantes

The Hero
Films/Trailers/Clips
- Caravana, Rogelio Paris, 1992
- Kangamba, Rogelio Paris, 2008
Sambizanga, Sarah Maldoror, 1973
- Alambamento, Mario Bastos, 2010, Trailer
- The Hero, Zeze Gamboa, 2004, Trailer
- Archive footage used in O Grand Kilapy, Zeze Gamboa, 2011
![]()
BENIN
Quick Overview
Being a French colony, only to gain independence in 1960, film was introduced early in this, at the time, highly under developed country. Allthough no recorded actual short or long features, footage from the country dates back to the early nineteen tens and twenties. Benin (aka Dahomey until 1975) has only in recent years developed a name in the cinematic world. Benin runs behind other West African countries such as Senegal and Burkina Faso. Still they have a leading auteur in Jean Odoutan who splits his time bewteen France and Benin.

Si-Gueriki, la Reine Mere
Selection of Films
- Sous le signe du vaudou, Pascal Abikanlou, 1974, The Newcomer, Richard de Medeiros, 1976, Ironou, Francois Okioh, 1985, Pressions, Sanvi Panou, 1985, Divine carcasse, Dominique Loreau, 1998, Barbecue-Pejo, Jean Odoutan, 2000, Djib, Jean Odoutan, 2000, Si-Gueriki, la Reine Mere, Idrissou Mora Kpai, 2002, Mama Aloko, Jean Odoutan, 2002, La valse des gros derrières, Jean Odoutan, 2004, Arlit, deuxième Paris, Idrissou Mora Kpai, 2005, Beauté, grandeur nature, Sanvi Panou, 2005, Abeni, Tunde Kelani, 2006, Africa Paradis, Sylvestre Amoussou, 2006, L’amazone candidate, Sanvi Panou, 2007, Pim-Pim Tché, Jean Odoutan, 2009, Shed No Tears, Kaitlyn Summerhill, 2010, Indochina, Traces of A Mother, Idrissa Mora Kpai, 2010

Jean Odoutan
Important Filmmakers
- Sylvestre Ammoussou
- Idrissou Mora Kpai (Nigeria)
- Jean Odoutan
- Francois Sourou Okioh
- Sanvi Panou
Film Festivals
- Quintessence Film Festival of Ouidah
Links
- History of Cinema In Benin

The Amazon Candidate
Films/Trailers/Clips
- Pim Pim Tche, Toast de Vie!, Jean Odoutan, Trailer
- La valse des gros derrières, Jean Odoutan, Trailer
- Mama Aloko, Jean Odoutan, Trailer
- Africa Paradis, Sylvestre Ammoussou, Trailer
Divine Carcasse, Dominique Loreau, 1998
![]()
BOTSWANA
Quick Overview
Nowadays Botswana has made little or no progress in the film industry. No film has ever entered the film festival circuit be it short or long metrage. No Botswana local has ever won international acclaim. In Gaborone some production have settled, but none have produced an award winning production. The biggest fiction film ever made supposedly about Botswana – but not actually made here – was The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980), with a sequel (1989).

The Gods Must Be Crazy
Selection of Films
- The Gods Must Be Crazy, Jamie Uys, 1980, The Gods Must Be Crazy II, Jamie Uys, 1989, The Stars Know Our Home, Tyler Gurd, Greg Lillie, 2010, Lost and Found, Malica Chehrzad, Jonathan Formica, 2010, African Democrat, Billy Kokorwe, 2010

Billy Kokorwe
Important Filmmakers
- Billy Kokorwe
Film Festivals
- Ditshwanelo Human Rights Festival
Links
- Filmmaking In Botswana
- Kokorwe, Briton to launch new film outfit
- History of Cinema In Botswana

The Gods Must Be Crazy II
Films/Trailers/Clips
The Gods Must Be Crazy II, Jamie Uys, 1989
![]()
BURKINA FASO
Quick Overview
In 1969 cinema’s are nationalised, leading to a boycott by French distributors who exercise a film supply monopoly in the region. The following decades the government is in strong favor of the film industry and in collaboration with Ousmane Sembene the Biannual Panafrican Festival of Cinema, which was first held as the ‘Semaine du Cinem Africain’ in 1969. The festival is considered one of the most prestigeous on the continent. As a result of these efforts the film industry in Burkina Faso is considered the best in West Africa, if not in Africa, with production and distribution facilities. Burkina Faso has a whole host of leading directors who have won many international awards.

Yaaba
Selection of Films
- Le sang des parias, Mamadou Djim Kola, 1973, M’Ba-Raogo, Augustin Roch Taoko, 1975, Sur le chemin de la réconciliation, Rene Bernard Yonli, 1976, Poko, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1981, Wedd Kundi, Gaston Kabore, 1982, Paweogo, Daniel Kollo Sanou, 1983, Les écuelles, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1983, Jours de tourmentes, Paul Zoumbara, 1983, Les funérailles du Larle Naba, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1984, Issa le tisserand, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1985, Sarraounia, Med Hondo, 1986, Yam Daabo, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1986, Dunia, Sekou Traore, S. Pierre Yameogo, 1987, The Street’s Is Ours, Moustapha Dao, 1987, Zan Boko, Gaston Kabore, 1988, Yaaba, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1989, Le neveu du peintre, Moustapha Dao, 1989, Yiri Kan, Issiaka Konate, 1989, Bilakoro, Dani Kouyate, Isaa Traore de Brahima, 1989, Le grotto, Sou Jacob, 1989 Tilai, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1990, Mamy Wata, Moustapha Diop, 1990, Laafi – Tout va bien, S. Pierre Yameogo, 1991, Karim and Sela, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1991, Ashakara, Gerard Louvain, 1991, Un certain matin, Fanta Regina Nacro, 1991, Obi, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1991, the Tradition, Drissa Toure, 1991, L’enfant et le caïman, Moustapha Dao, 1991, Samba Traoré, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1992, Baore, Maurice Kabore, 1992, Jigi – L’espoir, Daniel Kollo Sanou, 1992, Den Baya, Dragoss Ouedraogo, 1992, Rabi, Gaston Kabore, 1992, Sababu, Daniel Kollo Sanou, 1993, Wendemi, l’enfant du bon Dieu, S.Pierre Yameogo, 1993, The Woman With Three Husbands, Cilla Sawagogo, Daniele Roy, 1993, Keita! L’héritage du griot, Dani Kouyate, Le Cri de Couer, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1994, Afrique Mon Afrique…, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1994, Haramuya, Drissa Toure, 1995, Puk Nini, Fanta Regina Nacro, 1996, L’oeuf, Moustapha Dao, 1996, Kini and Adams, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1997, Buud Yam, Gaston Kabore, 1997, Les Parias du Cinema, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1997, Le truc de Konaté, Fanta Regina Nacro, 1998, Lucy’s Revenge, Janusz Mrozowski, 1998, Souko, cinématographe en carton, Issiaka Konate, 1998, Silmandé – Tourbillon, S. Pierre Yameogo, 1998, The Black Shephard and the Red Fairy, Mamady Sidibe, 1999, The Price of Ignorance, Appoline Traore, 2000, Enfants du Blanc, Sarah Bouyain, 2000, Sia, le rêve du python, Dani Kouyate, 2001, Bintou, Regina Fanta Nacro, 2001, Le retour de la main habile, Tassere Ouedraogo, 2002, Anger of the Gods, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 2003, Moi et mon blanc, S. Pierre Yameogo, 2003, Siraba La Grande Voie, Issa Traore de Brahima, 2003, Kounandi, Appoline Traore, 2003, The Night of Truth, Fanta Regina Nacro, 2004, L’autre Mal, Tassere Ouedraogo,2004, Ouaga Saga, Dani Kouyate, 2004, Sous la clarté de la lune, Appoline Traore, 2004, Tasuma, Daniel Sallou Kollo, 2004, Safi, the Little Mother, Raso Ganemtore, 2004, Love Online, Adama Roamba, 2005, Delwendes, S. Pierre Yameogo, 2005, Rêves de poussière, Laurent Salgues, 2006, Kato, Kato, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 2006, Monde est Une Ballet, Issa Traore de Brahima, 2006, Mokili, Berni Goldblat, Faro: Goddess of the Waters, Salif Traore, Djanta, Tassere Ouédraogo, 2007, Mogo Puissant, Boubacar Diallo, 2007, Code Phoenix, Boubacar Diallo, 2007, An Uncommon Woman, Abdoulaye Dao, 2008, Sam La Caid, Boubacar Diallo, 2008, Sauver Rama, Tassere Ouedroaogo, 2008, The Armchair, Missa Hebie, 2009, Ceux de la Colline, Berni Goldblat, 2009, Kebayina, des femmes du Burkina, Dragoss Ouedraogo, 2009, Heart of A Lion, Boubacar Diallo, 2009, The Place in Between, Sarah Bouyain, 2010

Gaston Kabore
Important Filmmakers
- Sarah Bouyain
- Moustapha Dao
- Boubacar Diallo
- Raso Ganemtore
- Berni Goldblat
- Gaston Kabore
- Maurice Kabore
- Daniel Kollo Sanou
- Issiaka Konate
- Dani Kouyate
- Fanta Regina Nacro
- Dragoss Ouedraogo
- Idrissa Ouedraogo
- Tassere Ouedraogo
- Drissa Toure
- Appoline Traore
- Issa Traore de Brahima
- S. Pierre Yameogo
Film Festivals
- FESPACO , the Festival Pan-Africain du Cinema et de la Television à Ouagadougou
Links
- Burkina Faso gets film school
- Cinema of Burkina Faso
- The Unlikely Home of Africa’s Oscars
- A Focus On Burkinabe Women In Cinema
- Cinema Ouagadougou the Home of African Film
Books/Essays
- Cinema of Burkina Faso: List of Fespaco Award Winners, Books Llc
- African Cinema and Europe: Close-up on Burkina Faso, Teresa Hoefert de Turégano, European Press Academic Publishing

Sam La Caid
Films/Trailers/Clips
- Le Mangue, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 2008, Short Film
- Scenarios from Africa: The Champions, Fanta Regina Nacro, Educational AIDS film.
- Yaaba, Idrissa Ouedraogo, 1989
- Reves de Poussiere, Laurent Salgues, 2006
- Sia La Reve de Python, Dani Kouyate, 2001
- Ouaga Saga, Dani Kouyate, 2004
Budd Yam, Gaston Kabore, 1997
- Interview With Regina Fanta Nacro on Night of Truth
- Report From African Film Festival
- Wend Kuuni, Gaston Kabore, Trailer
- Tasuma, Daniel Kollo Sanou, Trailer
- Tilai, Idrissa Ouedraogo, Trailer
- Yam Daabo, Idrissa Ouedraogo, Trailer
- Samba Traore Idrissa Ouedraogo, Trailer
![]()
BURUNDI
Quick Overview
Burundi has hardly any recorded cinematic history. This country has suffered tremendeously from wars and ethnic rebellion throughout the twentieth century. There are some intiatives currently running in Burundi and there must be some hope in the future there will be more activity from this troubled country.

Gito l’ingrat
Selection of Films
- Ni-Ni, Jean-Michel Hussi Nyamusimba, 1980, Gito, l’ingrat, Leonce Ngabo, 1992, Bigger Plans, Cynthia Niyonsaba, 2007, Reveal Yourself, Ginette Mahoro, 2007 Nothing’s the Same, Linda Kamunta, 2007, Kamenge, Northern Quarters, Manu Gerosa, Salva Muñoz, 2010, Histoire du Burundi, Leonce Ngabo, 2010, The Return of Old Man Kabura, Patrick Ngendakumana, 2010, Na Wewe, Ivan Goldschmidt, 2010

Mobile cinema team in Burundi
Important Filmmakers
- Leonce Ngabo
Film Festivals
- International Festival of Cinema and Broadcasting of Burundi (FESTICAB)
Links
- Burundi Film Centre
- History of Cinema In Burundi
Books/Essays
- Le Cinema Au Zaire, Au Rwanda et au Burundi, Editions OCIC/l’Harmattan

Kamege: Northern Quaters
Films/Trailers/Clips
- Abatangamuco, Documentary
- Kamenge, Northern Quarters, Manu Gerosa, Salva Muñoz, Trailer
Gito L’ingrat,, Leonce Ngabo, Trailer
![]()
CAMEROON
Quick Overview
So a handful of filmmakers in Cameroon with good international reputations gained acclaim, but there is little in the way of a formal film production infrastructure. Local skills are available in the country and in the rest of the region. Having both English and French as official languages, filmmakers and technicians from the country have special advantages on the regions larger products. They are surrounded by countries which are either Anglophone or Francophone, hence the Cameroonians are well presented in camera productions all over the region. On screens, however, Cameroonian films are hardly shown at all to the local audience. Foremost because the audience strongly favours Hollywood and French action productions, but another influence also inhibits showing local movies on local screens. Programming in Cameroonian theaters is controlled by European distributors.

The Bloodiest
Selection of Films
- Aventure en France, Jean Paul Ngassa, 1962, Tom Tom In Paris, Therse Sita Bella, 1963, La Grande Case Bamileke, Jean Paul Ngassa, 1965, Une nation est née, Jean Paul Ngassa, 1970, Boubou Cravate, Daniel Kamwa, 1972, Muna Moto, Jean Dikongue Pipa, 1975, Les 69 Positions, Alphonse Beni, 1976, Pousse Pousse, Daniel Kamwa, 1976, Le Prix de la Liberte, Jean Dikongue Pipa, 1978, Danse Mon Amour, Alphonse Beni, 1979, Notre Fille, Daniel Kamwa, 1980, Histoires drôles et drôles de gens, Jean Dikongue Pipa, 1983, Les coopérants, Athur Sibata, 1983, Suicides, Jean-Claude Tchulien, Cameroon Connection, Alphonse Beni, 1985, Hommage, Jean Marie Teno, 1985, Yellow Fever Taximan, Jean Marie Teno, La succession de Wabo Defo, Mouchangou Daouda, 1987 De Ouaga à Douala en passant par Paris, Jean Marie Teno, 1987, Badyaga, Jean Dikongue Pipa, 1987, L’eau de misère, Jean Marie Teno, 1988, Sango Malo, Bassek Ba Kobhio, 1990, the Last Trip, Jean Marie Teno, 1990, Mister Foot, Jean Marie Teno, 1992, Quartier Mozart, Jean Pierre Bekolo, 1992, Africa I Will Fleece You, Jean Marie Teno, 1993, La tête dans les nuages, Jean Marie Teno, 1994, The Turtle, Daniel Kamwa, 1994, Le grand blanc de Lambaréné, Bassek Ba Kobhio, 1995, Clando, Jean Marie Teno, 1996, Grammaire de ma Grand Mere, Jean Pierre Bekolo,1996, Circle of Powers, Daniel Kamwa, 1998, Chief, 1999, Jean Marie Teno, Fragments of Life, Francois Woukaoche, 1999, A Trip To the Country, Jean Marie Teno, 2000, Mboutoukou, Victor Viyuoh, 2002, Fanta, Josephine Bertrand, 2002, The Forest, Bassek Ba Kobhio, Didier Ouenangare, 2003, Le mariage d’Alex, Jean Marie Teno, 2003, The Colonial Misunderstanding, Jean Marie Teno, 2004, Les tchambas et Doayos, Alain Baptizet, 2004, Les pygmées Bakas, Alain Baptizet, 2004, Loving You, Narcisse Mbarga, 2004, Sisters In Law, Florence Ayisi, Kim Longinotto, 2005, The Bloodiest, Jean Pierre Bekolo, 2006, Man on the Bottom, Christopher Baldi, 2007,An African Woman In Space, Jean-Pierre Bekolo, 2007, Mah Sa-Sah, Daniel Kamwa, 2008, Sacred Places, Jean Marie Teno, 2009, Waramutseho!, Kouemo Auguste Bernard, 2009, Je me marierai avec mon père, Lionel Meta, 2009, Metaphore du Manioc, Lionel Meta, 2010

Jean Dikongue Pipa
Important Filmmakers
- Alain Baptizet (France)
- Jean Piere Bekolo
- Therese Sita Bella
- Alphonse Beni
- Bassek Ba Kobhio
- Jean Pierre Dikongue-Pipa
- Daniel Kamwa
- Lionel Meta
- Jean Paul Ngassa
- Jean Marie Teno
- Francois Woukoache
Film Festivals
- Fako Film Festival
Links
- Lost Contient: Cinema of Cameroon
- Cameroon’s Sleepy Film Industry
- Jean Marie Teno website
Books/Essays
- Cinema and Social Discourse In Cameroon, Bayreuth African Studies

Africa I Will Fleece You
Films, Trailers, Clips
- Badiaga, Jean Dikongue Pipa, 1987
- La Grande Case Bamileke, Jean Paul Ngassa, 1965
- Colonial Misunderstanding, Jean Marie Teno, 2004
Africa I Will Fleece You, Jean Marie Teno, 1993
Clando, Jean Marie Teno, Trailer
Pousse Pousse, Jean Marie Teno, Trailer
The Bloodiest, Jean Pierre Bekolo, Trailer
Quartier Mozart, Jean Pierre Bekolo, Trailer
Muna Moto, Jean Pierre Dikongue Pipa, Trailer
Sango Malo, Bassek Ba Kobhio, Trailer
Sisters In Law, Florence Ayisi, Kim Longinotto, Trailer
Man On the Bottom, Christopher Baldi, Trailer
![]()
CAPE VERDE
Quick Overview
The first known footage showing Cape Verdean Whalers dates back to 1916. Down to the Sea in Ships, a 1921 film, starring Clara Bow, shows Cape Verdean whalers at work. In 1937 some footage is known shot by a visiting American, Marty Rose. But before 1975, the year of independence no recorded cinematic history is known from Cape Verdean local filmmakers. In recent years Cape Verde has produced a select number of films, but its beautiful landscapes will continue to attract filmmakers from around the world.

Amilcar Cabral
Selection of films
- Os Flagelados do Vento Leste, Antonio Faria, 1988, Ilheu da Contenda, Leão Lopes, 1996, O Testamento do Senhor Napumoceno, Francisco Manso, 1997, Fintar o Destino, Fernando Vendrell, 1998, Calado Nao Da, Joao Nicolau, 1999, Amílcar Cabral, Ana Ramos Lisboa, 2000, Cape Verde My Love, Ana Ramos Lisboa, 2007, A Ilha dos Escravos, Francisco Manso, 2008, Cabo Verde Inside, Alexander Schnoor, 2009, Contract, Guenny K Pires, 2010

Guenny Pires
Important Filmmakers
- Ana Lucia Ramos Lisboa
- Franciso Manso (Portuguese born)
- Guenny Pires
Film Festivals
- Oia Documentary Film Festival, Praia
Links
- Guenny Pires Website
- Cinema Made By Cape Verdians

Fintar e Destino
Films/Trailers/Clips
- Cabo Verde Inside, Alexander Schnoor, 2009,
A Ilha dos Escravos, Francisco Manso, 2008
- Contract, Guenny Pires, Trailer
- Ilheu da Contenda, Leão Lopes, Trailer
- O Fintar Destino, Fernando Vendrell, Trailer
![]()
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Quick Overview
Today the film industry in the Central African Republic is virtually non existent, hopes remain the young democratic government will start supporting local initatives.

The Forest
Selection of Films
- Arc musical ngbaka, Robert Seve, 1970, Un homme est un homme, Joseph Akouissone, 1981, Nzale, Leonie Yangba Zowe, 1985, Paroles de sages, Leonie Yangba Zowe, 1987, Echos aus einem düsteren Reich, Werner Herzog, (German), 1990, The Forest, Bassek Ba Kobhio, Didier Ouenangare, 2003,

Didier Ouenangare
Important Filmmakers
- Didier Ouenangare
- Leonie Yangba Zowe
Links
- The History of Central African Republic’s Film Industry

Echoes of A Sombre Nation
Films/Trailers/Clips
Central African Republic Music and Images
Echoes of a Sombre Nation, Werner Herzog, Clip
![]()
CHAD
Quick Overview
Like many other countries that struggle to maintain political and cultural stability, Chad has spent little time working to develop its nascent film industry. The few films that are produced in the country tend to be the result of work by dedicated film-makers who see their work as part of a personal crusade to express the voice of their nation through cinema, in such a way that the international community might hear. One of the few internationally successful directors from Chad is Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, whose films, such as ‘Abouna’ (2003), investigate themes that are central to Chad’s modern struggle but, simultaneously, have relevance for many of the country’s neighbours.

Darratt
Selection of Films
- Les abattoirs de Forchia, Edouard Sailly, 1966, Le troisième jour, Edouard Sailly, 1967, L’enfant du Tchad, Edouard Sailly, 1969, Un Taxi Pour Aouzou, Issa Serge Coelo, 1994, Goï-Goï, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, 1995, Bye Bye Africa, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, 1999, Daresalam, Issa Serge Coelo, 2000, Abouna, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, 2002, Kalala, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, 2005, Daratt, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, 2006, Tartina City, Issa Serge Coelo, 2007, Captain Majid, Abakar Chene Massar, Bentley Brown, 2009, A Sceaming Man, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, 2010

Issa Serge Coelo
Important Filmmakers
- Issa Serge Coelo
- Mahamat Saleh Haroun
- Edouard Sailly
Film Festivals
- Chad Animation Festival
Links
- Chad film wins Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival
- Cinema of Chad
Books/Essays
- Cinema of Chad: Chadian Actors, Chadian Film Directors, Chadian Films, Llc Books

Captain Majid
Films/Trailers/Clips
Darrat, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, 2007
- Interview With Mahamat Saleh Haroun Interview
- Abouna, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, Trailer
- A Sceaming Man, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, Trailer
- Tartina City, Issa Serge Coelo, Trailer
![]()
THE COMOROS
Quick Overview
Comoros had a very limited recorded cinematic history up to the year 2000, but recently HMZ productions, a local company, produced the first Comoran (video) film named “Yéyamba Wandzé MDROU NDO ?”. A second movie “Ganima Probleme”, released in october 2002, a comedy about passion. Hachimaya Ahamada has placed the Comoros on the international film circuit and her films will hopefully inspire new filmmakers.

The Ylang Ylang Residence
Selection of films
- Baco, Ouemema Mamadali, 1997, Mdrou Ndo, Yeyamba Wandze, 2000, Feu leur rêve, Hachimiya Ahamada, 2004, Ylang Ylang Residence, Hachimiya Ahamada, 2008, Ivresse d’une Oasis, Hachimiya Ahamada, 2011

Hachimiya Ahamada
Important Filmmakers
- Hachimiya Ahamada, (French born)
Links
- Hachimiya Ahamada: A Filmmaker of the Land
- Ouemema Mamadali, African Women In Cinema

Feu Leur Reve
Films/Links/Clips
Djahazi, Paolo W. Tamburella, clip
- Ivresse d’une oasis, Hachimiya Ahamada, clip
![]()
CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE
Quick Overiew
Not much is recorded on the history of cinema in Congo-Brazzaville. This fragile democracy was formely known as Middle Congo as part of the Congolese colonies of France. After the declaration of independence in 1960 the French filmmaker Yves Allegret (spouse of Simone Signoret) produced and directed some documentaries in Congo. So did Glauber Rocha at the end of the decade. Both productions were shot without hardly any local Congolese collaboration. Today there is a small film industry, focusing on documentaries and shorts. Many leading filmmakers like Leandre Alain Baker are now working elsewhere in the continent.

Kaka Yo
Selection of Films
- Konga Yo, Yves Allegret, 1962, Kaka Yo, Sebastien Kamba, 1966, Mwana keba, Sebastien Kamba, 1970, Panafrican Festival, Sebastien Kamba, 1970, Illusions, Jean-Michel Tchissoukou, 1970, La rançon d’une alliance, Sebastien Kamba, 1974, Le corps et l’esprit, Sebastien Kamba, 1977, La Chapelle, Jean-Michel Tchissoukou, 1980, M’Pongo, Jean-Michel Tchissoukou, 1982, La décision, Luc Sissia, 1987, le Dernier des Babingas, David Pierre Fila, 1990, les Paradis Vole , David Pierre Fila, 1993, Sidonie, David Pierre Fila,1995, Voyage à Ouaga, Camille Mouyake, 2001, Tchicaya, Leandre-Alain Baker, 2001, Papy, Djo Tunda wa Munga, 2007, Ndako ya bandeko, Alain Nkodia, 2007, Une vie positive, Alain Nkodia, 2008, N’kélo ku, looking for water, Nadege Batou, 2009, Zao, David Pierre Fila, 2009

Jean-Michel Tchissoukou
Important Filmmakers
- Leandre-Alain Baker
- Nadege Batou
- David Pierre Fila
- Sebastien Kamba
- Alain Nkodia
- Jean-Michel Tchissoukou
Film Festivals
- Cinema des Sept Quartiers
Links
- Objectif Cinema: Congo Brazzaville
- A Conversation With Nadege Batou

N’kélo ku, looking for water
Films/Trailers/Clips
- Ndako ya bandeko, Alain Nkodia, 2007
Democracy, Sebastian Kamba, 2009
- Ba Passi Ba Baaka, Nadege Batou
-
01Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina
-
02Gillo Pontecorvo
-
03Ahmed Rachedi
-
04Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina
-
05Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina
-
06Costa-Gavras
-
07Tewfik Fares
-
08Ahmed Rachedi
-
09Mohamed Zinet
-
10Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina
-
11Abdelaziz Tolbi
-
12Merzak Allouache
-
13Brahim Tsaki
-
14Mohamed Chouikh
-
15Taieb Louhichi
-
16Azzeddine Meddour
-
17Mahmoud Zemmouri
-
18Mohamed Rachid Benhadj
-
19Mohamed Rachid Benhadj
-
20Merzak Allouache
-
21Merzak Allouache
-
22Mohamed Chouikh
-
23Belkacem Hadjadj
-
24Mohamed Chouikh
-
25Mahmoud Zemmouri
-
26Azzeddine Meddour
-
27Bourlem Guerdjou
-
28Djamila Sahraoui
-
29Nadir Moknèche
-
30Belkacem Hadjadj
-
31Yamina Benguigui
-
32Merzak Allouache
-
33Naguel Belouad
-
34Djamila Sahraoui
-
35Mostefa Djadjam
-
36Lyès Salem
-
37Malek Bensmail
-
38Rachid Bouchareb
-
39Yamina Bachir
-
40Mohammed Soudani
-
41Abdelkrim Bahloul
-
42Tariq Teguia
-
43Jean-Pierre Lledo
-
44Nadir Moknèche
-
45Saïd Ould Khelifa
-
46Raja Amari
-
47Malek Bensmail
-
48Malek Bensmail
-
49Lyès Salem
-
50Kamal Dehane
-
51Belkacem Hadjadj
-
52Merzak Allouache
-
53Djamila Sahraoui
-
54Fatma Zohra Zamoum
-
55Mahmoud Zemmouri
-
56Tariq Teguia
-
57Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche
-
58Nadir Moknèche
-
59Amor Hakkar
-
60Okacha Touita
-
61Jean-Pierre Lledo
-
62Mehdi Charef
-
63Tariq Teguia
-
64Ahmed Rachedi
-
65Lyès Salem
-
66Mohamed Lakhdar Tati
-
67Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche
-
68Fatma Zohra Zamoum
-
69Malek Bensmail
-
70Abdelkrim Bahloul
-
71Merzak Allouache
-
72Rachid Bouchareb
-
73Abdenour Zahzah
-
74Mohammed Soudani
-
75Amal Kateb
-
76Mohamed Lakhdar Tati
-
77Amor Hakkar
-
78Gianni Amelio
-
79Amin Sidi-Boumediène
-
80Merzak Allouache
-
81Merzak Allouache
-
82Sarah Maldoror
-
83Sarah Maldoror
-
84Sarah Maldoror
-
85Ruy Duarte de Carvalho
-
86Antonio Ole
-
87Ruy Duarte de Carvalho
-
88Orlando Fortunato de Oliveira
-
89Mariano Bartolomeu
-
90Mariano Bartolomeu
-
91Rogelio Paris
-
92Jorge Antonio
-
93Abderrahmane Sissako
-
94Orlando Fortunato de Oliveira
-
95Zézé Gamboa
-
96Maria João Ganga
-
97Jihan El-Tahri
-
98Rogelio Paris
-
99Jorge Antonio
-
100Inês Gonçalves
-
101Mario Bastos
-
102Francisco Cafua
-
103Sanvi Panou
-
104Dominique Loreau
-
105Jean Odoutan
-
106Jean Odoutan
-
107Idrissou Mora Kpai
-
108Jean Odoutan
-
109Jean Odoutan
-
110Idrissou Mora Kpai
-
111Sanvi Panou
-
112Tunde Kelani
-
113Sylvestre Amoussou
-
114Sanvi Panou
-
115Jean Odoutan
-
116Idrissou Mora Kpai
-
117Jamie Uys
-
118Jamie Uys
-
119Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
120Gaston Kaboré
-
121Daniel Kollo Sanou
-
122Med Hondo
-
123Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
124Sekou Traore
-
125Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
126Moustapha Dao
-
127Gaston Kaboré
-
128Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
129Moustapha Dao
-
130Issiaka Konaté
-
131Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
132Moustapha Diop
-
133S.Pierre Yameogo
-
134Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
135Fanta Régina Nacro
-
136Drissa Toure
-
137Moustapha Dao
-
138Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
139Maurice Kaboré
-
140Dragoss Ouedraogo
-
141Gaston Kaboré
-
142Daniel Kollo Sanou
-
143S. Pierre Yameogo
-
144Cilia Sawadogo
-
145Dani Kouyaté
-
146Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
147Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
148Drissa Toure
-
149Fanta Régina Nacro
-
150Moustapha Dao
-
151Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
152Gaston Kaboré
-
153Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
154Fanta Régina Nacro
-
155Issiaka Konaté
-
156Janusz Mrozowski
-
157S.Pierre Yameogo
-
158Mamady Sidibé
-
159Sarah Bouyain
-
160Dani Kouyaté
-
161Fanta Régina Nacro
-
162Tassere Ouédraogo
-
163Idrissa Ouedraogo
-
164S. Pierre Yameogo
-
165Issa Traore de Brahima
-
166Appoline Traoré
-
167Fanta Régina Nacro
-
168Tassere Ouédraogo
-
169Dani Kouyaté
-
170Appoline Traoré
-
171Daniel Kollo Sanou
-
172Raso Ganemtoré
-
173Adama Roamba
-
174S. Pierre Yameogo
-
175Laurent Salgues
-
176Issa Traore de Brahima
-
177Berni Goldblat
-
178Salif Traoré
-
179Tassere Ouédraogo
-
180Boubacar Diallo
-
181Abdoulaye Dao
-
182Berni Goldblat
-
183Boubacar Diallo
-
184Tassere Ouédraogo
-
185Maïder Etxoan
-
186Boubacar Diallo
-
187Sarah Bouyain
-
188Léonce Ngabo
-
189Manu Gerosa
-
190Ivan Goldschmidt
-
191Jean Paul Ngassa
-
192Daniel Kamwa
-
193Jean-Pierre Dikongue-Pipa
-
194Daniel Kamwa
-
195Jean-Pierre Dikongue-Pipa
-
196Alphonse Beni
-
197Alphonse Beni
-
198Jean-Marie Téno
-
199Jean-Marie Téno
-
200Jean-Marie Téno
-
201Jean-Pierre Dikongue-Pipa
-
202Jean-Marie Téno
-
203Bassek Ba Kobhio
-
204Jean-Marie Téno
-
205Jean-Marie Téno
-
206Jean-Pierre Bekolo
-
207Jean-Marie Téno
-
208Jean-Marie Téno
-
209Daniel Kamwa
-
210Bassek Ba Kobhio
-
211Jean-Marie Téno
-
212Jean-Pierre Bekolo
-
213Daniel Kamwa
-
214Jean-Marie Téno
-
215François Woukoache
-
216Jean-Marie Téno
-
217Victor Viyuoh
-
218Jean-Marie Téno
-
219Jean-Marie Téno
-
220Alain Baptizet
-
221Alain Baptizet
-
222Narcisse Mbarga
-
223Florence Ayisi
-
224Jean-Pierre Bekolo
-
225Christopher Baldi
-
226Jean-Pierre Bekolo
-
227Daniel Kamwa
-
228Jean-Marie Téno
-
229Kouemo Auguste Bernard
-
230Lionel Meta
-
231Lionel Meta
-
232Leão Lopes
-
233Francisco Manso
-
234Fernando Vendrell
-
235João Nicolau
-
236Ana Ramos Lisboa
-
237Ana Ramos Lisboa
-
238Francisco Manso
-
239Alexander Schnoor
-
240Guenny Pires
-
241Robert Sève
-
242Werner Herzog
-
243Bassek Ba Kobhio
-
244Edouard Sailly
-
245Serge Issa Coelo
-
246Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
-
247Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
-
248Issa Serge Coelo
-
249Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
-
250Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
-
251Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
-
252Issa Serge Coelo
-
253Abakar Chene Massar
-
254Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
-
255Hachimiya Ahamada
-
256Hachimiya Ahamada
-
257Hachimiya Ahamada
-
258Sebastien Kamba
-
259Jean-Michel Tchissoukou
-
260David-Pierre Fila
-
261David-Pierre Fila
-
262David-Pierre Fila
-
263Camille Mouyake
-
264Leandre-Alain Baker
-
265Djo Tunda Wa Munga
-
266Nadège Batou
-
267David-Pierre Fila
-
268Djamila Sahraoui
-
269Zézé Gamboa
-
270Saïd Ould Khelifa