FanFare

Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani's 2019 debut is a quiet, understated exploration of the evolving relationship between 2 women in a poor neighborhood in Casablanca: the unwed, pregnant Samia, who's looking for work and a place to stay, and Abla, a widowed baker with a young daughter. Beautifully and sensually filmed, with excellent performances, a sharp sense of place and a neat thread about baking running through. Trailer. 87% at Rotten Tomatoes. [more inside]
posted by mediareport on Aug 3, 2023 - 2 comments

After making a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan, a young refugee couple struggle to adjust to their new life in a small English town that has an unspeakable evil lurking beneath the surface.
posted by rue72 on Nov 2, 2020 - 4 comments

Visual album from Beyoncé inspired by 'The Lion King', a young African king is cast out from his family into an unforgiving world. He subsequently undergoes a journey "through betrayal, love and self-identity" to reclaim his throne, utilizing the guidance of his ancestors and childhood love. The story is told through the voices of present-day Black people. [more inside]
posted by ellieBOA on Jul 31, 2020 - 4 comments

Skin is a documentary about exploring through the meaning of beauty in all the different shades of black. Set in Lagos, Nollywood actress Beverly Naya goes on a journey to learn about contrasting perceptions of beauty by meeting individuals who have dealt with the pressure to conform to certain standards of beauty and how colorism continues to shape the face of the entertainment industry in Africa.
posted by anonymous on Jul 28, 2020 - 2 comments

As their big day arrives, a couple's lavish wedding plans turn into a nightmare of exes, fighting parents, and uninvited guests. (Nigerian 2016 blockbuster, Netflix streaming) [more inside]
posted by oh yeah! on Jun 13, 2020 - 1 comment

Rewatch! On Sunday: Some white guys search Africa for a lost heiress, who it turns out reigns over a native tribe as their goddess, apparently only because she's white. Get ready for the kinds of stereotypes that make making fun of the movie seem almost a duty. Previously [more inside]
posted by JHarris on May 1, 2020 - 3 comments

South African spy Queen Sono finds herself in a nefarious web of business and politics as she seeks to uncover the truth behind her mother's death. (Netflix's first African tv-series, 6 episodes) [more inside]
posted by oh yeah! on Feb 29, 2020 - 8 comments

Kena and Ziki long for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls resist and remain close friends, supporting each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, the two girls will be forced to choose between happiness and safety.
posted by ellieBOA on Oct 9, 2018 - 0 comments

During the 1800s, a safari guide, two elephant hunters and their crew run into trouble with natives in the South African veld when they refuse to offer gifts to the tribesmen. [more inside]
posted by Ten Cold Hot Dogs on Apr 10, 2018 - 0 comments

"Forever Young! Forever Deadly!" "She Lived Off The Life Blood of Male Victims!" Africa! Source of endless 50s movie MacGuffins! All manner of bizarre plot-driving effect can be found there! Here the bizarre secret waiting to be found is that of eternal youth, at only the cost of having to kill people regularly to maintain it. It's all due to the wonders of the human pineal gland, itself the source of many plot-driving mysteries. BTW, the movie's view of the human race is unremittingly horrible. Mike and co. are still hovering above Deep Ape, which has become rather freer in its dress code. BTW: Jeeeeeeeeeed! YouTube (1h32m) Premiered February 8, 1997. [more inside]
posted by JHarris on Jun 7, 2017 - 3 comments

After developing an addiction to the substance he uses to kill bugs, writer and exterminator Bill Lee (Peter Weller) accidentally murders his wife (Judy Davis) and becomes involved in a secret government plot in the Interzone, a port town in North Africa. Or, perhaps, he’s wandering the streets in a drugged haze. Or both. Per the MPAA, “Rated R for heavy drug content, bizarre eroticism, and language”
posted by Going To Maine on Mar 27, 2017 - 7 comments