10 Sci-Fi Films Set in Africa

Description: While not strictly sci-fi, this film's premise involves an African bushman encountering a Coke bottle from the sky, which he believes is a gift from the gods, leading to a comedic exploration of cultural clash and technology.

Fact: The film was a massive hit in South Africa and was the first South African film to achieve international acclaim. It was also banned in Botswana for its portrayal of the San people.

Description: Although not set in Africa, this animated film's story of a young boy in medieval Ireland who encounters magical creatures and a mystical book has parallels with African folklore and storytelling traditions.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, showcasing its global appeal.

Description: While not exclusively set in Africa, the film's post-apocalyptic setting and themes of survival, faith, and the power of knowledge resonate with African narratives of resilience.

Fact: The film features Denzel Washington in the lead role, and it was shot in New Mexico, which was used to represent a desolate, post-apocalyptic world.

Description: Set in Johannesburg, South Africa, this film explores the aftermath of an alien spacecraft landing, leading to the creation of a segregated alien slum. It's a poignant allegory for apartheid, making it a must-watch in this collection.

Fact: The film was shot in real locations in Johannesburg, including the notorious slum of Soweto. Also, the alien language was created by the film's director, Neill Blomkamp.

Description: This Canadian sci-fi thriller, set in a post-apocalyptic world, deals with survival in harsh conditions, a theme that resonates with many African narratives of resilience.

Fact: The film was shot in Toronto, but its setting and themes of survival against all odds echo the spirit of African survival stories.

Description: Although primarily set in the US, the film's premise of an alien species taking over human bodies has universal appeal, including in African contexts where identity and possession are significant themes.

Fact: Directed by Andrew Niccol, the film stars Saoirse Ronan and is based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer, known for her 'Twilight' series.

Description: This dystopian film, while not set in Africa, deals with themes of youth rebellion and societal control, which can be paralleled with African struggles for freedom and identity.

Fact: Based on a novel by Alexandra Bracken, the film explores the idea of children with superhuman abilities, a common trope in sci-fi.

Description: This documentary explores the influence of African-American music on science fiction, featuring interviews with musicians and authors, set against a backdrop of futuristic African landscapes.

Fact: The film was directed by John Akomfrah, a prominent figure in Black British cinema, and it delves into the concept of Afrofuturism.

Description: This Kenyan short film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where water is scarce, and it follows a woman's journey to find a seed that could bring life back to the earth, highlighting themes of environmentalism and hope.

Fact: 'Pumzi' is Swahili for 'breath', symbolizing the film's theme of rebirth. It was the first Kenyan sci-fi film to be screened at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This satirical French film imagines a future where Africa has become the world's economic powerhouse, and Europeans seek asylum there, flipping the immigration narrative.

Fact: The film was directed by Sylvestre Amoussou, who also stars in the movie, and it was the first feature film from Benin to be widely distributed in Europe.