It's time for ASAMI movie nights
We've put together some recommendations of our favorite movies, inspired by the continent that inspires us. Consider it one for every month in the coming year! Now, get your favorite Asami tea, relax and enjoy the selection.
The Lion King 1994 & 2019
Let's start with the classic. Whether you prefer 1994 original or the star-studded remake, both are big crowd-pleasers! We’re sure you’ve already seen both multiple times, but they’re the kind of films you can watch over and over. .........In Africa, the lion cub Simba is the pride and joy of his parents King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The Lion King streaming on Disney Plus
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Against all odds, a thirteen year old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine. Streaming on Netflix
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
Sir Robert Beaumont is behind schedule on a railroad in Africa. Enlisting noted engineer John Henry Patterson to right the ship, Beaumont expects results. Everything seems great until the crew discovers the mutilated corpse of the project's foreman, seemingly killed by a lion. After several more attacks, Patterson calls in famed hunter Charles Remington, who has finally met his match in the bloodthirsty lions. The Ghost and the Darkness is streaming on CBS, Amazon Prime Video or for free with ads on Pluto TV, Popcornflix, Crackle
Queen of Katwe (2016)
A young girl overcomes her disadvantaged upbringing in the slums of Uganda to become a Chess master. Queen of Katwe is streaming on Disney Plus
Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
This film is an adaptation of wildlife expert Dian Fossey's autobiography. Midwesterner Fossey (Sigourney Weaver) leaves the United States for Africa, where she studies the gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda. As Fossey develops a bond with the animals, she also becomes wary of the poachers who prey on them. Fearing that the gorillas will go extinct if humans continue to hunt them, she organizes a defense league to protect the animals; in doing so, though, she puts herself in a perilous situation. Gorillas in the Mist is streaming on FandangoNOW, Amazon Video as download or rent it on YouTube
Lionheart (2018)
In order to save her father's ailing bus company, competent but perennially overlooked Adaeze must find a way to work alongside feckless uncle Godswill. Lionheart is streaming on Netflix
The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)
A disillusioned London chef visits Nigeria and struggles with her matchmaking mother and restoring the family's rundown hotel. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix.
Gun Runners (2015)
Two warriors from Northern Kenya trade in their AK-47s for running shoes and the Kenyan dream of marathon running. For years, Julius Arile and Robert Matanda thrive among the roaming bands of warriors that terrorize the countryside of northern Kenya. By the time they reach their mid-20s, stealing cattle and running from the police are the only things they know. When both warriors suddenly disappear from the bush, many of their peers assume they are dead or have been arrested. Instead, they have traded in their rifles for sneakers -- in hopes of making it big as professional marathon runners. Gun Runners is streaming on Kanopy. It is also possible to buy "Gun Runners" on FandangoNOW, Apple iTunes as download or rent it on FandangoNOW, Apple iTunes online.
Chimpanzee (2012)
A nature documentary centered on a family of chimps living in the Ivory Coast and Ugandan rain forests. Deep in an African forest lives a family of chimpanzees, including a baby named Oscar. Displaying the playful curiosity and ingenuity of fellow primates, Oscar and his family navigate the forest's complex territory with relative ease. Usually, the world is a playground for Oscar and his young comrades, but when his family encounters a rival band of chimps, he is left to fend for himself. However, a surprising ally steps in and changes Oscar's life forever. Chimpanzee is streaming on Disney Plus
The Wedding Party (1&2) 2016 & 2017
A lavish wedding escalates into pure Lagosian chaos, in this wild romcom. The Wedding Party is streaming on Netflix
Tsotsi (2005)
In Johannesburg, a small time criminal, Tsotsi, is a teenager without feelings, hardened by his tough life. After a series of violent gang hits, Tsotsi hijacks a car. However, whilst driving, Tsotsi finds that there is a baby on the back seat. He brings the baby to his house in the slum. The next six days bring about a change in him that couldn't be foreseen. Tsotsi is on Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, Amazon Video
The Perfect Picture 2009 & 2019
The Perfect Picture’ is about three amazing women who are pushing their thirties by accepting challenges, taking risks and breaking age stereotypes perfectly. However, the latest sequel is all about how they are doing absolutely marvelous in their forties as well. Streaming on Netflix, YouTube and sparrowstation.com
