African Adventures – Fantastic Films Set In Africa

By Author: Voice Talent Online
Total Articles: 1
Comment this article

African Adventures – Fantastic Films Set in Africa

Africa has it all. The continent hosts some of the world’s most beautiful scenery including far reaching Savannahs and the staggering heights of Mount Kilimanjaro. However, you’d be mistaken in thinking that Africa showcases only natural wonders. The continent is also well known for its brilliant actors and African voiceover artists
So, it’s unsurprising that film producers are eager to make Africa the backdrop for magnificent movies, both animations, such as The Lion King and Hollywood movies alike.
But which movies showcase the best, most stunning African scenery?
Asides from the fact that there are many beautiful locations in Africa, there have also been numerous films shot on the continent- spanning over many decades.
However, one of the most classic and memorable films shot on the continent is the 1950’s film- ‘The African Queen’. A film based around two intrepid adventurers; The African Queen showcases the beauty of the African Subcontinent as explored by boat. Although this film was primarily shot in Uganda, it shows enough ...
... of the unspoiled beauty of Africa to entice many a curious adventurer, regardless of whether that’s in person or through imagination.
Although the African landscape has changed since the time of the African Queen, the nation has fortunately still retained its beauty and continues to entice film makers, as was apparent in the Black Panther film.
The 2018 Marvel hit film, Black Panther, was shot in situ in the magnificent countries of South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. It’s needless to say that this movie succeeds in showcasing not only marvellous inventions but also the beauty of Africa and its unmatchable landscapes.
However, not all films shot on the continent are as positive, such as the 2006 thriller- The Blood Diamond. The Blood Diamond is a film based around the challenging topic of conflict diamonds and the use of these diamonds as funding for financing war but was nonetheless a hit with audiences. Despite being fraught with political tension this film still managed to gross $171,720,398 worldwide and was nominated for and won many awards, such as The Black Reel award.
Similarly, Hotel Rwanda also has an underlying theme of war and conflict but instead focuses on the heroic actions of individuals which leads to positive outcomes. The film focuses on the courage of Hotel owner’ Paul Rusesabagina who risks life and limb to save hundreds of fleeing refugees. All set of course in the African city of Kigali, capital of Rwanda. Although Hotel Rwanda doesn’t show sweeping African Savannahs, it still helps transport viewers to a vastly different plane, with different cultures and conflicts alike.
Finally, an equally fantastic yet perhaps less violent film is the South African based film- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
English voice over artist and prominent actor Idris Elba delivers a brilliant performance as the renowned South African lawyer’ and freedom fighter Mandela. Fortunately, Mandela’s story is depicted chronologically, allowing audiences to enjoy filming scenes situated in more locations than simply just a jail cell. Of the 100 locations used for filming, perhaps some of the most outstanding are the Transkei hills, where Mandela ran as a child.
Elba provided a fantastic portrayal of the life and achievements of Noble prize winning Nelson Mandela and was well deserving of a Golden Globe award. Needless to say, Idris Elba shines in his performance as Mandela.
However, we should not forget that Elba is not only brilliant on screen, but he has also undertaken roles in many animations, such as the Chief of Police in Zootopia and more recently as Shere Khan in the 2006 life action Disney remake of The Jungle Book, providing some fabulous English voice acting.
So, it’s clear to see that Africa provides numerous varied landscapes for movies, be that Hollywood hits or animations with outstanding African voiceovers.