What to Watch in Africa This December 2025: Netflix, Showmax & Cinema Releases

Africa’s film and TV slate is closing out 2025 with a packed December lineup. New romantic comedies, thrillers, biopics, and documentaries are rolling out across the continent — from buzzy cinema premieres in Cape Town, Accra, Abidjan, and Marrakech to fresh drops on Netflix, Showmax, and HBO. This month brings rising creators, heavyweight stars, and stories that move between intimacy, spectacle, and political memory. Here’s what to watch across Southern, West, North, and East Africa as the year wraps up.

Southern Africa — By Tšeliso Monaheng

Amigo the Griot (South Africa)

Cape Town's Artscape, in collaboration with Azania Rizing Productions and Mario “Amigo” Laaistock, will host the premiere public screening of Amigo the Griot on Wednesday, December 3, at the Artscape Theatre. Directed by Laaistock and award-winning filmmaker Kurt Orderson, the musical documentary fuses intimate personal testimony with a visual language rooted in music-video aesthetics. The film follows Mario “Amigo” Laaistock, a blind Afrikaaps hip-hop storyteller from Eersteriver, a hood in the Cape Flats, as he reconnects with Orderson to retrace his coming-of-age.

A razor-sharp lyricist and modern griot, Amigo renders sound and place as internal percussion that shapes the narrative's rhythm. As he revisits the event that irrevocably altered his life, his story widens into a broader meditation on South Africa’s unfinished conversations with its past. It touches on themes of forgiveness and restorative justice.

Where to watch: Artscape Theatre, Cape Town

How To Ruin Love: The Lobola (South Africa)

Netflix has confirmed the return of its hit romantic-comedy franchise with How To Ruin Love: The Lobola, arriving globally on 19 December 2025. Created and produced by the award-winning Burnt Onion Productions, the three-episode series picks up where How To Ruin Love: The Proposal left off, and follows Zoleka (Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani) and Kagiso (Bohang Moeko) as they attempt to turn a chaotic engagement into a marriage blessed by both families. The film shows that the real cost of love is also measured in patience and forgiveness, and the extra superpower of navigating festive-season family drama. South African screen favorites Tina Jaxa, Marjorie Langa, Shoki Mmola, Sello Ramolahloane, Dumisani Mbebe, Ayanda Daweti, and John Morapama return as the in-laws whose interventions are as affectionate as they are disastrous. New faces Tembinkosi Ngcukana and Zola Nombona add an extra jolt of drama to the already combustible mix.

Where to watch: Netflix

Masinga – The Calling (South Africa)

Masinga – The Calling plunges into the psychic terrain of an exiled detective returning to the country he once fled. Haunted by the ritual murder of his brother – a young man with albinism, Masinga is forced to confront a past he has spent years avoiding. His return home sets off a collision between old wounds and present danger, as he races to save an Asian girl targeted for a similar fate. What follows is a tense, character-driven thriller that folds questions of memory, justice, and cultural mythology into its pursuit of truth. South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) winner Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Hotel Rwanda) anchors the drama in the title role. He is joined by Shamilla Miller (Devil’s Peak) as his determined rookie partner, whose instincts and ambition challenge Masinga’s guarded approach. The series features an exceptional supporting cast, including SAFTA winners Abdul Khoza (The Wife), Fana Mokoena (World War Z), Warren Masemola (The Republic), and Brandon Auret (Elysium), alongside Sean Cameron Michael (Black Sails) and Mbuso Khoza, who won Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards.

Where to watch: Showmax

West Africa — By Nelson C.J.

“Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” (Nigeria)

Wizkid is arguably one of the most legendary music artists in contemporary Nigerian history. In a new HBO original documentary, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, his rise, fame, and sprawling impact on Nigerian music and culture are examined and dissected with care and attention. The documentary film is directed by Karam Gill and had a global premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. Long Live Wizkid travels from Lagos to London, following Wizkid as he prepares to make a historic debut performance at Tottenham Stadium. The film is stirring, emotionally charged, and a well-drawn portrait of a generational talent.

Where to watch: HBO/Showmax (December 11)

“Hero’s Ride” (Ghana)

In Hero’s Ride, a man’s integrity and fight for justice are brought to the fore. This crime thriller draws from real-life events to tell a story of a taxi driver who pursues a baby kidnapping ring and blows their cover even at a personal cost. The story trains a sharp eye on the struggle that comes with standing up for what’s right. The film stars Akwasi Addai Kokro, Andrew Adote Tandoh, Ben Affat, Bernadine Malik Jabir Jr., and others.

Where to watch: Silverbird Cinemas Accra (December 12)

“Dilemme” (Côte d’Ivoire)

In Dilemme, a robbery turns into a moral conundrum when one of the assailants finds out they are connected to the victim. The story presents a gripping question around the cost of making it, and to what extent loyalty holds merit. Dilemme is directed by Steven Tanno and stars Evita Evora N’Ganza, Ange Traoré, Adams Ismael, and others.

Where to watch: Now showing at Majestic Cinema, Abidjan

North Africa - By Amuna Wagner

El Sett (Egypt)

In one of the most anticipated films of the year, Egyptian actor Mona Zaki stars as the iconic Umm Kulthum, lovingly called El Sett (The Lady) in the Arab world. From her humble beginnings in the Egyptian countryside, Umm Kulthum sang her way into the hearts of Arabs and beyond; her performances used to lead her audience into a trance. Called the Voice of the Arabs and the Star of the East, she achieved stardom that is yet to be matched in the region and effectively shaped regional politics. This biopic is written by acclaimed novelist Ahmed Mourad and directed by Marwan Hamed, and will have its world premiere at the 22nd Marrakech Film Festival this December. 

Where to watch: Cinemas in the Arab World starting December 10

Sirāt (Spain, France, Morocco)

Spain’s submission to the 2026 Academy Awards is a survival road trip set in the Sahara Desert by Oliver Laxe. Luis, a middle-aged man played by Spanish actor Sergi López, shows up at a rave in the south of Morocco with his young son Esteban and their dog. They are searching for Luis’ 20-something daughter, Mar, who went missing at one of these parties months ago. When they do not find her amongst the ravers, they set out on an unlikely, overwhelming trip through the desert. The film won the Jury Prize at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. 

Where to watch: Cinemas across the world 

East Africa - By Paula Adhis

Adam to Eve (Kenya)

Blessing Lung’aho stars in Adam to Eve, a gender-swap comedy with a twist. After a curse turns a Nairobi playboy into a woman, he must reckon with his past and team up with his twin brother to reverse the spell. Created by award-winning duo Lizz Njagah and Alex Konstantaras (House of Lungula), the series blends humor, heart, and biting social commentary.

Where to Watch: Currency playing on Showmax

Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within (Uganda/US)

Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within is an uplifting documentary, the latest from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Archewell Productions. It follows the viral Masaka Kids Africana dance troupe at their orphanage in Uganda. Directed by Moses Bwayo and David Vieira Lopez, the film explores how rhythm and community can power joy and healing.

Where to Watch: Netflix starting December 9.