What to Watch in Africa This October: New Comedies, Thrillers, Dramas, and Must-See Docuseries

This month’s lineup has something for everyone. Get ready for comedies, stirring dramas, films with talking animals, and an unmissable series tracing the rise and fall of a real-life celebrity couple. Meanwhile in Egypt, a local cinema’s annual program brings the latest Arab productions from across the region, offering a slew of films to enjoy as summer winds down.

North Africa — By Amuna Wagner

The Tale of Daye’s Family (Egypt)

Set over the course of 48 hours, this heartfelt comedy follows Daye, a 14-year-old albino Nubian traveling across Egypt's governorates to fulfill his dream of auditioning at The Voice competition in Cairo. Traveling without a car, money, or a phone, he is accompanied by his captivating voice (the film’s music is amazing!), his mother, sister, and music teacher. Watching his journey — overcoming prejudice and hardship, while meeting people across the country — is the most touching thing you’ll see in a long time. The Tale of Daye’s Family is written by Haitham Dabbour and directed by Karim El Shenawy. 

Where to watch: Cinema Zawya in Cairo

Atoman (Morocco) 

Anouar Moutassim’s Atoman is Morocco’s first superhero. A mix of science fiction, action, and comedy, the film tells the story of Moroccan hacker Hakim who discovers that he has inherited superpowers from the mythical city of Atlantis in the Atlas Mountains. As one of the last Atlanteans, he must prevent the world from falling into dark hands after the Astrolabe, which has the power to destroy the world, is stolen. 

Where to watch: Prime Video

Feeha Eh Yaani (Egypt)

Feeha Eh Yaani is a cute romantic comedy written by Waleed El Moghazy and directed by Omar Roshdy Hamed. The story follows a retired accountant who lives captive to the memories of an old, incomplete love story. Their lives take an immediate, unexpected turn when he chances upon an old flame — now a housewife. Their rekindled romance and reemerging old feelings lead the couple to hope for a second chance at love.

Where to watch: Egyptian cinemas 

East Africa — By Paula Adhis

Single Kiasi (Kenya)

Nairobi’s favorite girl trio is back, and the stakes have never been higher! Single Kiasi Season 4 finds Sintamei (Gathoni Mutua) spiraling after a reckless night, Rebecca (Faith Kibathi) battling Nick’s toxic family, and Mariah (Minne Kariuki) reclaiming her power post-heartbreak. With love, careers, and sanity on the line, this season is a full-blown fight for survival. 

Where to watch: Showmax

Ties that Bind Us (Uganda)

In Ties That Bind Us, Lilian Lutaaya must choose between an arranged marriage to save her family or the man she truly loves while navigating generations of tension between the Lutaayas and Ssenyonjos. With a star-studded cast, this village-set series is Uganda’s must-watch.

Where to watch: YouTube

Lazizi (Kenya)

Selina creator Reuben Odanga is back with Lazizi, a new Swahili telenovela set in the lush landscapes of Muhoroni. This time, a sugarcane tycoon’s political ambitions are threatened by buried secrets and old wounds. Lazizi blends Swahili, English, and Luo for a fresh, grounded drama that could be the next Selina-sized hit.

Where to watch: Premiering October 6 on DSTV’s Maisha Magic Plus 

Goat (Kenya)

Judy Kibinge (Something Necessary) makes a powerful return with Goat, a 27-minute supernatural folk thriller exploring ancestral debt, love, and spiritual memory. Set on a remote Kenyan goat farm, a romantic getaway turns unsettling for city couple Suki and Benja (Sheila Munyiva and Brian Ogola). Goat marks Kibinge’s first personal film in over a decade.

Where to watch: Premieres at Woodstock Film Festival (Oct 15–19).

Southern Africa - By Tšeliso Monaheng

Schuster (South Africa)

A new five-part documentary finally tells Leon Schuster's story in a five-part documentary which looks at his life from childhood in Bloemfontein, through to his breakthrough as a radio presenter. It also focuses on his reign at the box office with films such as You Must Be Joking and Mama Jack. Alongside the comedy and career highlights, the series reveals a more personal side to Schuster. He opens up about years of back problems, the toll of near-constant pain, and the missteps he has made along the way. Earlier this year, he received the Silwerskerm Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his place as one of South Africa’s most recognizable entertainers. 

Where to watch: kykNET (DStv channel 144)

LOVED OUT (South Africa)

Bahumi Mhlongo leads the cast of this riotous new South African dramedy, joined by Khabonina Qubeka and Tumi Morake. Ruva (Mhlongo) is a bold young restaurateur trying to keep her business afloat and her image flawless. Her life takes a chaotic turn when her outspoken mother, Gloria (Qubeka), is kidnapped, and the ransom drags Ruva into a wild contest, a shady church scandal, and the return of a toxic old flame. What follows is a fast-paced mix of family drama, friendship, betrayal, and laugh-out-loud chaos. Written and directed by Tendayi Nyeke, Loved Out blends sharp humor with heart, stylish visuals, and a soundtrack featuring Brian Soko alongside Afro-pop, amapiano, and gospel sounds. Loved Out also stars Marcus Mabusela, Ayakha Ntunja, and Eliazer Shadung.

Where to watch: Cinemas across South Africa

FATHERS AND SONS S1 (South Africa)

Fathers and Sons follows the Mphahlele men as they try, and often fail, to live together under one roof. Khutso, a single father with a strict hand, is determined to raise his teenage son, Gopolang, with discipline and structure. But everything changes when his father, Madimetja, arrives unannounced with a suitcase, a trail of regrets, and a knack for chaos. The series stars Makwela Lekalakala as the unpredictable Madimetja, Paul Maila as Khutso, and rising star Omhle Tshabalala (Christmas Clothes, Unseen) as Gopolang. The cast also features Sana Mchunu (Gomora), Londeka Sishi (Adulting), Linda Sokhulu (Unmarried), and Thabo Malema (Scandal!).

Where to watch: Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161)

West Africa — By Nelson C.J

The Herd (Nigeria)

In this directorial debut from Daniel Etim Effiong, The Herd tells a gripping story of survival, love, betrayal, and family. The Herd centers the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly through herdsmen kidnappings in the country’s southwest, to deliver a powerful yet socially conscious thriller. The film follows the disintegration of a beautiful wedding day into a disastrous experience filled with danger, trepidation, and a desperate fight for survival. The film stars Genoveva Umeh (Baby Farm, Far From Home, Strawberry Chinny), Blessing Jessica Obasi (Prophetess, Miz Behaviour, A Simple Lie, Elevator Baby), Kunle Remi (Muri & Ko, Something Like Gold, Anikulapo), and others.

Where to watch: In theaters, October 17

‘Sous le même toit’ (Côte d’Ivoire)

During the chaotic aftermath of an election, ethnic and political violence takes over the city, forcing four young people to seek refuge in the house of a stranger. Kobla, a single father and the man whose house they find refuge, bears witness to the mistrust and tension that lead to unfortunate outcomes in this refuge. Sous le même toit, directed by Andy Grobli and Escobar Traoré, is a fascinating examination of human behavior and the impact of bigotry and long-held beliefs, even in times of collective struggle. The film stars Annaya Akesse, Franck Bion, and others.

Where to watch: Majestic Cinema, Abidjan

Thin Line (Nigeria)

In Thin Line, betrayal, distrust, and complications of belief are at the center of this engaging drama. The story follows a pastor who, after a brief affair with a sex worker, is placed in a tight position when that sex worker is found dead in her house, leaving the pastor as the lead suspect. Directed by Akay Mason (Red Circle, Elevator Baby, The Shadow of Greed), Thin Line stars Uzor Arukwe (Family Gbese, A Tribe Called Judah, 3 Days Working), Mercy Aigbe (Ada Omo Daddy, Labake Olododo, 77 Bullets), Uche Montana (A Weekend To Forget, Dinner At My Place), and others.

Where to watch: Kava and Netflix