By Ernie Sophia
Some of the great African novels have been forged into blockbuster movies around the globe.
A reader of any African novel will remain curious after watching a movie adapted from an African novel.
There are special events, surroundings and scenarios that we wanted to see from the movie. These movies become familiar to us that we can easily tell what would happen at every stage.
In 2016, we would be looking out for ‘Allegiant’ from Veronica Roth #1 New York Times Bestseller author, the BFG from Roald Dahl, and the list is endless.
In Africa however, we are proud of our novelists whose works have been adapted into movies.
Five of these movies are;
Things Fall ApartThings Fall Apart was a novel written by Chinua Achebe, the book was one of the first in Africa to gain a global critical acclaim.
In 1970, the novel was adapted into a movie that stared Princess Elizabeth of Toro by Edward Mosk and his wife Fern, who wrote the screen play. David Orere directed the mini-series from the novel and it was broadcasted in Nigeria, starring Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh and Sam Loco Efe.
The movie dealt on post-colonial era in the country and the protagonist Okonkwo.
Half of a Yellow Sun
The novel, Half of a Yellow Sun was written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, it was adapted into a movie, and produced by Andrea Calderwood and Gail Egan, and directed by Biyi Bandele in 2013.
The story concentrated on a love story of two sisters who were caught up in The Nigerian Civil War of 1967-1970. The movie starred top actors and actresses from the Hollywood and Nollywood movie industry like the British-Nigerians: Chiwetel Ejiofor and John Boyega, Thandie Newton, Onyeka Onwenu, Anika Noni Rose, Gloria Young, Zack Orji ,Genevieve Nnaji and OC Ukeje. Half of a Yellow Sun was shot in Calabar and premiered in 2014
Beasts of no Nation
Beasts of no Nation was written by Uzodinma Iweala. It was shot in Koforidua and Ezile Bay at Akwidaa, Ghana in 2015 and released in 2015.
It was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The movie was about a boy who survived through a civil war. The movie starred Idris Elba, Ama K. Abebrese, Kobina Amissa ,Abraham Attah, Grace Nortey, David Dontoh, Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye and Opeyemi Fagbohungbe. The movie has received international critical acclaim especially for the amazing performances of Elba and the young, Attah.
Happiness is a Four-Letter Word
Happiness is a Four-Letter Word was written by Cynthia Jele and directed by Thabang Moleya. The movie was released in 2016, featuring stars like Mmabatho Montsho, Khanyi Mbau ,Renate Stuurman,Tongai Chirisa, Chris Attoh , Terence Bridget, Richard Lukunku , Daniel Hadebe and Simo Magwaza. It tells a story of three friends who were going through different phases in life as they sought for love and happiness. It was shot in South Africa.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
The movie was based on the 1995 autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. It was released in 2013 and directed by Justin Chadwick from a script written by William Nicholson.
The movie featured Idris Elba ,Naomie Harris ,Tony Kgoroge ,Riaad Moosa ,Zolani Mkiva ,Simo Mogwaza ,Fana Mokoena ,Thapelo Mokoena ,Jamie Bartlett ,Deon Lotz , Terry Pheto ,Sello Maake ,Gys de Villiers ,Carl Beukes and Nomfusi Gotyana.
The story was about the life of Mandela and his 27 years in prison before becoming President of South Africa.
Post a Comment
Post a Comment