This month’s line-up 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.

From South Africa’s long-awaited Leon Schuster docuseries to Kenya’s supernatural thrillers and Nigeria’s new dramas, here are the Best African movies and shows you can’t miss in October 2025.

1] ‘THIN LINE (NIGERIA)

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. In Thin Line, betrayal, distrust, and complications of belief are at the centre 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.

In “Thin Line,” Uzor Arukwe  plays Pastor Raymond, a man with steadfast beliefs about marriage and relationships, while Mercy Aigbe stars as Pastor Dammy, his wife. Their lives are turned upside down when Raymond encounters Annie, a desperate prostitute. As he battles between his faith and desires, things take a dark turn when Annie is found dead. Now, the question is: Was Raymond involved, or is he being framed?

Character Analysis

Pastor Ray Njoku (Uzor Arukwe): The host pastor of Power of God Ministry; he preaches about faith and God’s love for everyone. He also preaches about relationships and marriages and lives a practical life based on what he preaches.

Damilola Njoku (Mercy Aigbe): Married to the famous pastor, lived her life serving God and her husband but had no child for ten years of marriage, misunderstood her husband and committed murder out of jealousy after finding out that the prostitute was carrying a child for her husband.

Annie (Uche Montana): The prostitute who steals from her clients and, most times, doesn’t even have sex with them. Possessed, she meets with the pastor and demands something more than money.

Ibrahim Yekini (Seyi Baller): Portrays a fraudster with a fake accent who becomes one of Annie’s victims. Enraged after she steals from him, he retaliates by shooting her.

Ebun Oloyede plays a husband tricked by Annie, who steals money meant for his wife, adding depth to the narrative.

Rukkie Mama (Laide JaiyeKuti): Shines as a streetwise pimp who connects clients to prostitutes. In a memorable scene, she admonishes Annie for her deceitful and destructive behaviour.

The search for Annie’s killer turns into more than just a quest for justice, it becomes a fight for Raymond’s soul, as he must face the consequences of a single, life-altering mistake.

Notable mentions

Nkechi Blessing and Yvonne Jegede: Notable in their portrayals as supporting roles playing a major role and adding realism to the story.

Themes

The film explores themes of faith, love, betrayal, forgiveness, jealousy, and redemption. Thin Line showcases actual actions and emotions, incredible performances, and attractive scenes that keep viewers fixated on the screen.

The cast delivered emotionally charged performances, fully immersing themselves in their roles and bringing their characters to life with depth and authenticity. Even the minor characters left a lasting impression, with their expressions and dialogue skillfully complementing the narrative.

However, the film’s originality falters as it draws inspiration from familiar plots. Additionally, some details—such as the sparse and unrealistic depiction of the police station—lacked the bustling activity typically associated with such settings.

Its thought–provoking themes and captivating narrative make it a must–watch. With excellent performances and commendable technical execution, it’s a perfect film to round off the year.

Directed by Akay Mason, “Thin Line” also features Iyabo Ojo, Olaiya Igwe, The Cute Abiola, Jaiye Kuti, Adeniyi Johnson, and Yvonne Jegede. This project marks Mercy Aigbe’s second film as a producer, following the success of “Ada Omo Daddy.”

Cinematic View: Kava and Netflix

2] ‘SOUS LE MêME TOIT (CôTE D’IVOIRE)

Sous le même toit, directed by Andy Grobli and Escobar Traoré, is a fascinating examination of human behaviour and the impact of bigotry and long-held beliefs, even in times of collective struggle.

The film stars Annaya Akesse, Franck Bion, and others. 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. 

Cinematic View: Majestic Cinema, Abidjan

3] ‘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!).

“Fathers and Sons” is a new comedy drama series coming to Mzansi Magic, and it promises to tickle your funny bone and tug at your heartstrings.

Viewers can prepare for a laugh–out–loud journey that touches on love, conflict and the magical chaos of family life.

At the heart of this story is Madimetja, played by actor Makwela Lekalakala.

Once the epitome of a deadbeat dad, Madimetja re-enters his son Khutso‘s (Paul Maila) life.  Khutso, a control-freak single father himself, is fiercely dedicated to raising his teenage son, Gopolang (Omhle Tshabalala), with strict discipline and structure.

However, when Madimetja arrives with nothing but a suitcase full of regrets and misguided aspirations, the delicate balance of their dynamic is thrown into suspense.

Gopolang finds himself trapped between the rigid rules enforced by his father and the unpredictable antics of his grandfather as they all try to coexist. Add in a mischievous best friend from next door and a secret “situationship”, and viewers can expect a riotous concoction of family hijinks.

Helmed by award–winning director Nganki “Star” Mphahlele, each episode promises to take viewers on a rollercoaster ride of second chances, fatherhood fails and the cultural clashes that arise when three generations of Mphahlele men unite under one roof.

Director of “Fathers and Sons”, Nganki “Star” Mphahlele.

“Fathers and Sons” portrays the everyday realities of familial relationships, where conflicts emerge but love ultimately prevails.

“It is about family, love, and the struggles between different generations of men. It shows how fathers try to raise their sons and how sons try to find their own way. It’s about mistakes, forgiveness and the bond that keeps them together no matter what,” shared Mphahlele. 

He added that the show deals with family conflict, love, fatherhood, masculinity, forgiveness, as well as using humour to get through tough times.

Mphahlele said that the show opens the channels of conversation between fathers and sons. 

“It shows real struggles that many families face. By putting these stories on screen, the show opens up conversations between fathers and sons, and between families. It reminds us that even when we fight or don’t understand each other, love is what brings us back together.”

Adding their talent to the cast are “Gomora” star Sana Mchunu, Londeka Sishi, Thabo Malema and veteran actress Linda Sokhulu. 

“The cast feels real. They bring truth and heart to their roles. When you watch them, it feels like they are a real family. That’s why they were perfect for the story,” said the director. 

So why should viewers tune in? Mphahlele said: “Because it’s real, funny, emotional and powerful. People will see themselves and their families in this story. It’s not just entertainment – it’s about healing, understanding and celebrating family.”

Cinematic View: Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161)

4] ‘LOVED OUT (SOUTH AFRICA)

Written and directed by Tendayi Nyeke, Loved Out blends sharp humour 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. 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. 

From the creators of Ndiani Studios and TENYE Creates comes a fearless, funny, and fiercely female-led film that’s about to set Mzansi screens alight!

One Week. One Contest. One Very Kidnapped Mom.

What do you get when you cross a toxic frenemy, a high-stakes cooking competition, and a church heist? A laugh-out-loud, cry-in-your-cocktail, fiercely female-led South African film that’s about to flip the local cinema scene on its head.

Get ready for LOVED OUT, the genre-busting new film written, directed, and produced by Zimbabwean-South African creative powerhouse Tendayi Nyeke. This vibrant, fearless, and fabulously unfiltered dramedy premieres on 18 September followed by a national rollout in South Africa on 26 September 2025 at NuMetro, Ster-Kinekor, and CineCentre theatres and its Zimbabwe release on 28 November 2025.

FAKE IT TILL YOU BREAK DOWN

Ruva (27), played by rising star Bahumi Mhlongo, is a self-styled mogul running her restaurant with the confidence of a Kardashian and the Instagram aesthetic of Lasizwe, but behind the filters, she’s one bad review away from total collapse. Together with her no-nonsense, scandal–prone mother Gloria (Khabonina Qubeka), Ruva is trying to drag their family restaurant RU AND GLO’S out of the gutter and into gourmet territory.

Her already chaotic life is flipped on its head by an online competition promising R1 million to the hottest local culinary spot. The catch? Ruva must become the ultimate social media darling while managing a crumbling marriage, a jealous rival, and a shady preacher from her mother’s church.

When Pastor Zakes (Marcus Mabusela) reveals a video of Gloria being kidnapped for allegedly stealing church money that actually belongs to a gangster syndicate, the clock starts ticking. Ruva has one week to find a million rand, or her mother dies.

The solution? The devil she knows: her old high school nemesis Linden, now a rich media boss who once destroyed her family’s reputation. Linden offers to invest — but only if Ruva plays his twisted game. Soon, she’s faking, finessing, and filtering her way to the top, but the closer she gets to winning, the more her real life spirals out of control.

Set in a high-gloss African city that pulses with youth, style, and side-eye, LOVED OUT bounces between the contrasting worlds of polished private schools, a rustic, millennial-run restaurant, a slick publishing empire and a cramped cottage filled with big personalities fighting for space. Through these locations, the film explores the smoke and mirrors of modern life — what people wear, eat, post, and pretend — all while asking the real question: what happens when keeping up appearances nearly gets you killed?

From the sass of Bridesmaids to the sharp aesthetic of Girl’s Trip and the Gen–Z charm of Rye Lane, LOVED OUT is visually electric, rhythmically fast–paced, and bursting with colour, chaos, and comedy.

Its bright, stylised wardrobes, social satire with serious swagger and offbeat characters with razor-sharp dialogue make it the film not to be missed this spring. Not to mention its powerful soundtrack, produced by Nkosilathi “Niko” Ndlovu, Alessandro Giovanetto and a featured track from none other than Brian Soko, the Grammy–winning composer behind Beyoncé’s Drunk in Love. This musical collaboration brings a soundscape that’s as wild and stylish as the film itself — blending Afro-pop, trap, amapiano, and gospel with glossy, cinematic fire.

“I started this story over a decade ago when I left Zimbabwe and saw dreams shatter under pressure,” says Nyeke. “Loved Out is for anyone who has ever questioned if they matter, anyone who has hustled while pretending to have it all together. It’s about what keeps us going when life gets nuts: love, laughter, and refusing to be edited out.”

CAST

The film boasts a powerhouse cast of African talent including:

• Bahumi Mhlongo as Ruva, the chaotic queen of content and desperation.
• Khabonina Qubeka as Gloria, her spicy and scandalous mom.
• Tumi Morake as Mai D, a matriarch who serves food and real talk.
• Ayakha Ntunja as Vazu, head in the clouds, Afro pop–princess.
• Marcus Mabusela as Pastor Zakes, shady with a capital “S”.
• Eliazer Shadung as Nangi, Ruva’s glam, ride–or–die confidant.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Writer/Director/Producer – Tendayi Nyeke
Children’s Emmy-nominated, SAFTA-winning, and Executive Producer of Disney’s Kizazi Moto, Nyeke is a storytelling force of nature. She draws from her own immigrant experience, Zimbabwean roots, and South African hustle to create this deeply personal, riotously entertaining project.

Line Producer – Larney de Swart
From Food, Booze and Tattoos to Netflix and beyond, Larney brings over a decade of dynamic live-action and animation production experience.

Cinematographer – Gaopie Kabe
Mbokodo Award winner and SAFTA-recognised visual genius behind Lockdown, Side Dish Dilemma, and The River.

Production Designer – Martha Sibanyoni
With over 25 years in the industry, this Black Tax and Yizo Yizo legend gives Loved Out its textured, vibrant visual identity.

IT’S MORE THAN A FILM — IT’S A MOVEMENT

To celebrate the release of Loved Out, audiences can also look forward to:

A 6-Part Podcast Series
Hosted by cast members, tackling real themes from the movie — from financial strain and family secrets to navigating toxic relationships in the public eye.

Cinematic View: Cinemas across South Africa

5] ‘SCHUSTER’ (SOUTH AFRICA)

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 mis–steps he has made along the way. Earlier this year, he received the Silwers–kerm Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his place as one of South Africa’s most recognizable entertainers. 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. 

“Schuster” refers to ”LEON SCHUSTER” South Africa legendary king of Candid Drama, and Slapstick Comedy While there isn’t a single film simply titled Schuster, the name is synonymous with several massive box-office hits and a recent documentary series

 

Leon Schuster’s Filmography

Schuster’s career spans decades, beginning with candid camera sketches and evolving into narrative feature films. 

• Early Candid Camera: You Must Be Joking! (1986) and its sequel You Must Be Joking! Too (1987).
• The “Oh Schuks” Series: Includes classics like Oh Schucks…. It’s Schuster! (1989), Oh Schucks…. Here Comes Untag (1990), Oh Schuks… I’m Gatvol (2004), and Schuks! Pay Back the Money! (2015).
• Record-Breaking Hits: Mr. Bones (2001) became the highest-grossing South African film ever at the time, later surpassed by its sequel, Mr. Bones 2: Back from the Past (2008).
• International Recognition: Yankee Zulu (1993), released internationally as There’s a Zulu on My Stoep, remains one of his most famous cross-cultural comedies. 

Recent Developments

• Documentary Series: In October 2024, a five-part documentary series titled Schuster premiered on kykNET, exploring his life story and career.
• Unbanning of Films: After being removed from platforms like Showmax in 2020 due to racial insensitivity (specifically the use of blackface), MultiChoice recently lifted the ban on many of his older films as of late 2025.
• Recent Movie: His most recent major theatrical release was Mr. Bones 3: Son of Bones in 2022. 

List of Leon Schuster Movies

1. Mr Bones – 2001:
   From the very first scene, Mr Bones is a laugh a minute. The film features “Mr Bones” who is a sole airplane crash survivor as a baby. He is raised in a remote African kingdom and known as their prophesier. One day, he is sent to meet the new king of the land in the USA, but instead of bringing the king back, he ends up returning with a golfer and his entourage. This particular film was a major success, raking in more than R35 million.
2. Oh Shucks I’m Gatvol – 2004:
   If you haven’t seen this one yet, it is a must-see! In this particular film, Schucks and Alf decide to head to Australia after reaching “gatvol” levels with crime. Samoosa Woestyn, who plans to kill the US president, changes Schucks’ plans. The adventures that Schucks and Alf get into are hard to explain…you will have to watch this one for yourself!
3. Mama Jack – 2005:
   Mama Jack is another film that’s jam-packed with fun and laughter. It features a man called Jack who is particularly disliked by his boss and ends up having his drink spiked by the very same boss. While intoxicated, Jack proceeds to do a few illegal things. Jack is now a fugitive and obviously on the run. The film features the hilarious adventures and pickles he gets himself into along the way.
4. Schucks Tshabalala’s Survival Guide to SA – 2010:
   This was Schuster’s film “for” the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2010. It features Schuks and his long-time friend shorty creating a survival guide for tourists visiting SA for the World Cup. Somewhere along the way, Schuks and Shorty become tour guides who meet up with a variety of challenges!

1. Mad Buddies – 2012:
   Boetie and Beast, who just happen to be enemies, are tricked into participating in a reality show that’s set to be highly popular in the country. The country watches on while the producers trick and prank the duo throughout the show. When they discover they have been tricked, they plan some revenge of their own.
2. Frank and Fearless – 2018:
   This particular film can only be described as side-splittingly funny. “Frank & Fearless” the main character is the witness of a barbaric rhino poaching incident and decides to uncover the true identity of the criminals. The baby rhino of the poached rhino aids him in his mission as well as Frank & Fearless’ dog.  The obstacles and challenges along the way provide for a lot of fun and laughter.

Cinematic View: Kyk NET(DSTV CHANNEL 144)

6] ‘GOAT (KENYA)

Goat marks Kibinge’s first personal film in over a decade. 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). 

Judy Kibinge Returns to Directing After More Than a Decade With Supernatural Folk Thriller ‘Goat’

Led by Sheila Munyiva and Brian Ogola, ‘Goat’ explores spirituality, love and cultural memory.

In 2013, Something Necessary, a Kenyan feature that follows the aftermath of the post-election violence, premiered. The film was directed by Judy Kibinge. That same year, Kibinge founded Docubox, East Africa’s first independent film fund, which has since supported over 100 films, including feature documentaries, documentary shorts, and short fiction films, while also upskilling filmmakers. Some notable films include Zippy Kimundu’s Our Land, Our Freedom, South Sudan’s No Simple Way Home, Maia Lekow and Christopher King’s How to build a Library, The Battle for Laikipia and Softie.

Now, more than a decade later, Kibinge returns to directing (and writing) with Goat, a supernatural folk thriller that explores spirituality, love and cultural memory.

The official synopsis reads: City lovebirds Benjamin and Suki journey to a remote goat farm where Suki discovers she’s been deceived—this isn’t the romantic getaway she expected. Watched over by a towering Mugumo tree and a strange assortment of farmyard residents, vegetarian Suki is horrified to witness the brutal slaughter of a goat, triggering visions of an ancestral debt and a race to escape what her bloodline owes.

The 27-minute short is led by Sheila Munyiva (Country Queen) and Brian Ogola (Lusala) as the couple Suki and Benja (Benjamin), with Peter Mudamba (Country Queen), Joseph Gachanja (Second Family), and twins Natasha Wangari and Sasha Wambui also starring.

The idea for the film grew out of a reckoning with Kenya’s religion and spirituality. “Kenya is a country where Christianity and Islam have been accepted as the nation’s primary spiritual truth, but I find myself wondering about our spiritual beliefs before colonialism. Goat emerged from this questioning,” Kibinge says.

She describes the project as her “first truly personal film in over a decade” after spending more than 10 years at Docubox supporting filmmakers across East Africa “[This film is] made after 13 years of building a remarkable film fund and community for independent African filmmakers, while my own creative voice lay dormant,” she says.

Goat is a homecoming for her not just creatively, but also personally. It’s a story rooted in her family history yet expands into a larger meditation on identity and culture against the enduring consequences of colonialism. It is this inward reflection that the film draws its main tension from, Kibinge says. “The horror comes not from external monsters, but from the realisation that in rejecting our past, we may have rejected essential parts of ourselves.”

Beyond its horror elements, Goat is also a love story between Suki and Benja, which Kibinge says drives the emotional core of the story, grounding the spiritual exploration in human connection and sacrifice.

For producer Habiba Gicheru, Goat is a blend of the contemporary with Kikuyu folklore and tradition without apology, and is part of her journey of reclaiming our stories. “It’s proof that we can tell our stories through our own imaginations and realities, experimenting boldly between the contemporary and the historical,” she says. “What excites me most is that we don’t need to be afraid of excavating our histories and speaking our truths.”

Goat premiered in competition at Woodstock Film Festival in New York, which runs from 15 – 19 October 2025.

Cinematic View: Premieres at Woodstock Film Festival (Oct 15–19)

7] ‘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.

Reuben Odanga Debuts New Telenovela ‘Lazizi’ Three Years After ‘Selina’

Premiering on Maisha Magic Plus in October, this telenovela follows a sugarcane mogul who has his eyes set on politics but when ghosts from his past resurface, his polished image begins to unravel.

In 2022, the beloved Swahili telenovela Selina concluded after four years of captivating fans with its star-crossed love story between a wealthy heir and a village girl. For director and producer Reuben Odanga, Selina was validation of what was possible. For its mother channel, M-Net’s Maisha Magic East, it was a ratings hit that drew audiences across Kenya and East Africa. For leads Pascal Tokodi and Celestine Gachuhi, it was the star-maker that turned even lesser known actors like Gachuhi into household names. And for the wider industry, it was a gamechanger that revived the Swahili telenovela genre and paved the way for others to follow.

Since then, Odanga has released a number of projects, including the 2024 Netflix series Mo-Faya. Now, three years after Selina, Odanga returns with another telenovela, Lazizi, which premieres premieres on Maisha Magic Plus on 6 October.

Lazizi follows Mark Mbotela (Mwaniki Mageria), a sugarcane mogul who has his eyes set on politics but when ghosts from his past resurface, his polished image begins to unravel.

“I was heavily inspired by the flora and fauna of this country, especially the beautiful landscapes of Muhoroni which I recall from my school days,” says Odanga. “I wanted to tell a story from that region, something we haven’t done before. It felt right to give the people there a story that would be closer to home and very relatable.”

Known for reviving the Swahili telenovela genre with Selina, Odanga is looking to infuse more local languages with Lazizi, alongside Swahili and English – specifically Luo as a way of making the telenovela “even more relatable to the local audience.”

“We are excited to continue showcasing compelling local stories that resonate with our audiences. Lazizi is another testament to our investment in Kenya’s creative industry,” says Maisha Magic Channel Head Margaret Mathore. “Just like Selina, we are confident the show will captivate viewers and affirm the strength of homegrown productions on our platforms.”

Lazizi is directed by Odanga (who also produces) alongside June Ndinya (MTV Shuga Mashariki) and Davis Nato. Clifford Okumu (Pete) serves as head writer, with Joseph Akwiri, Wanjau Wachira (Selina), Mitchell Gitonga and Lucia Shikuku (Makutano Junction) also writing.

Meet the cast of Lazizi

• Mwaniki Mageria (The Chocolate Empire) is ”Mark Mbotela” – Mark comes from a humble background which fuels his ambitions.
• Jackie Nyaminde (Country Queen) is ”Amina” – Mark’s ex with whom they had a son, Shaffie. She is an alcoholic struggling with depression due to abandoning Shaffie.
• Helen Keli (Single Kiasi) is ”Bridget Mbotela” – Mark’s controlling wife and mother to his stepson, Richard. She feels entitled to the family fortune and is grooming Richard to take over the business.

• Isaac Okoyo (Reckless) is ”Shaffie Mbotela” – Mark’s free-spirited son born out of his affair with Amina. He constantly feels like an outsider and yearns for a father’s understanding; he finds himself having a complicated relationship with women and is hedonistic.
• Zander Adika (MTV Shuga Down South) is ”Richard Mbotela” – Mark’s stepson who is being groomed to succeed him in running the company.
• Evelyne Gitonga (One in a Million) is ”Natasha” – Richard’s girlfriend but despite being in love with him, her love is unrequited.
• Vivian Nyawira (Njoro Wa Uba) is ”Sophie” – Amina’s daughter and Shaffie’s half-sister. Having grown up with an alcoholic and depressed mother, she learned at a young age to only rely on herself to get things done.
• Joel Otukho (Country Queen) is ”Juma” – Loyal to Mark and has a soft spot for Amina. Having worked with the family and company for many years, he is privy of information that could be used against them.

Cinematic View: Premieried October 6 on DSTV’s Maisha Magic Plus 

8] ‘TIES THAT BINDS US (UGANDA)

“Ties That Bind Us” sets the stage for love, secrets, and simmering family drama in this new Ugandan series streaming on YouTube. 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.

Ties that binds us unfolds in a world where tradition, power and love are at odds, exploring the dynamics between the lives of two vastly different families, the Ssenyonjo family who sit at the top of the social ladder, a wealthy and influential family, in contrast with the Lutaaya family who are struggling to keep their heads above water, clinging to hopes that their oldest daughter, Lillian will provide a lifeline through marriage. The story begins with Lillian being pulled into the heart of a battle she never asked for. She returns home from the university, a complete course in one hand and a heart full of love in the other, eager to announce to her family, her engagement to the love of her life, Emmanuel, little does she know, her parents wear the weight of a secret that will shatter her world. Her announcement is met with coldness and disapproval from her parents and overbearing aunt, Mauda. As tension builds, they reveal the fact that they have an agenda of their own, marrying off Lillian to the eldest Ssenyonjo son, David for reasons only known to them.

• Core Plot: Set in a scenic village, the story centers on the Lutaaya and Ssenyonjo families, who are entangled in a generations-long storm of love, betrayal, and clashing traditions.
• Central Conflict: Lillian Lutaaya is caught in a love triangle between David Ssenyonjo (who seeks to marry her to settle family debts) and her true love, Emmanuel.
• 2026 Activity: As of January 2026, the series is in its second season. Notable recent episodes include “Thee Bartender” (Episode 10) and “August 5th, 2001” (Episode 11). 

Single Kiasi is a Kenyan drama series produced by insiginia productions for African streamer, Showmax

Gathoni Mutua, Faith Kibathi and RHON star Minne Kariuki play the female leads. The show is mainly co-produced and co-directed by Philippe Bresson and Grace Kahaki, the creators of The Chocolate Empire and Netflix’s Kash Money.

Single Kiasi is one of the most watched shows on Showmax since its debut in 2022.

In September 2025, Showmax renewed and announced the show’s fourth season.

Cinematic View: YouTube

9] ‘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. 

Single Kiasi is a Kenyan drama series produced by insiginia productions for African streamer, Showmax.

Gathoni Mutua, Faith Kibathi and RHON star Minne Kariuki play the female leads. The show is mainly co-produced and co-directed by Philippe Bresson and Grace Kahaki, the creators of The Chocolate Empire and Netflix’s Kash Money.

Single Kiasi is one of the most watched shows on Showmax since its debut in 2022.

In September 2025, Showmax renewed and announced the show’s fourth season.

Plot

Single Kiasi follows the lives of Sintamei, Mariah and Rebecca, as they navigate marriage, relationships, and their careers in the Nairobi’s concrete jungle. It also explores the strong bond of friendship that these women share, knowing that even when the world crumbles around them, they will always have each other.

Season 2 catches up with the trio after a bombshell finalé in season 1. Sintamei starts her own law firm with her business partner and old friend Olivia. Having lost JK, Mariah starts a steamy encounter with a plastic surgeon. Rebecca’s financial struggles continue following her break up with Eric who gets a new girlfriend.

Season 3 follows Rebecca still reeling from being left at the altar and finds solace in her new job as an assistant to her ex-boyfriend, Nick. As they spend more time together, old feelings resurface, and they cautiously embark on a romantic relationship once again. Sintamei embarks on a journey of exploration by embracing polyamory with Giselle and Marcel, while Mariah grapples with the realisation that her once unwavering beauty is fading. Desperate to regain her youthful allure, Mariah resorts to extreme measures to alter her physical appearance.

Season 4 picks up from the dramatic cliffhanger with Sintamei’s world spinning out of control after a night of questionable choices with Nick. Consumed by guilt, she immerses herself in her work, striving to elevate her law firm’s profile. However, the arrival of a charismatic and adventurous stranger tempts Sintamei to explore a dangerous path. Meanwhile, Rebecca and Nick’s budding romance is tested by mounting family pressures, largely orchestrated by Nick’s manipulative mother and his snobbish aunt. Mariah having survived heartbreak and humiliation in the previous season, is determined to shed the victim narrative. She embraces her power and gets entangled into a new relationship where she finds control.

Core Plot: Set in a scenic village, the story centers on the Lutaaya and Ssenyonjo families, who are entangled in a generations-long storm of love, betrayal, and clashing traditions.

Central Conflict: Lillian Lutaaya is caught in a love triangle between David Ssenyonjo (who seeks to marry her to settle family debts) and her true love, Emmanuel.

2026 Activity: As of January 2026, the series is in its second season. Notable recent episodes include “Thee Bartender” (Episode 10) and “August 5th, 2001” (Episode 11). 

Single Kiasi is a Kenyan drama series produced by insiginia productions for African streamer, Showmax.

Gathoni Mutua, Faith Kibathi and RHON star Minne Kariuki play the female leads. The show is mainly co-produced and co-directed by Philippe Bresson and Grace Kahaki, the creators of The Chocolate Empire and Netflix’s Kash Money.

Single Kiasi is one of the most watched shows on Showmax since its debut in 2022.

In September 2025, Showmax renewed and announced the show’s fourth season.

Cast and Crew

Key Actors: The cast includes celebrated names such as Simon Base Kalema, Diana Kahunde, Raymond Rushabiro, Timothy Lwanga, and Mike Musoke.

Rising Stars: Pelly Peninah Nampanga (2024 Best Actress winner), Mark Agume, Nakubulwa Clare Desire, and Kenny Rukundo.

Writing & Production: The series is written by Aheebwe and Viktoryah Cheptaimur and produced by Adnan Ssenkumba.

Recognition

Awards: The series was nominated for “Best Script” at the Next Honors (NXTH) Awards in late 2025. It also received a special mention at the Mashariki Film Festival for its emotional depth and innovative digital approach.

Future Development: The production began a social media initiative in late 2025 to scout for new talent for a planned third season.

Cinematic View: Showmax

10] ‘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 re-emerging old feelings lead the couple to hope for a second chance at love.

The film is a romantic comedy that discusses the idea that love is not bound by a specific age, and that it can come at any time.
The story tells of a retired accountant who lives a long-standing love affair with a housewife, but their lives change when they meet again after many years, beginning a series of comedic situations and touching moments.

Filmmaker Omar Roushdy is directing the pic from a script by Waleed El-Moghazy, Mohamed Ashraf, and Mustafa Abbas.

“Feha Eh Yaani” marks another collaboration between Adel and El Kedwany after 2019’s film “Nadi El-Regal El-Serri” (The Secret Club of Men).

It is co-produced by Magic Beans, Synergy Plus, Rasheedy Films, and Roznama.

The film is set in a romantic comedy element and reflects the idea that love is a feeling that can’t be controlled or planned, and it can happen at any point in life, at any age, and when you least expect it.

A love story for the ages: While many may recognize Waleed El Moghazy from his stand-up comedy career — and his recent ventures into acting — Feeha Eh Yaani sees him foray into screenwriting. Working with director Omar Roshdy Hamed, he brings to life the wholesome love story of Salah (Maged El Kedwani) and Layla (Ghada Adel) in a romantic comedy that has quickly joined the ranks of our favorite films to date.

Full house: Salah is a retired engineer living alongside his daughter Nada (Asmaa Galal), her husband Alaa (Mostafa Gharieb), and their daughter Amina (Retal Abdelaziz). Nada is deeply attached to her father and constantly worries about his health and that of her small family. She runs the household like the navy, only feeding her family what she deems healthy. Salah, Alaa, and Amina, however, managed to make do with the living situation, telling a few white lies here and there to rid themselves of her unrelenting control.

A visitor from the past: One day, the caretaker of Salah’s old apartment building in Heliopolis calls him. There’s an emergency at his childhood home that requires his presence. There, Salah reunites with Layla, who has recently moved back in with her mother Nagiah (Mimi Gamal) next door. Salah is overtaken by yearning and decides to move back into his Heliopolis apartment, soon finding himself in a dilemma: rekindle his past love or dedicate his life to his family and devoted daughter.

Torn in two: More than just a love story between two people torn apart by fate, Feeha Eh Yaani is also a tender love story between a father and a daughter who views him as her most precious possession and top priority. Galal delivered one of her best and most sincere performances yet, with powerful scenes that touched our hearts. Needless to say, Adel and El Kedwani once again brought a series of smiles to our faces with their captivating presence in every scene they shared.

It’s a quiet kind of love. In Feeha Eh Yaani, romance stems not from exaggerated monologues or heroic acts, but from the daily acts of appreciation through which hearts are won. Heliopolis was an accomplice in the couple’s romance, and we’d argue its streets were the true protagonists of the film. The soundtrack — featuring a song by Egyptian-Libyan veteran singer Hamid El Shaeri — further exemplified the film’s charm and overall warm and wholesome atmosphere. If we were to get nitpicky in an otherwise flawless production, we’d argue that Asmaa Galal and Retal Abdelaziz looked more like sisters rather than mother-daughter.

It is centered around a man, a retired accountant, who is haunted by memories of an unfulfilled love story. By chance, he meets his former partner, and soon life takes an unexpected turn and their romance is rekindled.

Cinematic View: Egyptian cinemas 

11] ‘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. 

Paris – Moroccan-Belgian director Anouar Mouatassim announced during a press conference in Paris on Friday that he is working on his first feature film, “Atoman, Wind Rider,” which will centre on the first superhero of Moroccan-African origin, inspired by Amazigh mythology.

Filming will start next December and will take place in Morocco, France and some sub-Saharan countries. Mouatassim chose actors from Morocco, Mali, France and Belgium to perform in the film, with the main role being awarded to famous French-Moroccan rapper Youssef Akdim, whose stage name is Lartiste.

The movie tells the story of Hakim Imlil, who becomes one of the world’s most wanted hackers after penetrating the databases of a French-Chinese-American pharmaceutical laboratory to help COVID-19 patients benefit from a low-cost drug.

After being arrested by Interpol on an island where he is seeking refuge, Imlil is handed over to Moroccan authorities. He then makes a deal allowing him to leave jail in return for working for the police’s cyber crime unit.

Through the events, Imlil discovers he is the son of a family with supernatural powers, and decides to learn how to harness his power to face the dangers that threaten the world.

Imlil becomes Atoman, which means “man of the wind” in Amazigh, embarking on a fierce battle against powerful enemies looking to control the planet.

According to the film team, “the time has come” for African and Maghreb cinema to begin producing their own superhero films. They were inspired by “Black Panther,” the first Hollywood film to feature a black superhero lead, the late African-American actor Chadwick Bozeman.

When asked why it is important to feature a Moroccan superhero, Mouatassim replied that the film intends to challenge complexes and break down barriers.

According to him, “the hero Atoman draws his power and identity from Moroccan and Amazigh heritage, an identity that we find in the film through the costumes, the set, the music.”

“This idea, entirely new to Moroccan cinema, took its time to be mature and to take shape, before being realised thanks to the efforts of a determined team. It’s a dream come true,” Mouatassim added.

Cinematic View: Prime Video

12] ‘THE TALE OF DAYE’S FAMILY (EGYPT)

“The Tale of Daye’s Family” is one of Egypt’s best comedies this year, and centres around a rarely discussed topic. 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. Daye is a 14-year-old Nubian albino with a golden voice. He is bullied for his unique appearance and abandoned by his father, but Daye does not let it get him down. He dreams of becoming a singer like his idol, Mohamed Mounir. When he gets the chance to audition for “The Voice”, Daye and his family embark on the perilous journey from Aswan to Cairo. Their path is fraught with challenges: a car is stolen, savings are lost, they have to flee from the police and they face discrimination. But their love for each other and Daye’s extraordinary talent help them to get through. They also receive help from unexpected quarters, including a friendly firefighter – and an inspiring encounter with Mounir himself. Daye is a story about resilience, hope and the power of music. It explores themes of identity, ambition and the unbreakable bond of family, showing how determination and love can triumph over adversity.

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. 

Cinematic View: Cinema Zawya in Cairo