Southern African Films and Documentaries

The database brings together an extraordinary range of feature films, documentaries, interviews, newsreels, and propaganda films, offering unique insights into Africa's history, cultures, and societies. 

Through powerful visual storytelling, researchers and students can explore topics ranging from colonialism and independence movements to everyday life, politics, identity, and social change across the continent.

This rich and diverse collection supports teaching and research in:

• African Studies
• Film and Cinema Studies
• History and World Cultures
• Race and Ethnicity Studies
• Women's and Gender Studies
• Media and Communication Studies
• Political Science and International Relations
• Anthropology and Sociology

Searchable, synchronized transcripts

The films are delivered on the Africa Commons platform, transcribed and keyword searchable for the first time. Search for words or a phrase, and the transcript jumps to the matching text. Click into the transcript, and the film moves to that location.