It is no doubt South Africa is an amazing country to visit. It has a fabulous scenery, wonderful beaches, fantastic wildlife, delicious food and wines and so much more to offer the visitor. One thing that the country is rich in but the tourism sector hasn’t fulled explored about the country is their filmmaking industry.

We know, South Africa might not be known for being a great filmmaking country, but trust us when we say it has produced several laudable gems over the last 50 years.

The movies mostly give viewers a pre-run of the country’s rich history, and the culture South Africans adopted throughout the years.

Very often, viewers are able to take away valuable lessons about hope and courage, inspiring them to look at life a bit differently.

Funny because esteemed Poet, Don Mattera, calls it the only country in Africa without a name, but a direction. Below is our top 5 films ever produced in Mzansi that will give you a clear direction of where our country is coming and going:

The Gods Must Be Crazy

A comic allegory about a traveling Bushman who encounters modern civilization and its stranger aspects, including a clumsy scientist and a band of revolutionaries.

District 9

Violence ensues after an extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth finds a kindred spirit in a government agent exposed to their biotechnology.

Director: Neill Blomkamp | Stars: Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt

Of course, Mr Bones!

A medicine man is sent looking for the son of his tribal king, and brings back an American golfer and a host of goons intent on keeping him in the golf tournament.

Director: Gray Hofmeyr | Stars: Leon Schuster, David Ramsey, Faizon Love, Robert Whitehead

Yankee Zulu

As children, Rhino and Zulu were best friends, until an incident causes them to go their separate ways. They meet up again as adults when Zulu, who has spent years in the United States, has… See full summary »

Director: Gray Hofmeyr | Stars: Leon Schuster, John Matshikiza, Wilson Dunster, Terri Treas

Cry, The Beloved Country

A South African preacher goes to search for his wayward son, who has committed a crime in the big city.

Director: Darrell Roodt | Stars: Richard Harris, James Earl Jones, Vusi Kunene, Charles S. Dutton

Main Image: Plex