BUTTERFLY (AKA PAPILLON) | Algeria

This oil painting-style animation is inspired by the true story of Alfred Nakache, a Jewish-Algerian swimmer who competed at the 1936 Olympics – in Nazi Germany.

• Nominated: Oscars (Animated Short)

Stream on YouTube.

THE DEADLY QUEST FOR GOLD IN SOUTH AFRICA | South Africa

After a government crackdown on illegal mining, hundreds of miners were trapped underground in Shaft 11 for months.

• Shortlisted: One World Media (Short Documentary)
  

Stream on YouTube.

PATIENCE | Senegal

As Moudou attempts to emigrate from Senegal, his patience and resilience are tested. He is sustained by hope for what lies ahead and memories of what came before.

• Winner: Graphite Pencil, D&AD

Stream on YouTube.

DEATH IN DUBAI | Uganda & Diaspora

This true-crime documentary investigates the death of a 23-year-old Ugandan influencer in Dubai, as well as the disturbing online trend #DubaiPortaPotty.

• Winner: Royal Television Society Journalism Award (Current Affairs: International)
  

Stream on YouTube.

AFRICA’S CULTURAL LANDMARKS | Pan-African

These 13 short documentaries reframe the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s African galleries, travelling from Great Zimbabwe to rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia, and from sacred shrines in Nigeria to the Tsodilo Hills in Botswana, nicknamed ‘the Louvre of the desert’ for its 4,500 rock art paintings. 

• Nominated: Webby Awards (Documentary)
  

Watch the trailer on YouTube.

Watch the full series here.

SEARCHING FOR AMANI | Kenya

A 13-year-old aspiring journalist investigates his father’s murder inside one of Kenya’s largest wildlife conservancies: Laikipia.

• Nominated: News & Documentary Emmy Awards (Outstanding Social Issue Documentary)
  

Stream on YouTube.

LILY | Tunisia

A lonely archivist has his life upended by a doll that triggers his conscience.

• Winner: $1 million AI Film Prize from Google and the 1 Billion Followers Summit

Stream on YouTube.

STAMPEDE | Ghana

Rapper Genesis Owusu returned from Australia to Ghana for the first time in 11 years to film this music video, featuring daredevil local motorbike riders.

• Silver: Young Director Award, Cannes Lions.

Stream on YouTube.

IN-BETWEEN | Ethiopia

Omar, a young refugee from Ethiopia, is navigating life in Malta. He lives suspended between two worlds: the home he misses and the one he’s trying to make.

• Winner: On the Cusp, 1.4 Awards
• Shortlisted: Cannes Lions (Casting)

Stream on YouTube.

FLOOD | Nigeria & South Africa

Directed by South African Salomon Ligthelm, Little Simz’ striking black-and-white music video for Flood features Nigerian Obongjayar and South African Moonchild Sanelly in a modern-day fable exploring the tensions between the material and the spiritual.

• Bronze: Clio Awards (Directing)
• Nominated: Video of the Year, MOBO Awards

Stream on YouTube.

Stream Plot Twist Picks’ expanded 20-film playlist of Africa’s 2026 awards contenders on YouTube. 

The post 10 African Films Worth Watching on YouTube Right Now appeared first on Stage and Screen.