Ekwa Msangi

Writer/Director
USA

Voted for

FilmYearDirector
XALA1975Ousmane Sembène
Lovers Rock2020Steve McQueen
Mother of George2013Andrew Dosunmu
Love & Basketball2000Gina Prince-Bythewood
Parasite2019Bong Joon-ho
Whale Rider2002Nicola Caro
Maman(s)2015Maimouna Doucoure
Death for Sale2011Faouzi Bensaïdi
Farewell Amor2019Ekwa Msangi
Queen of Glory2021Nana Mensah

Comments

XALA

1975 Senegal

A beautifully layered satire that speaks to the heart of the challenges that all post-colonial African countries faced at that time and continue to face today.

Lovers Rock

2020 United Kingdom, USA

In a verité fashion, McQueen captured a moment and feeling that is impossible to capture: until now! The deep spiritual connection that Black people have to music and dance and the community that forms around that was palpable.

Mother of George

2013

Aside from some of the most stunning cinematography ever, the story is complex and layered, as the characters face real crises in wanting to parent children. The acting is superb. This film continues to be a reference for many parts of my own work.

Love & Basketball

2000 USA

A beautifully crafted, tender film about Black love and ambition, with a killer soundtrack!

Parasite

2019 Republic of Korea

The all time study on how to consistently raise the stakes and teeter on suspense, tension and (what seems like) a suicide mission! Stunning work.

Whale Rider

2002 New Zealand, Germany

Beautiful story, powerful and transcendent.

Maman(s)

2015

Riveting! A very simple story that takes on a whole life of its own. Completely captivating. Maïmouna is such a strong voice!

Death for Sale

2011 Belgium, Morocco, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates

Exquisite camerawork. A satirical comedy with wonderful acting and very precise timing. Beautifully done.

Farewell Amor

2019 USA, Australia, Mexico

Captivating, layered, elegantly done, with a killer soundtrack. The acting was intentional: a very empathetic storyteller.

Queen of Glory

2021 USA

A true comedy/tragedy with exquisite performances from all the actors and strong storytelling choices. I was completely captivated from beginning to end and plan to use this film as a reference for years to come.

Further remarks

Thank you for including my voice!