Unveiling Maputo’s Silver Screen: Exploring the Best Films Set There

Maputo, the vibrant capital of Mozambique, has charmed filmmakers and writers from all over the world. Its diverse landscapes, rich history, and captivating culture have set the stage for numerous famous films, TV shows, and books. Whether you’re a film aficionado or a travel enthusiast, exploring Maputo’s filming locations will offer you an exciting and unique perspective on the city.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the most iconic filming locations in Maputo, share interesting trivia and tips, and help you plan a memorable trip to this cinematic city.

Famous Films Shot in Maputo

Maputo’s stunning landscapes and unique architecture have served as the backdrop for several famous films. The city’s blend of colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers, coupled with its beautiful natural surroundings, provide a versatile setting for a variety of film genres. Here are some of the most notable films shot in Maputo:

1. “Sleepwalking Land” (2007): This critically acclaimed film, based on a novel by Mia Couto, showcases Maputo’s urban landscapes and rural outskirts. The film tells the story of an orphan boy and an old man during the Mozambican Civil War.
2. “The Last Flight of Flamingo” (2010): This film, also based on a Mia Couto novel, features many scenes shot in and around Maputo. It explores the aftermath of the Mozambican Civil War through a series of mysterious explosions.
3. “Nelio’s Story” (1998): This Swedish-Mozambican film, set and filmed in Maputo, follows the life of a street child during the civil war.
4. “Ali” (2001): Some scenes from this biographical film about the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali were shot in Maputo, standing in for Kinshasa, Zaire.

TV Shows Set in Maputo

Maputo’s unique charm has also attracted the attention of TV producers. The city’s vibrant streets, bustling markets, and serene beaches have been featured in several TV shows:

1. “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (2008–2009): Although primarily set and filmed in Botswana, some scenes from this popular series were shot in Maputo. The city’s colorful streets and colonial architecture provided the perfect backdrop for this African detective series.
2. “Soul City” (1994–present): This long-running South African drama series has also filmed several episodes in Maputo, highlighting the city’s healthcare system and urban life.

Animated Films Set in Maputo

Though not as prominent as in live-action films, Maputo’s influence can also be felt in the world of animation. The city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and picturesque landscapes provide ample inspiration for animated storytelling:

1. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” (2019): Although this film is primarily set in Malawi, some animation sequences were inspired by the urban landscapes of Maputo.
2. “Adventures in Zambezia” (2012): This South African 3D animated adventure film features scenes inspired by the landscapes of southern Africa, including Maputo.

Famous Books Set in Maputo

Maputo’s allure extends to literature as well, with its vibrant city life and turbulent history serving as the backdrop for several famous books. Here are some classic and contemporary books set in Maputo:

1. “Sleepwalking Land” by Mia Couto: This internationally acclaimed novel is set in Maputo during the Mozambican Civil War. The city’s landscapes and people are vividly portrayed in Couto’s poetic prose.
2. “The Last Flight of Flamingo” by Mia Couto: Couto’s magical realist novel, set in post-war Maputo, presents a city trying to heal from its wounds.
3. “The Tuner of Silences” by Mia Couto: This novel explores a father’s attempts to create an isolated utopia for his children away from Maputo’s post-civil war reality.
4. “A River Called Time” by Mia Couto: This book, set in a Maputo slum, explores themes of poverty, hope, and the power of dreams.
5. “Every Day is for the Thief” by Teju Cole: While primarily set in Lagos, Nigeria, the protagonist also travels to Maputo, offering a comparative view of life in both cities.

Exploring Maputo’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

Maputo is a city of contrasts, where Portuguese colonial architecture meets modern African vibrancy. Exploring the city’s famous filming locations offers a unique insight into its cinematic and real-life history. Here’s where you should go:

1. Avenida Julius Nyerere: This scenic avenue, with its mix of colonial and modern architecture, has appeared in several films and TV shows.
2. Maputo Railway Station: Known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world, this iconic building has served as a backdrop in numerous films.
3. Feira Popular: This bustling market, offering everything from food to handicrafts, presents a slice of everyday life in Maputo and has been featured in several local productions.
4. Costa do Sol: This stunning beach area is a popular spot for both filmmakers and tourists. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
5. The Polana Serena Hotel: This grand hotel has hosted many film crews over the years and even served as a film set itself.

Where to Stay in Maputo

Whether you prefer luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, Maputo has something to offer every traveler. Here are our top picks for where to stay in Maputo:

Budget Options:

1. Base Backpackers: Located in the city center, this hostel offers affordable dormitory-style rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
2. Fatima’s Nest: This budget guesthouse offers simple but comfortable rooms and is located close to many of the city’s top attractions.
3. MozGuest Residence: This guesthouse offers affordable rooms and a relaxed ambiance. It’s located in a quieter part of the city but still within easy reach of the main attractions.

Luxury Options:

1. Polana Serena Hotel: Known as the “Grand Dame” of Maputo, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, a pool, and a spa. It’s located in the Polana area, close to the city center.
2. Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence: This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning views over the city and the sea.
3. Southern Sun Maputo: This beachfront hotel offers luxury accommodations, a pool, and a restaurant. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.

Where to Eat in Maputo

Maputo’s culinary scene is as diverse as its film industry. The city offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Mozambican cuisine to international flavors. Here are our top picks for dining in Maputo:

Budget Options:

1. Mercado do Peixe: Located on Costa do Sol, this bustling fish market offers fresh seafood at affordable prices. It’s a great place to experience local cuisine and culture.
2. Cafe Sol: This popular cafe offers a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and pastries at budget-friendly prices.
3. Piripiri: Known for its grilled chicken (piri-piri), this restaurant offers delicious food at affordable prices.

Luxury Options:

1. Zambi: This upscale restaurant is known for its seafood and offers stunning views over the Bay of Maputo.
2. Delagoa: Located in the Polana Serena Hotel, this fine-dining restaurant offers French cuisine with a Mozambican twist.
3. Patio dos Quintalinhos: This high-end restaurant offers a mix of Portuguese and Mozambican cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.

A Detailed Itinerary for Exploring Maputo’s Filming Locations

To help you make the most of your cinematic journey through Maputo, we’ve crafted a detailed itinerary that covers the city’s major filming locations:

Day 1:

1. Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Maputo Railway Station, a famous filming location. From there, walk to the nearby Iron House (Casa de Ferro), another iconic landmark often seen in films.
2. Afternoon: After lunch, head to the Feira Popular, a bustling market featured in several local films. Then, explore the nearby streets, which have served as a backdrop for numerous movie scenes.
3. Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Maputo’s famous restaurants. If you’re a seafood lover, the Mercado do Peixe is a must-visit.

Day 2:

1. Morning: Start your day with a visit to Costa do Sol, a popular beach area featured in several films.
2. Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Natural History Museum, which has been used as a filming location for several documentaries.
3. Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the restaurants along Avenida Julius Nyerere, a street often featured in films.

Day 3:

1. Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Tunduru Gardens, a tranquil spot often used for filming. From there, head to the nearby City Hall, another popular filming location.
2. Afternoon: After lunch, explore the Polana area, known for its colonial architecture and upscale residences. Don’t miss the Polana Serena Hotel, a famous film set.
3. Evening: End your day with a dinner at Patio dos Quintalinhos, a high-end restaurant often frequented by film crews.

Local Legends and Curiosities about Maputo’s Film Industry

Maputo’s film industry is full of fascinating legends and curiosities. Did you know that the city’s oldest cinema, the Gil Vicente, is over a century old and still operational? Or that the Maputo Film Festival, held annually, attracts filmmakers and enthusiasts from all over the world?

One of the most intriguing stories is that of the lost film “Maputo, Cidade em Movimento” (Maputo, City in Motion). Reportedly shot in the 1970s, the film was believed to have been lost during the civil war. However, it was rediscovered in 2010 and is now considered a valuable record of Maputo’s post-independence era.

Hidden Gems in Maputo

While the city’s famous landmarks often steal the spotlight, Maputo is full of lesser-known gems that have also served as filming locations:

1. Mafalala: This historic neighborhood, with its vibrant street art and traditional Mozambican architecture, has been featured in several local films and documentaries.
2. Machava Stadium: This stadium, which hosted the 2010 African Cup of Nations, has been used as a filming location for several sports films and documentaries.
3. Museu dos CFM: This railway museum, housed in a historic train station, offers a unique backdrop for period films.

What to Pack for a Trip to Maputo

When packing for your film-inspired trip to Maputo, it’s important to consider the city’s tropical climate and the activities you plan to do. Here are some packing essentials:

Clothing:

1. Lightweight clothing: Due to Maputo’s warm climate, lightweight clothing items like t-shirts, shorts, and dresses are a must.
2. Swimwear: If you’re planning to visit Costa do Sol or other local beaches, don’t forget to pack your swimwear.
3. Comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking while exploring the city’s filming locations, so comfortable shoes are essential.
4. A light jacket or sweater: While Maputo’s climate is generally warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler, especially during the winter months (June to August).

Other Essentials:

1. Sunscreen and hat: To protect yourself from the sun.
2. Camera: To capture your own cinematic shots of Maputo.
3. Travel guide and map: To help you navigate the city and its filming locations.
4. Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated during your explorations.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Maputo’s Filming Locations

Maputo has a fairly efficient public transport system, making it easy to get around the city and explore its filming locations. Here are some transportation options:

1. Chapas: These minibuses are the most common form of public transport in Maputo. They’re inexpensive and cover most areas of the city.
2. Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Maputo. While they’re more expensive than chapas, they’re also more comfortable and convenient.
3. Walking: Many of Maputo’s filming locations are located in the city center and are easily accessible on foot.
4. Car rental: If you prefer to have more flexibility, renting a car is a good option.

Remember to always keep a map handy and to plan your routes in advance. And most importantly, enjoy your cinematic journey through Maputo!

Conclusion

Exploring Maputo through the lens of its film, TV, and literary history offers a unique and exciting way to experience the city. From its famous landmarks to its hidden gems, this cinematic city is full of stories waiting to be discovered. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on a cinematic adventure through the vibrant streets of Maputo. Lights, camera, action!