Shameela Seedat’s African Moot is a documentary that captures the life of student-lawyers drawn from various countries in Africa. Having qualified to represent their universities and countries in an international moot court competition, they all gather in Botswana, the venue of the competition. Through their individual journeys, the film highlights both the challenges and triumphs faced by these emerging legal minds, showcasing the diversity and richness of the African legal system. The film focuses more on students from four countries: Egypt (American University in Cairo), Kenya (University of Nairobi), Uganda (Makerere University), and South Africa (University of Cape Town). The star characters are: Daniella, the female character from Makerere University, and Jerome, her male counterpart, representing Uganda; Amor, the eventual winner, and Rachael, both from University of Nairobi representing Kenya; Tawfeek and Edward (the homosexual son of a Ugandan refugee in South Africa) representing University of Cape Town, South Africa; and Kareem and Anouk representing American University in Cairo, Egypt.

Though the main theme of the competition is on the rights of refugees seeking asylum outside of their country, the film explores several other themes such as: the importance of justice and advocacy in addressing societal issues, human rights law, gender discrimination, abuse of power, and LGBTI discourse throughout Africa. It equally discusses the issue of rural/urban dichotomy and poverty. The film emphasizes how legal advocacy plays a crucial role in promoting justice to all, irrespective of gender orientation or class.

The diverse backgrounds of the students reflect the cultural richness of the African continent and underscore a shared goal of fostering unity in diversity. Daniella, who features on the front burner, is anticipated to win and her projection creates some form of suspense. The twist, however, comes as a surprise as her team is only the runner-up when Amor’s team becomes the winner. Jerome Mpaata emerges third position for Best Oralist and Rachael Mwendwa is announced as the overall Best Oralist. This announcement did not go down well with Amor and she requests the organizers to double-check the Best Oralist award. It eventually turns out she, Amor, has the highest mark in her team, thus the Best Oralist. This indeed creates a twist in the film and heightens the tension between Rachael and Amor.

Visually, the cinematography beautifully captures the landscapes of various African nations, contrasting vibrant urban settings with serene rural environments. These visuals enhance the emotional weight of the students’ journeys and underscore the significance of their work in the legal field. Character development is another strong aspect of the film, presenting a range of characters, each with unique motivations and backgrounds. This well-crafted development allows viewers to connect with the struggles and aspirations of the characters. The interactions among the students reflect the collaborative spirit that is essential in legal practice, showcasing how teamwork can lead to greater outcomes. Also visible is the generational ideologies of the younger generation as against the view of the older ones. Moreover, the documentary excels in showcasing authentic African voices and perspectives. The film avoids stereotypes, instead presenting a nuanced view of the continent’s legal landscape. It celebrates African culture while addressing relevant contemporary issues, providing a rich context for understanding the challenges faced by the legal community.

Overall, African Moot is a compelling film that highlights the importance of legal education in Africa and inspires viewers to appreciate the continent’s diversity and resilience. It serves as a powerful reminder of the role of advocacy in effecting change through education. It also projects the need to speak up on what one believes in, as evident in the actions of Amor, who is convinced an error was made concerning the Best Oralist award, and Edward, who believes there is nothing wrong with being queer. This film is highly recommended for anyone interested in law, social justice, and African culture, resonating with students, educators, and advocates alike while offering valuable insights into the legal challenges faced across the continent.