Top Documentaries, Books, and Films About the Biafran War

The Biafran War (1967–1970) was a very important and painful time in Nigeria’s history. Many documentaries, books, and films have been created to help people understand what happened and how it affected millions of lives. Here are some of the best and most popular works about the war.

Documentaries

1. Biafra: The Forgotten War (BBC)

This documentary by the BBC shows the suffering of the people during the war using rare video footage. It also looks at how the world responded to the crisis.

2. The Biafran War: Nigeria’s Civil War 1967–1970 (Al Jazeera)

Al Jazeera’s documentary explains the causes of the war, the ethnic divisions, and the effects on Nigeria’s future.

Books

1. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A famous novel that tells the story of the Biafran War through three characters, showing how the war affected their lives and Nigeria.

2. There Was a Country by Chinua Achebe

A memoir by one of Nigeria’s greatest writers, sharing his personal experiences and thoughts on the causes of the war.

3. Sunset in Biafra by Elechi Amadi

A memoir that tells the story from the side of the Nigerian government, offering a different view on the war.

4. Surviving in Biafra by Alfred Obiora Uzokwe

The story of a child growing up during the war, showing the pain and confusion experienced by children in that time.

5. The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma

A recent novel about a young man who searches for his missing brother during the war and ends up joining the Biafran army. The story mixes personal struggle with spiritual elements.

6. Biafra Requiem by Chinua Achebe

A collection of Achebe’s poems that reflect on the pain, loss, and hope during and after the war.

7. To Freedom’s Cause: A Story of the Nigerian Civil War by A.B.C. Nwosu

A detailed historical account that explains the political and military events of the war.

8. The Nigerian Civil War 1967–1970: History, Causes and Consequences by John de St. Jorre

This book gives a clear explanation of the war’s causes, events, and its impact on Nigeria.

9. The Biafran War and Post-War Nigerian History by Toyin Falola

A scholarly book that explores the war’s long-term effects on Nigerian politics and society.

Films

1. Half of a Yellow Sun (2013 film)

A film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton. It tells the war through personal stories.

2. Biafra: A Cry for Help (1969)

An early documentary made during the war to raise awareness about the suffering of the people.

Why These Stories Matter

The Biafran War deeply affected Nigeria and its people. These documentaries, books, and films help us remember the pain and bravery of those who lived through it. They show many sides of the story from soldiers to civilians, adults to children. These works help us learn important lessons from the past and keep the memory of the war alive.

If you want to understand more about the Biafran War, these books, documentaries, and films are a great place to start.