The director who brought us ‘Katutura’ (2015) is in pre-production on ‘African Relativity’, a mind-bending, multi-narrative Namibian comedy.
Set to be directed by Florian Schott and written by Ndinomholo Ndilula and Schott, alongside co-writers Mikiros Garoes and Kgosi Makaza, ‘African Relativity’ recently announced its cast of established and new talent.
Exploring issues of privilege and lack thereof, tradition versus modernity, dating in the 21st century, unemployment, township life and time travel, the film will feature an eclectic cast of stars.
Characters include a shy, time-travelling teen, Grant, who wants to date a science geek named Helvi, a teacher intent on “coming out” to her parents, a gang of bumbling robbers, as well as spouses attempting to hide their respective sidepieces.
‘African Relativity’ reunites ‘Baxu and The Giants’ star Camilla Jo-Ann Daries with Schott who directed the film and introduces newcomer Chikoth Andrias as Grant.
Former Miss Namibia Prisca Anyolo will star as Buruxa and she joins a cast featuring established talents such as Hazel Hinda, Vickson Hangula, Lara-Lyn Ahrens, Armas Shivute, Tjiuru Kuajonganga, Adriano Visagie, Norman Job and Mervin Claasen.
Actors Harmony Ahalwa, Bret Kamwi and Logino Goraseb will star in the film’s gangster storyline while the spouses and their sidepieces will be portrayed by Obed Emvula, Lavinia Kapewasha and Otja Kooper. ‘African Relativity’ has over 30 roles across the film’s multi-narrative storyline.
“This film was really conceived as a vehicle to spotlight Namibian talent. I wanted to give opportunities to as many actors as possible – that’s where the multi-narrative structure of the film originally came from,” Schott says.
“In searching for actors to portray these roles, I went the way I usually go – trying to find new, undiscovered talent and pairing these diamonds-in-the-rough with some of the most experienced actors in the country,” he says.
“In the casting, it showed that we have a big talent pool in the country. It’s only the opportunities for these actors to showcase and hone that talent that are lacking.”
Schott says the cast is a mix of some of Namibia’s best actors, some of whom he has worked with before, others who have been on his wish list, as well as those who simply blew him away at the casting.
“This is also a great group of people who have so much positive energy, humour and such a great vibe together,” Schott says. “I can’t wait to show audiences this rich tapestry of Namibian acting talent. I think people will be surprised!”
The film, which is being produced by Schott, Girley Jazama and Cherlien Schott, is currently working on financing and on preparing principal photography.
“The production is currently seeking financing and continues to look for investors as the team prepares for a shoot this November. We are awaiting a few crucial funding decisions which will ultimately decide if we are able to shoot the film this year or at the beginning of 2027,” Schott says.
“On the creative side, we have a full cast. So the next steps will be rehearsals, costume and make-up fittings. We are also busy filling our crew, scouting locations, problem-solving for difficult scenes in the script and shot-listing the film to schedule it properly,” Schott says.
“We are doing all that parallel to the financing, so that we can get into prep as soon as we have our financing secured.”
Almost ready for “Action!” and with a cast eager to bring a new Namibian story to life, ‘African Relativity’ is coming soon with an emphasis on the country’s creative sector at large.
““African Relativity’ is supposed to be a showcase not only for Namibian acting talent but also for the creative sector as a whole,” Schott says. “From visual artists to fashion designers to musicians to content creators, we hope to collaborate with as many artists as possible.”
Follow ‘African Relativity’s’ production process at @africanrelativity on Instagram and TikTok.
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
