Nothing is more exciting than awarding and recognising the best of the best in film and theatre, and this is exactly what the 2019 Namibia Theatre and Film Awards (NTFA) did on Saturday night.
Featuring Laurika Williams, and Matthew ‘Mapps’ Kapofi as the hosts and held under the theme ‘Creating Tomorrow Today’, South African actress and producer, Leleti Khumalo was the guest speaker at the awards.
General manager of the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) Alma Ulamba was pleased to be once again recognising and celebrating film and threatre which she said were transforming the Namibian creative arts landscape.
Senga Brockerhoff was one of the biggest winners of the night, scooping three awards – for best theatre director, best musical and best play.
Brockerhoff was overjoyed at the accolades, saying it has proven to her that she has not made a mistake in pursuing her passions. ”I made my choice to follow this dream of mine. I would like to thank my friends and family for their support. They are always there for me whenever I think I cannot go on anymore.”
The crowd cheered loudly for the youngest winner of the night, 10-year-old, Camilla Jo-Ann Daries who got on stage to collect her award for best female actor for her stunning performance in the short film ‘Baxu and The Gaints’. Camilla thanked her mother, saying that if it was not for her, then she would not have been where she is today.
“This really means a lot to me,” she said.
Oshoveli Shipoh offered some words of wisdom during his acceptance speech for the best film director and narrative film awards, which he won for the film ‘Hairareb’. Reflecting on the belief that there was no such thing as failure, Shipoh said “It takes passion. You have to do it yourself. You are your own success.”
Jennifer Timbo, who won the best supporting actor award in the theatre category could not contain her excitement.
“It gives me the platform to tell stories. Winning an award feels great as it gives some sort of recognition. The main reason I am doing this is because of the love that I have for the industry. I am grateful that God gave me such talent.”
At the event three lifetime achievement awards were handed out to !Nxau #Toma, Banana Shekupe and Hans ‘Struppie’ Reinhardt.
Receiving the award on behalf of her late father, #Toma, N!oce Glgao said she was pleased to see that that her father’s hard work was appreciated.
“I was born in 2002 and the next year my father passed away. I was thinking that I was the only one who still remembers him but today, receiving this award, I have noticed that many other people are also thinking about him.”
The best corporate support awards went to B2Gold and the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, while Brian Ford was announced as the winner of the special recognition award.
Khumalo who was in the country for the first time said she could not wait to come back and reflected that in order for the industry to grow, there needed to be passion and knowledge.
“Some people come into the industry for glamour and fame. If this is your aim then you will never last. If you know why you are in the industry, only then will you succeed. It is also important to respect yourself, others and your craft.”
Read more about the glamorous event in this Friday’s Weekender.
–@rineldamouton on social media
