Celebration of Love and Culture in ‘Hairareb’

‘Hairareb’ – a novel by August C Bikeur, adapted for screenplay by Aina Kwedi and the Namibian Film Commission (NFC) – is a celebration of culture and love.

Just a few weeks after premiering, the film, produced by Ndapunikwa Investments and directed by Oshoveli Shipoh, has nabbed seven nominations at the Namibia Theatre and Film Awards (NTFA) for best script, sound and music, editor, cinematography, male actor, director and narrative.

“The original novel was written in Damara/Nama by August C Bikeur and was performed as a radio drama in the mid-70s to 80s,” says Dantagos Jimmy-Melani, the executive producer of the film and owner of Ndapunikwa Investments.

Jimmy-Melani mentions that after the novel was adapted, the NFC held a call-out for producers and after reading the script, originally for a short, she fell in love with the compelling characters and the beautiful nature of the story. “We proposed that it be a feature film. We then went through the process of developing the script and characters and then had auditions for who would be best suitable. We had a very long process of rehearsals, then proceeded to shoot on location for two weeks,” Jimmy-Melani says. She mentions due to resource restraints, the film’s crew had to make the most of what they had, however, the communities around Otijimbingwe and Okarundu were helpful during the process, with the extras in ‘Hairareb’ comprising local residents.

“The experience [of shooting] was exhilarating. The team we had – from the producers to the director and the entire crew – was passionate. This is a uniquely beautiful portrayal of Namibia. This is not a western story adapted for us and everyone was committed to bring that story to life.”

Jimmy-Melani mentions that it was tough at times, as rural areas can be. The cast and crew had to camp, using a generator for electricity – an experience she says brought everyone closer.

Regarding the NTFA nominations, she expresses her gratitude: “We are extremely thankful, it is an honour to be recognised for something we put so much into. We as a team feel like we already won.”

Starring Claudine de Groot, David Ndjavera, Maximilian Kadeen ‘KK’ Koaseb and Hazel Hinda, Jimmy-Melani says the story is a portrayal of love during a time of devastating drought and how people reacted to their environment. She mentions that even though the novel is based on Damara/Nama culture, the story transcends and is internationally relatable.

Nominated for best director, Shipoh feels the team’s efforts are paying off. “There’s no greater feeling than knowing there’s an audience that highly values the film enough to make it one of the most nominated in the category,” he says.

“It’s been amazing so far. I’ll celebrate the struggle phase the most because I would not know how far we would come had we not pushed the limits to their extreme. In the end, the public have been very positive after seeing the film; there’s no greater reward than that.” He adds that he will cherish the relationships formed and the funny moments that happened on set and behind the scenes.

“It’s really a unique and emotional Namibian love story based on true events,” Shipoh says, while Jimmy-Melani adds: “It’s a love story from Namibia to Namibia”.

If you missed the premiere, watch ‘Hairareb’ this weekend, 20 to 22 September, at Grove Mall Ster-Kinekor. Screenings will be at 17h30.

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