Films Icon, a Namibian production company, sent its film crew members out of the country last weekend to begin filming season three of its web series ‘Omunahambo Wange’ in China.
The film, a cultural comedy that has won the hearts of Namibians with more than 100 000 views on social media platforms, specifically Facebook and YouTube, will be produced in China this time around, the film company says.
Founder Jackson Nghinamhito says the new season of the film will be titled ‘Omunahambo Wange in China’, and is set to show the legacy of laughter and cultural exchange between the two countries.
“Namibian and Chinese cultures will merge in the most hilarious way possible, and this is our platform to showcase local culture and put Namibia on the map,” Nghinamhito says.
Nghinamhito, known as Jacky Pop, is the lead actor in the film. As an actor, he describes how the global version will take Namibian storytelling to China’s streets, where insanity, comedy and cultural misunderstanding blend in new and exciting ways.
‘Omunahambo Wange’ means ‘my cattle herder’, and its storyline is already winning viewers, proving it can engage and resonate across cultures.
“Namibia’s rich traditions are blended with day-to-day humor in the series, and season three brings the drama onto a global platform, blending Namibian and Chinese cultures through the universal language of comedy,” says Nghinamhito.
He adds that each short, snappy episode, made for the modern digital audience, concludes with a comedic thriller element to keep viewers hooked.
At its core, ‘Omunahambo Wange in China’ explores friendship, dreams and the challenges of existing in new worlds.
THE ACTORS
The new season introduces Jacky Pop as ‘The Boss’ or ‘Omuhona’ in Oshiwambo, an arrogant businessperson.
Dressed in an ill-fitting suit and clutching a briefcase, his self-assurance often gets him into side-splitting trouble, especially when he attempts to speak Mandarin.
Edward Shihepo, known as Silver Bantuan, plays ‘The Cattle Herder’ (Omunahambo), who is the boss’ loyal and hilarious employee.
With a broken Nokia and no idea how to use Wi-Fi, the character believes Namibian currency will work anywhere in the world. Speaking only Oshiwambo, he is the comic heartbeat of the show.
The new series also stars Chinese actress Yuan Yige as a witty, funny and capable young Chinese guide assigned to help the duo.
“Mandarin- and English-proficient, she drives, battles, interprets and saves the pair from harm over and over – frequently rolling her eyes at them,” says Nghinamhito.
He adds that the three actors provide a dynamic mix of humor, charm and sentimentality, perfect for fans of ‘Rush Hour’, ‘Who Am I?’, ‘Mr Bean Abroad’ and ‘Coming to America’.
Shihepo says the new film aligns with president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s creative economy plan under the sixth National Development Plan, simultaneously pioneering international collaboration and visibility for Namibian artists
EXPANDING GLOBAL FOOTPRINT
Films Icon has also announced that it accepted an invitation to be part of the Washington DC and Los Angeles-based Film Industry Roadshow in the United States, facilitated by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board in collaboration with Next Narrative Africa.
The company says this is a huge step towards positioning Namibia higher in the creative global economy.
