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From Accounting Student to Namibia’s Rising Film Scene

… Director Nga Shares Her Journey

Storyteller Ngamburiro Mutumbwa, better known as Nga, is making waves in Namibia’s entertainment scene with her skills in film and photography.

Specialising in scriptwriting, directing, videography and photography, Nga aims to narrate captivating Namibian stories.

In 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdowns, Nga’s curiosity peaked, leading her to learn more about film-making on YouTube.

Despite having little experience, she had a vision and started writing and directing a short video featuring her friends. With few expectations, she posted it online.

“I didn’t care much about the response, I just wanted to say I made something. The video gained unexpected attention, which made me take film-making seriously.”

At the time, Nga was studying accounting at the University of Namibia, but decided to take a gap year to focus on her passion for film-making.

Nga (23) is currently working on the Namibian web series ‘Ompata’ as a scriptwriter and director, and she also contributed to ‘Planet Ronin’ in the same capacities. She has been part of two upcoming films, focusing on behind-the-scenes documentation, and collaborated with various organisations by providing them with video footage of their products and services.

“My latest project involves a short film where I once again captured behind-the-scenes footage,” she says.

Formerly known as Ace Films Namibia, Ngamburiro Studios was born of Nga’s desire to create opportunities rather than wait for them.

“One thing I have learned about the industry is you have to keep producing work for you to be noticed,” she says.

Nga also believes in collaborating with independent creators in Namibia, forming tailor-made teams for different projects. Her current team, known as ART Department, comprises award-winning photographer and creative director Phoenix Johannes, photographer, actress and model Rachel Sakeus and creative director and artist Pontsho Kemba.

Together, they have produced various impactful projects showcasing their versatility and dedication.

Nga says her highlights have always been the sets and the incredible people she meets and works with.

“One memorable moment was during the filming of most of the ‘Ompata’ and ‘Planet Ronin’ scenes, where an impromptu change in the script led to an unexpectedly powerful scene. For the viewer, it’s ‘that was an amazing few minutes to an hour of footage’, but for me, it’s like I’m just happy to have been part of the team that helped bring this idea to life.”

Nga credits friend and filmmaker Nino Rafael, known as Pequeno Gang, for giving her her first opportunity to work on an actual film production.

Being shy at times, Nga says networking can be a challenge. However, she continues to push herself to engage with new people and opportunities. She also aspires to collaborate more with other creatives to learn and grow.

She says she constantly endeavours to enhance her skills and knowledge through workshops and online courses.

“I see a lot of young people embarking on the journey and it’s really exciting because the ideas are so cool and fresh,” she says.

However, she believes there is a need for further investment in terms of production.

She highlights that there is much to lean from others in the industry.

“My vision is to help build a community of filmmakers who support and teach one another. Together, we can raise our industry to greater heights.”

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