With ‘The White Line’ (2019) premiering at the Durban International Film Festival, ‘Looking for Iilonga’ (2011) enjoying a revival on YouTube and four Namibian women’s films making headlines, 2019 has been an exciting year for local film.
It thus comes as no surprise that Goethe Stage – a Goethe-Institut initiative that has supported 20 distinct arts projects since 2017 – has joined the cinematic conversation.
Calling for local film scripts to be submitted by young and new directors (not more than two film credits) by 4 August, Goethe Stage returns with a focus on film that will ultimately see three scripts selected by local and international film industry judges.
“We are looking for scripts that explore bold and exciting ideas. We would like to encourage film-makers to experiment with the authenticity of Namibian experiences and how they are depicted through a short film. The script should preferably be set in one location,” says Goethe-Institut Namibia cultural programmes liaison Michelle Namases, who adds that the films should be 15 to 20 minutes long.
“Applicants of the three considered scripts will attend a series of workshops and training that cover various aspects of film production – from identifying and developing an idea to casting, production, character development, story development and post-production. A producer will be in contact with the teams to guide, consult and provide hands-on training. The workshops will also be available to other film enthusiasts whose script was not considered but space will be limited.”
Inspired to zoom in on local film after having difficulty sourcing local films depicting a unique lifestyle or subculture for their ‘Odd-inary Film Weekend’ in March, the Goethe-Institut has decided to fund and support an arts sector that is steadily growing in Namibia.
“Numerous consultations with experts in the field had us identify short films as a genre full of potential as it is easily overlooked,” says Namases.
“Short film is also a genre that can be applied for access to the grassroots level of the arts scene in Namibia – everybody has a story to tell and putting that story into a film is more possible when taking the availability of resources such as a cellphone into consideration.”
Describing Goethe Stage as a stepping stone for bigger productions by local film-makers, Namases says successful scripts will be developed into a short film that will premiere in the first quarter of 2020.
“Interested persons are encouraged to apply and avoid discouraging thoughts of ‘oh it would not be possible’ or ‘oh, it will be a lot of work’,” says Namases.
“Putting that idea down on a piece of paper and having it unfold or develop to tell the story of an authentic Namibian experience is the beginning of what could become the next best short film made in Namibia. Take the first step and the rest shall follow after the script’s submission.”
For more information, the application form and submission guidelines, visit goethe.de/namibia and click on the culture tab.
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
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