After a gruelling two-year wait, the Namibia Theatre and Film Awards (NTFAs) returned with a bang and produced a spectacular series of winners on Saturday night, particularly the cast and crew of ‘Katutura’, who walked away with all seven awards they were nominated for.
As if that wasn’t a highlight, actor Vusi Kunene, better known as the intimidating Jack Mabaso from South African soapie ‘Generations’, took pride in his role as the guest speaker, weaving together an inspirational tale on his journey to fame.
Originally pursuing the spotlight as a singer, Kunene felt drawn to acting, leading him to star in films and soapies such as ‘Cry The Beloved Country’, ‘The First Grader’ and ‘Isidingo’ which thrust him into stardom.
“I realised that I am a madman who speaks to himself,” Kunene shared, adding that parents should be supportive of their children who’ve been bit by the acting bug.
And right after the motivating speech which had theatre and film buffs shouting ‘yes, tell them!’, one of the big winners of the night included David Ndjavera who took home ‘Best Director for Theatre’, ‘Best Supporting Actor’ as well as ‘Best Set Design’ for the critically acclaimed play ‘Nothing But The Truth’ starring Ashwyn Mberi.
Speechless but happy, Ndjavera took to the stage and thanked his film friends who showed him the light.
Women stole the night with Nelagoh Shipoh taking home ‘Best Newcomer Director’ in film and ‘Best Theatre Play’ for ‘Dutchman’ while ‘Katutura”s Odile Muller won ‘Best Female Actor’. Singer Lize Ehlers had more awards to add to her collection thanks to the ‘Best Female Actor’ win in theatre for the play ‘Meisie van Mariental’ which she dedicated to Namibia’s southerners. After all, “suide maak vrede!”
Notably dashing actress Carol Lee Peters won ‘Best Newcomer in an Actor Role’ for theatre.
Playwright Jenny Kandenge stole hearts as she won ‘Best Theatre Script’ and Tanya Stroh was loudly applauded as she took home ‘Best Production Design’. Liberty Verbaan, who stunned with bright purple hair, felt “privileged” to scoop ‘Best Music Video’ for her work on Elemotho’s ‘Black Man’.
Not forgetting the men of the hour, John Pindalo was acknowledged as this year’s ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award winner. Chops Tshoopara took ‘Best Male Actor’ for ‘Katutura’ while his counterpart Adriano Visagie won for ‘Best Male Actor’ in theatre.
‘Best Film Script’ went to Obed Emvula while ‘Best Cinematography’ was won by Kit Hoffman for the four-minute flick ‘The Harvest: Prometheum’.
Director Oshoveli Shipoh encouraged the masses to believe in themselves after winning ‘Best Newcomer Director’ in film while the ‘Best Film Editing’ went to Errol Geingob. Performing a lovely rendition of David Kramer’s ‘My Broetjie, My Bra’ the ‘District Six’ team were glad to win ‘Best Musical’, even bursting into song later after the awards were over. What a performance it was.
‘Best Documentary’ went to the visually stunning ‘The Mbunza of the Kavango’ while Florian Schott took home ‘Best Director’. Overall, ‘Katutura’ stole the night winning ‘Best Narrative Film’ as well as the ‘Audience Choice Award’, among many others.
And with the stunning combo of hosts Laurika Williams and Edward Ward entertaining the audience and pushing the theme ‘Creating Tomorrow Today’, the night ended on a high note as nominees and winners partied up a storm until the sun came up.
