‘Long road’ to redemption finally premieres

After a production journey of more than five years, the Namibian film ‘The Long Road’ officially premiered on DStv’s Zambezi Magic last week.

Written and directed by Errol Geingob, the drama offers a stark look at the intersection of financial pressure and family disintegration.

The story centres on a working-class man facing the consequences of broken relationships and deep-seated emotional trauma.

Geingob says the script was developed to mirror the silent battles many men face today.

“‘The Long Road’ was inspired by real-life stories of men struggling with responsibility, identity, and unresolved pain,” he says.

Geingob says the film investigates the difficult path to redemption and the lingering effects of father absence on the family unit.

Producer Josefina Geingos says the film’s production was prioritised because of its alignment with contemporary social realities.

“Many Namibians are navigating economic hardship, fractured families, and emotional strain,” she says.

Geingos says while the film targets African working-class families, the depiction of the pressure to provide is a universal theme.

Filmed on location in Namibia to ensure authenticity, the project demanded rigorous planning to overcome significant financial and time constraints.

“Balancing limited resources with the need for strong production value was one of the biggest challenges,” Geingos says.

This intensity was felt by the cast as well.

Actress Diana Master, who plays the character Emo, says the production schedule allowed little room for traditional rehearsal.

“There wasn’t a lot of time to actually prepare for the role,” she says.

Master credits the director’s character development sessions for helping the cast build emotional depth despite their limited time.

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