Namibian duo Panashe and Tjuna Daringo aim to shine at Cannes with ‘Skeleton Coast’

Mondjila Studio co-founders, entrepreneur Panashe Daringo and his wife, actress Tjuna Daringo, are set to bring Namibian storytelling to a global audience with their new film ‘Skeleton Coast’.

This bold thriller is the result of a collaboration between Mondjila Studio and Nigerian media powerhouse Play Network Studio.

‘Skeleton Coast’, an audacious film produced and directed by both Namibian and Nigerian talent, made its debut on 21 May at the prestigious Le Grey d’Albion Cannes hotel during the 77th Cannes International Film Festival.

This premiere marks a significant milestone, showcasing Namibian creativity on one of the world’s most renowned cinematic stages.

The event, strictly by invitation, will have Hollywood icons Eric Robert and Rico Simonini in attendance.

The main cast in the movie include talents from Namibia (Tjuna Kauapirura Daringo), South Africa (Thapelo Mokoena and Cindy Mahlangu), Nigeria (Ini Dima-Okojie and Damilola Adegbite) Ghana (Mauli Gavor) and a surprise actor from the United States.

Founder of the Nigerian International Film Summit (NIFS) Ijeoma Onah says they are thrilled to be a part of this momentous occasion to showcase the next generation of African filmmakers and storytellers.

Onah says they are honoured to share their visions and push boundaries through challenges.

“Play Studio in collaboration with NIFS and other industry partners are dedicated to pushing boundaries, to challenging conventions and we are honored to share our vision with the world alongside ‘Skeleton Coast’. We can see our imagination on the cusp of reality. It’s such an awesome time to be an African,” she says.

Onah says the unveiling of ‘Skeleton Coast’ represents a new chapter in the story of African filmmaking, a testament to the talent, creativity and resilience of the industry.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, to forge new partnerships and to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” she says.

Renowned African American director Robert Peters leads the creative crew, alongside executive producers Panashe Daringo, Charles Okpaleke and Rogers Ofime, with Arafat Bello-Osagie as co-producer.

Peters says the project has been a labour of love, as well as a collaborative effort that celebrates the rich storytelling heritage of Africa.

“I am honoured to be a part of bringing this captivating tale to life on the silver screen, and I cannot wait to share it with audiences around the world,” he says.

Daringo says their goal with ‘Skeleton Coast’ is to push the boundaries of African cinema and showcase the talent and creativity that abound on the continent.

“This unveiling marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and we are thrilled to present our vision to the world,” he says.

Play Network Studios co-founder Charles Okpaleke emphasised the significance of the event.

“This is more than just a movie trailer unveiling; it is a celebration of African excellence, in collaboration with the leading lights of the movie industry across the world,” he says.

“It is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together. ‘Skeleton Coast’ is a milestone in African cinema, and I am proud to have been a part of bringing it to fruition,” Okpaleke says.

The evening promises to be an exclusive networking occasion and a black-tie affair, blending glamour, intrigue and the magic of cinema.

Panashe and Tjuna’s vision through Mondjila Studio, in partnership with Play Network, promises to propel Namibia onto the global stage, opening doors for future international projects and collaborations. – unWrap.online