Namibian-German Collaboration Premieres at Hof International Film Festival

‘Go Therefore And Learn’, a collaboration between filmmakers Daniela Fritz from Germany and Namibia’s Laudika ‘yaNdangi’ Hamutenya, will debut at the 59th Hof International Film Festival between 21 and 26 October in the state of Bavaria.

In an interview with The Weekender, Hamutenya, as well as producer Tangeni Amweelo and cinematographer Patience Mureti, share how their vision for this Fritz-directed documentary came to life, and what they hope audiences will take away from its exploration of faith, identity and history.

‘Go Therefore And Learn’ follows two young filmmakers from different parts of the world going on a joint journey to understand and reconcile their similar relationships with Christianity.

Hamutenya and Fritz met through a mutual friend and bonded over how they were raised in strictly religious environments, but always felt disconnected from the gospel.

According to Hamutenya, the documentary takes a critical look at missionary work in Namibia, which played a major role in the country’s colonisation in the 19th century.

“Both of us grew up Christian but now carry many questions and reservations, particularly about how Christianity was used to spread Western ideology and erase indigenous traditions,” he explains, referencing the dark past that links both Germany and Namibia.

Through their journey, Hamutenya and Fritz encounter people, archives and stories that raise even more questions about faith, identity and history.

Hamutenya, an Ohangwena native, often makes films that explore themes of identity, masculinity and belonging within contemporary Namibia; subjects that reflect both his personal journey and the society he comes from.

Since graduating from Afda and Talents Durban, he has worked on five films as a writer, director and co-author. One of his most notable works, ‘Lauf (2021)’, a German psychological thriller, received the best student film award in San Francisco, Pune (India) and Manila.

He also co-wrote ‘Stray Flower’, a period short film centred on the Herero/Nama genocide, which premiered at Germany’s Max Ophüls Prize Festival in 2022. His films have been screened internationally in countries such as Namibia, South Africa, Germany, France, Türkiye and India.

“Through my work, I strive to tell authentic African stories that challenge perceptions and highlight the emotional and cultural layers of being a young Namibian today,” he explains, adding that the inclusion of a round-table discussion with Hildegard Titus, Lavinia Kapewasha and Muningandu Hoveka added depth and authenticity to the movie.

During filming, Hamutenya says they had the opportunity to visit places that hold personal and historical significance.

“We shot at the church where I was baptised and confirmed, as well as at Christuskirche in Windhoek, which Daniela found strikingly similar to the church she grew up attending in Germany. We also travelled across Namibia, visiting historical sites in both the south and the north where German missionaries first established their influence.” In this way, he explains, the film became a historical exploration, personal journey and attempt to reconcile faith, heritage and identity from two very different yet connected perspectives.

Amweelo, who worked diligently behind the scenes, expressed joy over the film’s festival selection.

“It’s an exciting validation of Namibian storytelling and creativity; proof that our voices and narratives can resonate far beyond our borders,” she says. “It’s a hopeful sign that local films can connect with the world, inspire others and encourage greater support for filmmakers at home.”

She describes ‘Go Therefore and Learn’ as a heartfelt journey through Namibia’s past and present. As the producer, Amweelo helped bring structure and direction to the project; a role that involves overseeing and managing the entire production process, from concept to release.

She shares that for others looking to put together successful film projects, it’s important to think big, do research on film funding opportunities across Africa and internationally, and think beyond what Namibia alone can offer you.

“As a producer, you carry the responsibility of bringing stories to life, and your mindset should reflect that. Focus on authentic storytelling that draws from Namibian culture, landscapes and unique perspectives. That’s what makes your work stand out on global platforms,” she says, reminding aspiring filmmakers that success often comes through resilience, professionalism and a willingness to adapt to feedback and changing trends.

From the documentary’s visuals, it is clear that staying true to oneself is the best path to choose. This sentiment runs throughout the film’s narrative, both in what it shows and what it dares to question.

Mureti says the goal was both to capture the spiritual and cultural layers of how Christianity arrived and impacted different tribes in Namibia.

“We wanted to keep it authentic and grounded and allow the images to feel real and emotionally honest,” he says.

“At the same time, we added our own creative twist, framing and lighting choices to help tell the story in a way that felt more personal and fitting to the subject better.”

Through this, he wanted the viewers to feel the history and see both the change and resilience of our people, he says.

Mureti says it was eye-opening hearing stories from different communities and it made him reflect deeply on identity, belief and how culture has evolved.

“I hope [viewers] walk away with a deeper understanding of Namibia’s history. Not just what happened but also how it shaped who we are today. I want the visuals to encourage reflection and to make people think about how Christianity came and how it continues to influence our lives and our traditions.”

“’Go Therefore and Learn’ isn’t meant to provide clear answers but rather to open a conversation,” concludes Hamutenya. “It’s about understanding how a well-respected religion that shaped so much of his life also carried deep wounds, both past and present. For Daniela, it’s about reckoning with her German heritage and confronting the whitewashed narratives surrounding missionary work.”

– Anne Hambuda is a writer, social commentator and poet. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com for more.

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