NFC Calls for Film Funding Applications

The Namibia Film Commission (NFC) is urging the show to go on as it calls for applications for its 2020/21 film funding cycle.

Inviting producers to apply for film funding in the categories of beginner short film, experienced short film, documentary and feature film, the commission will be accepting applications until 30 September.

Over the past five years, the NFC has funded and supported feature films such as ‘Katutura’, ‘The White Line’, ‘Land of the Brave’ and ‘Hairareb’. 

Recently the NFC financed striking experimental short films ‘Iitandu’ and ‘Encore’ while ‘The Mbunza of the Kavango’ and ‘Waterberg to Waterberg: In The Footsteps of Samuel Maharero’ stand tall as commission-funded documentaries. 

“The features produced over the past few years celebrated our diversity. Diversity in the stories they told and the teams that told them,” says NFC board chairperson Joel Haikali. 

“From a love story set against Namibia’s painful historic past to a crime thriller with a tough female protagonist, all featuring our local languages and culture, these films were particularly appealing to audiences. With their high production values, the films also travelled far beyond our borders.”

While Haikali believes a compelling human story is integral to a fascinating documentary film, he does not feel the need to be strictly prescriptive about what the NFC would like to see during the next application cycle.

“One doesn’t want to dictate to an artist for that would certainly compromise artistic freedom. But stories that embrace who we are as a people and that are authentically Namibian but with universal appeal are important,” he says.

“As film-makers we have a responsibility to tell our stories from our perspective. We are a country of abundant beauty, but we are also a country that needs so much healing. We need to own that narrative through embracing all that we are and tell those stories to inspire and create pride.”

Though the Covid-19 pandemic has challenged the film industry on a global scale – halting or cancelling productions while decimating myriad creative livelihoods – the NFC will continue to fund and support the production of local films and industry stakeholders. 

The commission will also be funding 15 micro-short projects focused on the theme of Covid-19 and recently awarded bursaries to 12-final year College of the Arts students mostly specialising in TV production.

“Even in challenging times we need to understand the value of our industry. Beyond its economic contribution, film is responsible for our social fabric. Especially during this challenging time, stories of inspiration are essential,” says Haikali. adding that the continued creation of films speaks to the industry’s ability to adapt and persevere when things get tough.

“As custodian of the industry, the NFC is still honouring our mandate through ensuring the necessary support to our industry so that they can execute the productions under the current regulations,” he says.

“Let us not stop creating. Challenging times offer an opportunity to reflect and re-assess creative goals. While this time may create a lot of anxiety, it opens doors to collaborations – not just at home but beyond Namibia on online platforms.”

For application guidelines and more information on this year’s funding, follow Namibia Film Commission on Facebook, contact Gideon Kamati on (061) 381 9000 or email info@nfc.na

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