NFC film bursaries open for application

Namibia’s next generation of local film directors, screenwriters and cinematographers are encouraged to apply for a Namibia Film Commission (NFC) bursary.

The bursary, which funds the entirety of the programme for students at local institutions, is open for application until 15 January.

The NFC is also in its second year of providing bursaries for final-year film students studying at institutions in the Southern African Development Community region.

“Locally we only support tuition fees, however, outside of Namibia, we are now offering financial assistance paid to the academic institution or service provider to cover study expenses such as registration fees, tuition, travel/transport, accommodation, a stipend for meals, and books in respect of the studies,” says NFC media officer Rebekka Malakia.

The bursaries are earmarked for Namibians who wish to study motion picture production, including directing, cinematography, editing, screenwriting, casting, production design, producing, sound recording, sound editing and sound design.

Previous bursary recipients have pursued studies at Windhoek’s College of the Arts, as well as at City Varsity and The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance (Afda), in South Africa.

This NFC bursary has not funded studying outside of Africa.

“The objective of the bursary scheme is to afford young Namibians with an opportunity to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the skills gap in the filming sector,” Malakia says.

“Once foreign productions take place in Namibia, we want our youth to be employed in all areas of production and not just as drivers or runners, as is mainly the case,” she says.

According to the NFC website, Namibia has been the backdrop to 300 movie productions.

To apply, applicants must have completed Grade 11 or Grade 12 and must present a provisional acceptance letter to their educational institution of choice. Bursaries are awarded on a needs basis, all applications are evaluated, and selection is at the discretion of the NFC bursary committee.

“The NFC encourages all Namibian citizens who aspire to pursue a career in motion picture production and need financial support towards their studies to apply.”

NFC film bursary applications are available on request.

Candidates may send an email to rebekka.malakia@mict.gov.na and visit the NFC’s social media pages for more information.

The closing date for applications is 15 January.

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com