Old Location Films Launched

A young film maker, Perivi Katjavivi, launched his film company Old Location Films last week at Studio 77. He also used the opportunity to raise funds for his upcoming film ‘Love is…’ As a young child, Perivi, the son of Prof. Peter Katjivivi, remembers the many stories he was told by his uncles and family members about the old location, which inspired him to name his film production company after the historic place.

‘So, when I call my company ‘Old Location Films’, it is with an awareness of this past, of our shared histories and culture, and how important it is for us to be connected to those roots,’ he said, adding that the old location was a place that brought back memories of unity and where people of all ethnicities lived together. ‘So I think this evening can be a bridging point, a coming together in a way. We can affirm our support for culture, roots, history.’Perivi said that although ‘we have seen and studied other models in Hollywood, Europe and India’, it was not his intention to bring Hollywood to Namibia. ‘We can take what we feel has worked elsewhere and may be applicable for us here in Namibia,’ he added. Perivi has made short films for non-governmental organisations and has also written and directed ‘The Shop,’ a short film that was the runner up in the p.art.ners berlin-windhoek short film competition. The film will be shown at the end of July at the Durban International Film Festival.’Love is…’ is a 25 minute short film about two lovers whose relationship is rocked when the woman decides she wants to follow her dreams and go abroad. Her boyfriend is hurt but he is ultimately challenged to rethink his own life. Both come to realise and appreciate their love for each other. The film shows how two young Namibians deal with stress in a relationship as opposed to a violent resolution. Joan Guriras, who was the MC at the launch, said that culture, art, drama, film and dance mirrors our society and invites debate about values and morals of society. ‘This particular section of our society needs our support,’ she said, inviting the audience to pledge their support for the project. Well-known Namibian film maker Cecil Moller, who was on a short visit from his studies in California, USA said that he was dreaming of that day that Namibians with N$40 in the hand can choose between an American, Russian and Namibian film. ‘The keys you need to the kingdom is humility, perseverance and respect,’ he said.’I think this is the future where we should go,’ said actor and producer, Obed Emvula, applauding young filmmakers coming to the front. ‘We can actually create our own voice.’According to Isable Katjivivi, Perivi’s sister and producer of ‘Love is…’ the film raised over N$30 000 last week although she didn’t have an exact amount. ‘We are still contacting some of the pledges,’ she said, adding that those that were interested in pledging could contact them at 061-241678 or 081 381 7938. The film is being shot in and around Windhoek.