On Oruano’s Negativity

An Open Letter to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting “ORUUANO wants the Minister to consider their grievances and to find a solution before any new filming is permitted in Namibia.”

This is the opening statement of the petition issued by Oruuano Artists’ Union to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting published in The Namibian of August 29 (‘Artists wants a say in film industry’) and now posted on most film community websites around the globe. Does the Minister have any idea of the damage such a statement does to the local film industry and the perceptions filmmakers all over the world will have of Namibia as a film destination? I am tempted to ask myself, does Oruuano really understand the workings of any film production and how films are realised or do they only want to demand a seat on the Namibia Film Commission in the name of the “artists” who in many instances do not create a production or have no funds for it? Where was Oruuano all this time and what have they contributed to the industry for them to now start to want to “protect” the artists all of a sudden? Who are these artists by the way? Who is the Film Association of Namibia representing then? As a film lover and enthusiast, I have seen most local films and believe that Namibian filmmakers really try their best to come out with real Namibian stories.My understanding is that the Namibia Film Commission is preparing to fund a local drama series and other film efforts of young filmmakers after completing ‘Where others Wavered’, which we are all awaiting.One wonders why there is so much negativity coming from Oruuano all of a sudden? Why a petition that was written in such a manner that does more damage than good to the industry? Such perpetual outbursts are not helping the industry in any way and we as Namibians are tired of all the infighting of organisations because these produce no results at the end of the day.Let us give the Namibia Film Commission a chance to find the money and fund real Namibia stories.We want to see ourselves on the NBC and other stations.We complain that NBC does not show local films, yet there is a demand for an investigation by Oruuano “before any other film production is allowed or permitted”.The point here is, we need to start telling Namibian stories and stop bickering about who is representing whom.We want to see films, not representation by artists who do not have jobs or films to act in.Where are our own stories, actors, actresses, comedians in all of these? Where do they stand? So to the Minister, we have been following with keen interest your Ministry’s efforts to assist in developing a vibrant film industry and support the local filmmakers.Please ignore such petitions as they are not well intended but to destroy.Focus with vigour on your programme to get more Namibian films made, seen and appreciated by Namibians with Namibians in them.Long live the Namibian Film industry.Kinolover Via e-mailDoes the Minister have any idea of the damage such a statement does to the local film industry and the perceptions filmmakers all over the world will have of Namibia as a film destination? I am tempted to ask myself, does Oruuano really understand the workings of any film production and how films are realised or do they only want to demand a seat on the Namibia Film Commission in the name of the “artists” who in many instances do not create a production or have no funds for it? Where was Oruuano all this time and what have they contributed to the industry for them to now start to want to “protect” the artists all of a sudden? Who are these artists by the way? Who is the Film Association of Namibia representing then? As a film lover and enthusiast, I have seen most local films and believe that Namibian filmmakers really try their best to come out with real Namibian stories.My understanding is that the Namibia Film Commission is preparing to fund a local drama series and other film efforts of young filmmakers after completing ‘Where others Wavered’, which we are all awaiting.One wonders why there is so much negativity coming from Oruuano all of a sudden? Why a petition that was written in such a manner that does more damage than good to the industry? Such perpetual outbursts are not helping the industry in any way and we as Namibians are tired of all the infighting of organisations because these produce no results at the end of the day.Let us give the Namibia Film Commission a chance to find the money and fund real Namibia stories.We want to see ourselves on the NBC and other stations.We complain that NBC does not show local films, yet there is a demand for an investigation by Oruuano “before any other film production is allowed or permitted”.The point here is, we need to start telling Namibian stories and stop bickering about who is representing whom.We want to see films, not representation by artists who do not have jobs or films to act in.Where are our own stories, actors, actresses, comedians in all of these? Where do they stand? So to the Minister, we have been following with keen interest your Ministry’s efforts to assist in developing a vibrant film industry and support the local filmmakers.Please ignore such petitions as they are not well intended but to destroy.Focus with vigour on your programme to get more Namibian films made, seen and appreciated by Namibians with Namibians in them.Long live the Namibian Film industry.Kinolover Via e-mail