Namibia’s iconic coastline is the scene of deception and discovery as ‘Skeleton Coast’ (2024) embarks on its first cinema run at Ster-Kinekor in Windhoek.
Starring Tjuna Daringo as a disgraced geologist in search of a powerful energy source called Blumanite, the pan-African thriller features an exciting bill of continental and international stars, including Thapelo Mokoena (South Africa), Cindy Mahlangu (South Africa), Ini Dima-Okojie (Nigeria), Mawuli Gavor (Ghana), Hollywood star Eric Roberts (United States) and Namibia’s Armas Shivute.
“The Skeleton Coast movie is a collaboration between Nigerian and Namibian producers and directors,” says Daringo, who is also an executive producer on the film alongside her partner, Panashe Daringo.
“The main cast encompasses top and influential talents from Namibia, South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria. This team does not only contribute creatively to the production, but will ensure a wider reach on the continent as well as globally,” she says.
“The film was inspired by the need for pan-African collaboration as well as a Namibian product that will travel across African and international audiences, especially in the diaspora, while allowing us to showcase the beauty of Namibian landscapes such as the Skeleton Coast.”
Written by Omolola Lamikanra and directed by Robert Peters, ‘Skeleton Coast’ tells the story of a group of scientists attempting to find a powerful substance called Blumanite, which is rumoured to exist along the coast.
“When one of them ends up dead, they are not sure whether one of them is the culprit or whether the coast is sending them an ominous message,” says Daringo.
The film was filmed on site at the Skeleton Coast, an area steeped in raw beauty, imbued with mystery and littered with shipwrecks, some of them markers of Namibia’s colonial history.
“This production is a cinematic experience that addresses relevant concerns in Africa such as the exploitation of our minerals. It also repositions our approach to storytelling and the perception of our general characters,” Daringo says.
“It is a platform where we are educating, creating awareness and motivating change. It is also a cinematic milestone for Namibia considering the equipment used, post-production systems and the ability to bring Africa together on one big screen.”
In addition to the film’s aim of creating awareness around environmental preservation in the face of extractive capitalism, ‘Skeleton Coast’ is also a tool to showcase Namibia as a prime film location.
“We were also very intentional about marketing our exclusive landscapes to the world and celebrating them through cinematography,” says Daringo.
“We went through various challenges to shoot at the Skeleton Coast Park, which, due to environmental limitations, has not generally been accessible to film-makers, but we managed to break these barriers.”
While Daringo suggests that every film carries the potential to market a location or a country, she adds that film also creates opportunities to engage corporate and commercial brands.
‘Skeleton Coast’ premiered at Ster-Kinekor Grove Mall on 6 December last year and was shown to over 250 viewers, including key industry and corporate representatives, many of whom Daringo describes as pivotal to advancing the future of the local film industry.
“Almost every comment and review that we received mainly related to the impressive quality of the film and the disbelief that it was a Namibian production instead comparing it to international blockbusters,” says Daringo.
While the producers, including Rogers Ofime, explore further options for the film’s international distribution, Daringo highlights that its current Ster-Kinekor run is its first theatrical release and is not to be missed.
“Skeleton Coast tells an epic tale of resilience, culture and adventure, weaving together the rich narratives of Africa’s diverse heritage,” she says.
“The film is a testament to the power of African collaboration and creativity.”
‘Skeleton Coast’ (2024) will be on show at Ster-Kinekor Maerua Mall and at Grove Mall in Windhoek until 31 January.
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
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