OMBETJA Yehinga Organisation (OYO)’s 2017 film, ‘Salute’, directed by Philippe Talavera, has been nominated for best movie in southern Africa at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Other films in the category include ‘Descent’ by Awal Abdulfatai, ‘The Road To Sunrise’ by Shemu Joyah, ‘Jomako Black Democracy’ by Abraham Kabwe and ‘Nyasaland’ by Joyce Chavula.
Although ‘Salute’ didn’t receive a rave review in , its message has clearly resonated across Africa.
Lead actor in the film Adriano Visagie could not believe his ears when he heard the news. “A nomination is like a win. Personally, I believe when we get recognition for art outside (of the country), it is not a win for the film or an individual but a win for Namibia as a whole,” Visagie said.
He added that this recognition could open doors for his fellow cast and crew members to take on the industry and the nomination has sent them into frenzy, followed by a lively WhatsApp chat.
“The excitement of knowing that an inmate’s story is getting this recognition is beyond me.”
The actor also feels this is a boost for the Namibian film industry with assistance from big corporations such as DStv, GoTV and Africa Magic. He expressed that collaboration is an important factor and has landed the film not only a nomination at the AMVCAs, but also at the World AIDS conference in Amsterdam.
Asked whether this could set the trend for Namibian films getting recognition worldwide, Visagie said: “Definitely. This is a great opportunity for our film quality to get better to compete and learn from one another as Africans,” adding that Nigeria is currently leading in this department.
“It is a great honour to be nominated alongside award-winning film-makers. A nomination is a win for all; it indeed shows the commitment and hard work everybody put into the production, from script-writing to post-production,” director Talavera said.
With a message of same sex relations and access to condoms for prisoners amongst various other topics, ‘Salute’ has definitely opened doors for many important discussions. It has sparked a lot of debate, especially in the education sector and the office of the First Lady, and prompted discussions on HIV/AIDS and the broader spectrum of homosexuality.
“To me, getting this recognition definitely makes me feel rewarded as an artist because it means we have pushed boundaries. We have created discussions; we are conversing about the change we want to see,” Visagie concluded.
The World AIDS Conference is set for 23 until 27 July and AMVCA will take place on 1 September.
‘Salute’ will be screened at Ondangwa on 31 July, Ongwediva on 1 August, Oshakati on 2 August, Windhoek at the FNCC on 15 August, Rundu on 29 August and Grootfontein on 30 August. Venues will be announced on Facebook on the ‘Salute – an OYO DVD’ page.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
