‘Skeleton Coast’ premieres in Windhoek over the weekend

The Namibian film, ‘Skeleton Coast’, featuring a local and international cast, premiered in Windhoek on Friday.

The film was produced by Nigeria’s Play Network Studios and the Namibian film production company, Mondajila Studios.

It stars Eric Roberts, René Mena, Thapelo Mokoena, Ini Dima-Okojie, Tjuna Daringo, Mawuli Gavor, Cindy Mahlangu and Damilola Adegbite.

The film is set in Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, also known as ‘the land God made in anger’, which is renowned for its stark natural beauty, deep history and being littered with the skeletal remains of shipwrecks. It tells the story of a group of African scientists searching for Blunamite, a rare gem rumoured to be found at the Skeleton Coast. When one of the scientists dies, the group is unsure if one of them is the culprit or if the haunted coast could be sending them a message.

Speaking to The Namibian at the premiere, executive producer Panashe Daringo said the film’s journey to completion was a “dream come true”.

“When we wrote the story, we wanted to tell something special, something different and unique,” Daringo said.

While the production process had its fair share of challenges, Daringo said they remained relentless.

“Getting the entire team to the Skeleton Coast was a nightmare, it was also hard to get supplies through, as the place is quite remote,” he added.

Additionally, Daringo and his team faced challenges, like limited time and budget.

“We shot the film in just three weeks,” he said.

South African actor Mokoena said the film can potentially open doors for Namibia’s film industry in the global market.

“We used a global concept, and this is [one of the] first movies to be produced by Namibia for the world. This is historic,” Mokoena said.

Local actress Daringo said the film’s premiere was a long awaited and very rewarding moment.

“I’m so excited, I’ve waited for this moment for over a year now,” she said.