‘The Polanas’ – Short But Sweet

Who knew food manufacturing companies would go into the business of television? In an effort to not only promote their products but bring something new to the entertainment industry, Namib Mills has created a new comedy show titled ‘;The Polanas’;, aptly named after the much-loved Pasta Polana brand.

Leo, David, Nessa and Janet make up The Polanas, a family of four who go through several stumbling blocks, while a delicious pasta dish is the central theme to the show. Who doesn’;t love to be saved by food, and good food at that?

Although each episode is only five minutes long, it’;s guaranteed to draw a couple of chuckles – and thanks to the appropriate laughing backtrack, it’;ll take you back to the eras when sitcoms such as ‘;My Wife and Kids’; and ‘;Full House’; thrived. There’;s no two ways about it: It was classic television.

‘;The Polanas’; has brought a fresh Namibian spin, seeing as there aren’;t many local comedies at the moment, and it’;s a proud moment for the country. The views it has garnered on social media say it all.

But let’;s get into the first episode: Leo, one of the children, has a date with his girlfriend at the house and he has to whip up something delicious before she arrives. Despite his attempts in the kitchen, he ends up making a mess and is in a dilemma. His family teases him for his inability to get things done, but like a pop-up shop, neighbour Luke turns up and helps out the Polanas. But is the date as successful? Watch to find out!

The second episode, which was released a few days ago, sees the children starved because their mother is at a meeting and no one cooked for the day. The family, who almost turn into skeletons because of their laziness, turn to Luke for help, but is he ready to take on the challenge?

Starring Hileni Rijnen, David Nanub, Hazel Conchata, Lee-andro Neshila, Rodelio Lewis and Jennifer Timbo, directed by Raphael Scriba and written by Carl Gough, the series is well produced and includes a handful of veterans in the industry making magic behind the scenes.

And here’;s a bonus: Food lovers can head over to polanacookbook.com.na for a look at some of the recipes from the show.

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