Visionary Local Shorts Impress

Last Friday three Namibian short films premiered at the National Theatre of Namibia through the facilitation of Goethe-Institut Namibia, the Namibia Film Commission and executive producer Senga Brockerhoff.

As the minimised audience entered the NTN auditorium, very few were ready for what the night had in store.

Kandenge has made a name in the theatre industry with a string of successful plays at the NTN, but this time round she was introducing the world to her screenwriting and directing skills with ‘The Game’.

With a relatively experienced cast, the film stars ‘The White Line’ lead actress Girley Jazama alongside fellow industry colleagues Bret Kamwi, Edo Dice-Greg, Roya Diehl and Bica Martin.

Although the concept of ‘The Game’ starts off relatively clichéd, it does take a turn for the better when Kandenge adds an unexpected twist which rounded off a well-made film.

Representing the LGBTQI+ community, especially as Africans in Africa, it is important to challenge the status quo and confront harmful policies and ideologies. ‘Mukumo’ is the touching story by multidisciplinary visual artist Namafu Amutse of a young queer boy who has to deal with bullies at school as well as at home. Ashriff Feris portrayed the titular character impeccably and was assisted by Iyaloo Mechoir, who was cast as his best friend Kahewa. The bond between these two showcases how important support, friendship, love and acceptance are to youth in this community. The antagonists were Tate Peter, played by Armas Shivute, and three very believable bullies, played by Timothy Strauss, Isdor Kamati and Wensley Richter, with bathroom extra Mhudi Simana.

Mechoir’s performance was marvellous as she brought life to the screen with her character.

African cultures are brimming with folklore, myth, legend and superstition.

Lloyd Winini exploited these narratives and brought forth an invigorating short horror film that could compete with the best. ‘Sacred Places’ dives into the myth of holy or ancestral land that should be treated with respect to gain the same in return.

In this short, a group of friends, played by Diana Master, Sakeus Katondoka, Adriano Visagie, Cathy Ngenda and Jeanne-Danae Januarie are trapped in a cave and haunted by its guardian, portrayed creepily yet authentically by Bupe Chiwala.

Winini hit the nail on the head with this film. The cinematography was impeccable, the sound editing was beyond its class and the acting was solid.

Moving Forward

While there were a few minor issues regarding ill-suited lighting, exaggerated background music and slightly theatrical over-acting, these short films have set a new standard for what film-making needs to be in Namibia.

With a budget of N$200 000, Brockerhoff, the directors, actors and technical crews, as well Kulan Ganes, who did make-up for all three films, can take pride in what they produced.

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