A haunting ride on a Namibian desert road: Inside ‘B2 Passage’ with Imãn Ayisha
Namibia’s beloved urban legend, the ghost bride who haunts desert roads, gets a reimagining in the upcoming short film ‘B2 Passage’, written and produced by filmmaker Imãn Ayisha.
tjil caught up with Ayisha to learn more about the inspiration behind the film, its cast, and what audiences can expect ahead of its August release.
Reviving a legend with a twist
Born in Lüderitz and raised between the southern and coastal towns of Namibia, Ayisha recalled being introduced to the tale of the ghost bride by her grandparents.
“Growing up, every drive past Kolmanskop came with that eerie story,” she said. What began as a family legend turned out to be one of Namibia’s most widely shared folktales, passed down orally in various forms.
“Everyone knows some version of it, but no one really knows its origin, and that fascinated me.”
Rather than stick to the traditional ghost story, Ayisha wanted to breathe new life into the tale. “B2 Passage is a character-driven supernatural drama,” she explained. “It follows a haunted father and son travelling from Windhoek to Swakopmund who pick up a whimsical ghost bride. As their journey unfolds, the line between memory and myth blurs," she explained.
“I wanted to give the ghost bride a real story, a complex, emotional arc. It’s about confronting the past, and how stories, like spirits, linger.”
Casting familiar faces
The lead role of Drusilla van Wyk, the ghost bride, is played by Khadijah Mouton. “She was the first person I cast,” Ayisha revealed. “I had her in mind even before the Namibia Film Commission greenlit the project. She brings this whimsical, ethereal energy that’s perfect for the role.”
The rest of the cast includes Adriano Paulus as Titus Kroeger (the father), Yusuf A. Dundee as Mikey Kroeger (the son), and Mukendu RC. Ndjavera in a key supporting role. Many of the cast members previously worked with Ayisha on the final season of the acclaimed web series ‘Ompata’.
Meet the creative team
Directed by Roger Rafael, ‘B2 Passage’ brings together a talented Namibian crew: Inatwiifeni Tekla Naango Nakale (line producer), Albertina Musilika (assistant director), Steven Pendragon (director of photography) and Didi Reloaded Films (gaffer and colour grading). Ayisha handled wardrobe and make-up herself.
The production was supported by the Namibia Film Commission and several local sponsors, including Interpack Namibia, Olive Villa Self-Catering Accommodation, Desert Gem Self-Catering Accommodation and Usakos Bistro.
National and global stage
The film will officially premiere next month as part of a collective screening of Namibia Film Commission-funded projects.
Following the premiere, Ayisha hopes to take ‘B2 Passage’ on the road, especially to coastal towns, for screenings and panel discussions. “This story belongs to Namibia. It’s important that it starts here.”
Ayisha is currently exploring both local and international distribution options. “We’re submitting to festivals and strategising online releases, but accessibility for Namibian audiences remains my top priority,” she said.
Having recently attended Durban FilmMart, she’s optimistic about ‘B2 Passage’ contributing to a stronger, more visible Namibian film industry. “This is more than a film. It’s a statement: our stories are worthy of being told on the world stage.”
tjil caught up with Ayisha to learn more about the inspiration behind the film, its cast, and what audiences can expect ahead of its August release.
Reviving a legend with a twist
Born in Lüderitz and raised between the southern and coastal towns of Namibia, Ayisha recalled being introduced to the tale of the ghost bride by her grandparents.
“Growing up, every drive past Kolmanskop came with that eerie story,” she said. What began as a family legend turned out to be one of Namibia’s most widely shared folktales, passed down orally in various forms.
“Everyone knows some version of it, but no one really knows its origin, and that fascinated me.”
Rather than stick to the traditional ghost story, Ayisha wanted to breathe new life into the tale. “B2 Passage is a character-driven supernatural drama,” she explained. “It follows a haunted father and son travelling from Windhoek to Swakopmund who pick up a whimsical ghost bride. As their journey unfolds, the line between memory and myth blurs," she explained.
“I wanted to give the ghost bride a real story, a complex, emotional arc. It’s about confronting the past, and how stories, like spirits, linger.”
Casting familiar faces
The lead role of Drusilla van Wyk, the ghost bride, is played by Khadijah Mouton. “She was the first person I cast,” Ayisha revealed. “I had her in mind even before the Namibia Film Commission greenlit the project. She brings this whimsical, ethereal energy that’s perfect for the role.”
The rest of the cast includes Adriano Paulus as Titus Kroeger (the father), Yusuf A. Dundee as Mikey Kroeger (the son), and Mukendu RC. Ndjavera in a key supporting role. Many of the cast members previously worked with Ayisha on the final season of the acclaimed web series ‘Ompata’.
Meet the creative team
Directed by Roger Rafael, ‘B2 Passage’ brings together a talented Namibian crew: Inatwiifeni Tekla Naango Nakale (line producer), Albertina Musilika (assistant director), Steven Pendragon (director of photography) and Didi Reloaded Films (gaffer and colour grading). Ayisha handled wardrobe and make-up herself.
The production was supported by the Namibia Film Commission and several local sponsors, including Interpack Namibia, Olive Villa Self-Catering Accommodation, Desert Gem Self-Catering Accommodation and Usakos Bistro.
National and global stage
The film will officially premiere next month as part of a collective screening of Namibia Film Commission-funded projects.
Following the premiere, Ayisha hopes to take ‘B2 Passage’ on the road, especially to coastal towns, for screenings and panel discussions. “This story belongs to Namibia. It’s important that it starts here.”
Ayisha is currently exploring both local and international distribution options. “We’re submitting to festivals and strategising online releases, but accessibility for Namibian audiences remains my top priority,” she said.
Having recently attended Durban FilmMart, she’s optimistic about ‘B2 Passage’ contributing to a stronger, more visible Namibian film industry. “This is more than a film. It’s a statement: our stories are worthy of being told on the world stage.”
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