Khomasdal roots ignite filmmaker’s storytelling gift
• Bringing Namibia’s past to a new generation
Phillipus JosefRUNDU
Namibian film director Roger ‘Pequeno’ Rafael says his passion for film and storytelling began long before he entered professional film school, tracing it back to a simple primary school essay about a holiday that ignited something lasting.
In an interview with tjiL last week, Rafael said writing that essay made him realise the power of stories.
“It changed for me ever since,” he said, adding that film school later confirmed what he already knew – that filmmaking was what he wanted to pursue for the rest of his life.
Rafael credits his upbringing in Khomasdal, Windhoek, for shaping both his outlook and creative voice.
His neighbourhood played a central role in drawing him toward the art of film, not only as a means of expression but also as an alternative path for young people growing up around difficult influences.
“We grew up around gang-related issues in our neighbourhood,” he said.
Rather than becoming involved, Rafael and his peers chose a different route. “Instead of us being involved in those activities, we made use of them and shot movies,” he said, describing filmmaking as both a refuge and a tool for change.
Personal lessons
Beyond creativity, Rafael believes the film industry has taught him one of its most important lessons: collaboration.
“Film is a collaborative thing. You can never make movies alone,” he said, stressing that teamwork is at the heart of any successful production.
While making films often comes with technical and creative hurdles, Rafael said his biggest challenge is mostly the issue of funding.
Budget constraints, he explains, are a constant reality.
However, that has not stopped him from creating. He has learned to collaborate widely and make films even with limited resources, working with people who might not initially be interested but are willing to contribute once the vision becomes clear.
Past to future
Looking ahead, Rafael is particularly drawn to stories delving into Namibia’s past.
He believes many important historical moments remain untold on screen.
“There’s so much that happened in our country that needs visuals to it instead of just stories that are being told around the fire in our villages,” he said.
Film, he pointed out, has the power to preserve and reimagine history for new generations.
Rafael is best known for directing the series and film ‘Ompata’, which debuted on 22 July 2022. He later also served as the cinematographer for the ‘Ompata | Klappers’ series episode released in 2023, further cementing his place in the local film industry.
To aspiring filmmakers, Rafael’s advice is: “Just start and release your films.”
Growth only comes when work is shared and seen, he added. “That is the only way your work will be seen, and you’d get better at what you do.”
[email protected]
Namibian film director Roger ‘Pequeno’ Rafael says his passion for film and storytelling began long before he entered professional film school, tracing it back to a simple primary school essay about a holiday that ignited something lasting.
In an interview with tjiL last week, Rafael said writing that essay made him realise the power of stories.
“It changed for me ever since,” he said, adding that film school later confirmed what he already knew – that filmmaking was what he wanted to pursue for the rest of his life.
Rafael credits his upbringing in Khomasdal, Windhoek, for shaping both his outlook and creative voice.
His neighbourhood played a central role in drawing him toward the art of film, not only as a means of expression but also as an alternative path for young people growing up around difficult influences.
“We grew up around gang-related issues in our neighbourhood,” he said.
Rather than becoming involved, Rafael and his peers chose a different route. “Instead of us being involved in those activities, we made use of them and shot movies,” he said, describing filmmaking as both a refuge and a tool for change.
Personal lessons
Beyond creativity, Rafael believes the film industry has taught him one of its most important lessons: collaboration.
“Film is a collaborative thing. You can never make movies alone,” he said, stressing that teamwork is at the heart of any successful production.
While making films often comes with technical and creative hurdles, Rafael said his biggest challenge is mostly the issue of funding.
Budget constraints, he explains, are a constant reality.
However, that has not stopped him from creating. He has learned to collaborate widely and make films even with limited resources, working with people who might not initially be interested but are willing to contribute once the vision becomes clear.
Past to future
Looking ahead, Rafael is particularly drawn to stories delving into Namibia’s past.
He believes many important historical moments remain untold on screen.
“There’s so much that happened in our country that needs visuals to it instead of just stories that are being told around the fire in our villages,” he said.
Film, he pointed out, has the power to preserve and reimagine history for new generations.
Rafael is best known for directing the series and film ‘Ompata’, which debuted on 22 July 2022. He later also served as the cinematographer for the ‘Ompata | Klappers’ series episode released in 2023, further cementing his place in the local film industry.
To aspiring filmmakers, Rafael’s advice is: “Just start and release your films.”
Growth only comes when work is shared and seen, he added. “That is the only way your work will be seen, and you’d get better at what you do.”
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article