Goethe Stage short films premiere

Staff Reporter
Goethe Stage short films premiere


STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

The potential of developing the short film genre in Namibia has been identified, and Goethe Stage presents the first Short Films Premiere on 3 July via a Facebook livestream from 19:00.
All films were written, directed and produced in Namibia by young Namibian film-makers.
The livestream, which will also include a Q&A session with the cast and directors, will be broadcast from the Goethe-Institut Namibia premises.
Due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, the number of persons allowed at the event is limited and reserved for invited guests only. The public is encouraged to follow the prescribed guidelines and enjoy the premiere from home.

New era
“The short film genre is experiencing a new era across Africa and the publishing of videos online is more prominent, primarily because of the low cost in producing a short film,” said Michelle Namases from the Goethe-Institut Namibia.
She coordinates cultural programmes and explained that Goethe Stage aims to financially assist creatives in Namibia for their ideas to materialise and also provides support on methodologies. “Judges were contracted to select three applications that have potential and relevance to Namibia. Contact with persons already in the film-making industry was readily available to advise beneficiaries during the production process,” she said.
Partners in this edition of the initiative included the Namibia Film Commission (NFC), which donated N$50 000 for post-production of the three short films.

Develop Namibian arts
Chief media officer at the ministry of information and communication technology, Krischka Stoffels, said she hopes this initiative continues. “I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of the submissions and hope that more can be done to develop Namibian artists. I believe the potential is there, but support is needed from all sectors,” she said.
Stoffels, who was also a judge, stressed that what art and these artists can bring to Namibia is insurmountable and paramount to Namibia’s cultural identity. Echoing her sentiments, NFC executive secretary Florence Haifene said they did not hesitate to support Goethe Stage. “We believe film is a reflection of society, both present and past, and the three stories have all managed to highlight that. The NFC congratulates all three teams for an exceptional job,” Haifene said.



FILMS GALORE: Goethe-Institut Namibia will premiere short films online early next month. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-05

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