Namibia ideal film location

Tourism deputy minister Tommy Nambahu says Namibia is a fantastic destination for filmmakers from around the world. He was speaking at the 41st Annual World Tourism Conference in Kigali, Rwanda this week.Nambahu shared the panel with renowned filmmakers from USA, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda and was asked what Namibia does to entice film production to the country.Most of the international movies that were shot in Namibia such as 'Mad Max', 'Flight of the Phoenix', 'Sands of the Kalahari' and even 'Red Scorpion' in the late 80s were filmed in the country's protected areas. According to Nambahu, the ministry has played a significant role to ensure that permits for filming movies in the national parks were issued on time, adding that Namibia's peace and stability also added to the advantage why producers preferred coming to Namibia.Nambahu added that the uniqueness of Namibia as a country where the desert meets the ocean and its majestic sand dunes and having one of the longest coastlines on the continent, has attracted film producers as well. “Provision of infrastructure is also key. When Tom Cruise came to Namibia to shoot 'Mad Max', he demanded the fastest internet connection in the middle of the desert and we provided it,” he said. One of the panellists, Peace Anyiam Osigwe, CEO of the African Movie Academy Awards based in Nigeria, expressed disappointment about the lack of private businesses that are willing to invest in the films produced on the continent. She said in Nigeria for example, investors freely spend more money on international media such as CNN to market their brands, but are not willing to partner with African filmmakers to market their brands through films, saying such situation needs to change to ensure that African filmmakers are supported to be able to tell an African story effectively.Nambahu said there is also need for those in the creative industry to create awareness about the importance of their industry to policy makers so that the budget allocations are done appropriately. He said many policy makers do not understand the importance of films and how they can support economic growth through tourism. Namibia's first ever international film festival is scheduled for 2018, and will include a tour to the best locations in the country. The Africa Travel Tourism which organised the conference believes that Africa has great potential to attract big Hollywood productions due to their unique locations. Most production houses are looking at locations with unspoiled beauty such as Namibia, with some of the world's highest sand dunes. STAFF REPORTER

Namibia ideal film location

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-12

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Namibia ideal film location

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-12

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