Reflecting on our historical past
24 March 2021 | History
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
WINDHOEK
Released in 2007, 'Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation' illustrates Namibia's struggle against South African occupation.
Film producer Gideon Kamati from the Namibia Film Commission (NFC) describes it as a historical film that narrates the brutal war Namibia had to go through to attain independence. In its 14 years of existence, the film has been showcased at various global film festivals including the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles and African Film Festival in New York.
Other notable success the film has enjoyed is that the music - composed by Stephen James Taylor - won the award for best African film at the Kuala Lumpur International Film Festival, where the film also won for best music score and best director.
“The movie was not made for commercial success but with the intent of preserving Namibian history,” Kamati emphasised.
Screening tours
He shared that the NFC regularly teams up with the information ministry's regional offices for screening tours in remote areas, targeting significant holidays like Independence Day, Heroes Day and Human Rights Day.
“In efforts to show it to Namibian masses, the NFC also showcases it at trade fairs and expos such as the Ongwediva Trade Fair, the Erongo Expo and the Crayfish Festival.
“In 2019 and 2020, we screened it at Epic Cinemas in Ongwediva as part of our independence celebration – an initiative we plan to continue with and expand to other towns.”
He added that the film is also available for purchase at information ministry's regional offices and urges Namibians to purchase it or watch it when the national broadcaster airs it.
Legacy
Kamati revealed that his very first internship was on this production.
He has since carved out a career for himself in the film industry.
“It was the first ever commissioned film work in the country and creatives who were fortunate enough to work on that production have made careers out of that experience. It opened doors for other Namibian films,” he said.
The movie, written and directed by Charles Burnett, stars Carl Lumbly and Hollywood's Danny Glover.
WINDHOEK
Released in 2007, 'Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation' illustrates Namibia's struggle against South African occupation.
Film producer Gideon Kamati from the Namibia Film Commission (NFC) describes it as a historical film that narrates the brutal war Namibia had to go through to attain independence. In its 14 years of existence, the film has been showcased at various global film festivals including the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles and African Film Festival in New York.
Other notable success the film has enjoyed is that the music - composed by Stephen James Taylor - won the award for best African film at the Kuala Lumpur International Film Festival, where the film also won for best music score and best director.
“The movie was not made for commercial success but with the intent of preserving Namibian history,” Kamati emphasised.
Screening tours
He shared that the NFC regularly teams up with the information ministry's regional offices for screening tours in remote areas, targeting significant holidays like Independence Day, Heroes Day and Human Rights Day.
“In efforts to show it to Namibian masses, the NFC also showcases it at trade fairs and expos such as the Ongwediva Trade Fair, the Erongo Expo and the Crayfish Festival.
“In 2019 and 2020, we screened it at Epic Cinemas in Ongwediva as part of our independence celebration – an initiative we plan to continue with and expand to other towns.”
He added that the film is also available for purchase at information ministry's regional offices and urges Namibians to purchase it or watch it when the national broadcaster airs it.
Legacy
Kamati revealed that his very first internship was on this production.
He has since carved out a career for himself in the film industry.
“It was the first ever commissioned film work in the country and creatives who were fortunate enough to work on that production have made careers out of that experience. It opened doors for other Namibian films,” he said.
The movie, written and directed by Charles Burnett, stars Carl Lumbly and Hollywood's Danny Glover.
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