Windhoek, Nov 4 – – Becoming a national footballer is a dream many young boys around the world aspire to. Football greats such as Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi, among others have served as an inspiration for many years – while Namibia has its own fair share of local legends such as Ricardo Mannetti, Collin Benjamin and Ryan Nyambe.
These big names drive Ataman – an ambitious footballer, who despite living in underprivileged circumstances, has the desire to become the best in the country. Played by Mpumelelo Malgas, the young actor brings Ataman to life as he attempts to make the national football team in the capital city while taking care of his ailing grandfather and facing off bullies who want to see him fail.
“Ataman’s message is to say that when you have dreams and goals, you will have challenges but one needs to persevere,” said Lucia Kim Hamunghete, director of Ataman.
Touching on the meaning of friendship, Azembua Katjirua plays the character Penda – Ataman’s bestie who motivates Ataman to become the best that he can be, simultaneously balancing the desire to see his father again.
And not to forget, Oupa (Norman Job), Ataman’s maternal grandfather who is ever-so-nostalgic and supportive of his grandson’s dream, yet adds a loving touch to Ataman’s storyline. Other notable names to spot include Timothy Strauss, Che Ulenga, and Logino Goraseb as a tenacious coach based in the capital city.
“MultiChoice Namibia is immensely proud of ‘Ataman’ as it served as the opening film for the official premiere of the Ombura local content project,” said MultiChoice Namibia Managing Director, Roger Gertze. “As Africa’s most loved storyteller, we’re delighted to invest in local productions meant to resonate with Namibians, and this is based on the positive responses we have been receiving regarding the film.”
Suitable for the young ones, this coming-of-age story will make a perfect movie night for the family, leaving you with a new outlook on life.
Not to be missed, ‘Ataman’ is available on DStv Catch Up, as well as other films from the Ombura project such as Speel Aan. Don’t miss out on !Dhina Boys and Die Rooftog as well which recently premiered on kykNET & Kie.
African Youth Newspaper
