Windhoek, March 14 — MultiChoice Namibia recently launched the second phase of its local content project called Ombura which means ‘rain’ or a new year in Otjiherero. According to MultiChoice Namibia Managing Director, Roger Gertze, ‘OMBURA’ signifies more than just rain; it embodies the essence of a ‘year.’ It’s not just a weather event; it’s a transformative cycle, a symbol of renewal and growth.
‘Ombura’ will include 8 projects, namely 6 feature films, 1 documentary and 1 lifestyle series – each showcasing a unique and authentic perspective of Namibia, its culture, its people, and way of life.
“MultiChoice Namibia believes in the power of enriching African lives, a philosophy rooted in the belief that fostering creativity contributes to a better world,” said Gertze. “Just as the rains represent hope and happiness for Namibians, we want this name ‘Ombura’ to reflect new hope in the next stage of our film project.”
MultiChoice Namibia also announced the executive producers for this phase, as local production house Collective.com.na, who will work closely with the selected project teams, MultiChoice Namibia and kykNET to bring the concepts to life. In this new phase, all productions will be made with a focus on Afrikaans and premiere on kykNET channels on DStv and GOtv as well as Showmax.
“We’re very excited about this great opportunity for the Namibian film and video sector,” said Tim Huebschle of the Collective team. “We aim to support all stakeholders in the best interest of the project. Let’s make it rain!”
In 2022, MultiChoice Namibia embarked on a journey to provide uniquely local and inspiring Namibian content and empower Namibian creatives with the necessary skills to grow the creative industry.
Thirteen films have since debuted on DStv, GOtv and Showmax under the banner ‘Namibia to the World’ and received overwhelmingly positive responses from Namibian and African audiences across the board.
Over the past few months, selected project teams have worked with industry experts through Masterclasses on scriptwriting, production, directing, sound, cinematography and many more, to ensure that we take Namibian stories to new heights, and to keep our audiences glued to their screens later this year.
The successful productions are as follows:
1. Ataman produced by Kim Hamunghete and Mpingana Dax
A young, ambitious soccer player will stop at nothing to come out of his late father’s shadow and make the National team despite facing a long string of setbacks.
2. Die Rooftog produced by Jenny Kandenge and Lavinia Kapewasha
A hardworking young man called Ernest is experiencing financial troubles, until his cousin Sly comes into town with a scheme to solve all their problems, by robbing luxury salons in Windhoek. Will they get away with it?
3. !Dhina Boys produced by Nadia van den Heever
In an attempt to win back her community from a group of highly trained karate delinquents, a protective single mother starts a neighbourhood watch with the help of a kind martial artists’ trainer who has a rivalry with the delinquents’ Master.
4. Dubbel Moelikheid produced by Dantagos Jimmy-Melani
Two police officers facing a disciplinary hearing, have to prove that they are as capable as anyone else by catching the most notorious criminal in the city.
5. Lubinda produced by Leon Mubiana and Mathilda Shivute
Having retired from a life of crime, Lubinda returns to the criminal underworld to rescue his rebellious daughter from the jaws of his vengeful criminal friends.
6. Speel Aan produced by Josefina Geingos
A former soccer coach, haunted by his tragic past, reluctantly accepts a job coaching a struggling high school team, hoping for redemption.
7. Guardians of Eden produced by Andrei Tirtirau
In the face of Africa’s wildlife crisis, Namibia’s ‘Guardians of ‘Eden unveils the incredible journey of a nation where local communities have not only defied the odds, but have thrived as stewards of their land, resulting in a wildlife resurgence that defies global trends and inspires a new vision for conservation.
8. Op Pad Met My Potjie produced by Pedro Mendoza
An Afrikaner foodie travels across Namibia with a three-legged pot. During her journey she learns how to make and value different popular Namibian dishes.
“MultiChoice Namibia is the biggest funder of local content – now producing content in our local languages with local actors and telling stories that resonate culturally. As Africa’s most loved storyteller, we anticipate sharing our unique stories at the end of the year and hope the results will equal a great contribution to the economic growth of the Namibian film industry which will continue to take Namibia to the world,” concluded Gertze.
African Youth Newspaper
