The National Theatre of Namibia (NTN), partnering with the Namibia Film Commission (NFC), has officially announced the comeback of the Namibian Theatre & Film Awards (NTFAs), scheduled for Thursday, 19 March 2026, at the National Theatre of Namibia.
This prestigious event honours the creative excellence, resilience, and cultural influence of Namibian artists in theatre and film. The 2026 awards will feature new categories to better showcase a wider range of talents.
In theatre, new awards include Best Score for Stage, Best Choreographer, Best Stage Technician/Engineer, Best Stagecraft: Make-Up, Best Lead Dancer (Male or Female), Best Supporting Dancer (Male or Female), and Best Newcomer Dancer (Male or Female). Film categories now also recognize Best Newcomer Director, Best Supporting Actor (Male and Female), Best Costume Design and Make-up, and Best Web Series, expanding the total to 20 categories.
Alma Ulamba, General Manager of the National Theatre of Namibia, stated, “The NTFAs continues to grow as a celebration of not just artistry, but the diverse voices, skills and craftsmanship that make Namibian storytelling possible. We’re proud to expand the platform in 2026 to be even more inclusive of the talents shaping our national stage and screen.”
The NTFAs remain the sole national platform acknowledging individuals and productions significantly contributing to the growth of Namibia’s creative arts industry.
Florence Haifene, Executive Secretary of the Namibia Film Commission, expressed excitement over the Awards’ return after a six-year pause, saying, “This moment not only celebrates the remarkable growth of our industry but also embraces the expansion of award categories that reflect the depth, diversity, and innovation of local storytelling.”
