Thread: Film industry

I think the Government should create the a environment that is conducive to the development of a strong film industry in our country. But that is where it should stop. We simply do not have the public money to fund what is a very expensive creative pursuit.

Yes, there should be programmes to encourage the youth to discover and engage in creative pursuits such as film-making, and there should be collaboration between the private filmmakers and production companies as well as the Government to establish a framework that allows the industry to develop? I stronlgy support that.

But subsidies? NO! and NO again.The Nujoma movie - while handy for the SWAPO indoctrination and proaganda machinery - was a bottomless pit, and the benefits to our Republic not entirely clear at all. That money could have been spent to build at least 1,000 homes for at least 5,000 of our most vulnerable people. That money could and should have been spent to sink new borehols, or start a new HIV/Aids programme, or fund bursaries, or strengthen the anti-corruption commission, or the Office of the Auditor-General. Funding a developing film industry is NOT the task given to the Government by the majority of our people, I believe. Neither, do I believe, does it have amandate to do this.

If, and when, the cake is larger due to a fundamentally strong and growing economy, and the public coffers are fuller and we can actually afford it, then we should consider subsidising specific productions that have merit and that make sense. Equally there should no obstacles for private filmmakers to produce movies in Namibia.

But subsidising the film industry would be like buying a large luxury car when you know your streets are not made for it. It is not in the public interest given our nation's challenges such as poveryty, HIV/Aids, illiteracy, ignorance, corruption......

Comrade_007! As much as I would like to disagree, I once again have to agree, especially with this part:

I think the Government should create a legal environment that is conducive to the development of a strong film industry.

Just imagine being condemned to a lifetime of Chinese and equally bad films that do not reflect our culture. ? Do you really think Hollywood, Bollywood and however many other "woods" there may be out there, will realistically and accurately reflect our own cultures (note the plural!)?

We need a film industry. The nbc needs a local film/video industry. We, as Africa, need film to make our voice heard in theatre, too. Not only "Freddy Philander" sop stories, but real drama, entertainment, history, from the heart of our own people!

If it takes some money; so be it. In return we can always get the screening rights for TV and video casettes/DVDs - the secondary market - the secondary rural market.

It will be sad comes the day when our own children no longer know where they come from because nobody had the courage and the guts to record it!

Wow, these Shebeeners mean business! I am really greatful we can at least have an investigating eye on this. For one I agree that the Government's role should be to create some kind of Legal Framework. Furthermore, I would suggest that the Financial sector starts giving back to the community in the form of grants, just like for any other business innitiative. The interested Producer/owner of such application to the Bank should then of course be subjected to provide a sound proof business plan, just like for any other business. The emphasis here should be how marketable any given drama would be, if not worldwide, at least in southern Africa. Innitiatives such as Truly Namibia(or whatever they go by), should make it their business to be instrumental in the marketing of such Namibian Productions o the relevant platforms. Important to mention is that we do not really have many Producers who studied the Theory of filming making and have mostly people who had Filming as their hobbies,, thus no wonder we remain producing material fit for theatre instead of movie, or series production, let alone reality TV shows, etc. The Namibian community stands to gain should the filming industry be given amble attention. For one, the school drop outs can try their hand at acting and through this, make a living for themselves, hence solving the problem of unemployeed youth(and more, coz acting can support people from all ages).
First thing is first though, there should be formal discussion forums created, which can largely depend on public input, because if this can be brainstormed from all possible angles(and not from only Vickson Hangula, Freddie Phillander and MR Kaumbi's viewpoints), we could actually come up with an amble solution to the question of funding this very vital industry, which can further help put Namibia on the Global entertainment Map. Also if such industry is developed locaaly, our local talent can find it easier to be competitive for the ultimate Filming Market, Hollywood!!!

I suppose I could add that we all have something to contribute. juikk has his favourite thing; I have mine; comrade_007 his; phelakuti his; and so on. Together we could put together quite some piece!

Tatekulu often said, when he was still president: "Rome was not built in a day!" I think this applies to "Namiwood" as well .......

I Like Namiwood, for sure!!!

Originally Posted by juikk

First thing is first though, there should be formal discussion forums created, which can largely depend on public input, because if this can be brainstormed from all possible angles(and not from only Vickson Hangula, Freddie Phillander and MR Kaumbi's viewpoints), we could actually come up with an amble solution to the question of funding this very vital industry, which can further help put Namibia on the Global entertainment Map.

I propose the discussion forum right here on Shebeen! Wouldn't that be transparent and high-tech and allow people from all over the world to contribute? Does anyone have the e-mail addresses of the people mentioned above? Maybe send them a link to this discussion?

I agree with the sentiments of Comrade_007 that the industry should not be subsidised. We cannot afford that. But I also agree with Oneword that we need a film industry. And I agree with Juikk that it may make sense establishing a kind of "development" fund that is independently governed, and to which companies, overseas donors and individuals can contribute. Budding filmmakers could then, as Juikk suggests, apply for funding and the proposal vetted for its merits.

I want to be serious for a change.

These people who clamour for recognition as " film makers" are just looking for an easy ride and hand-outs!!!!!


Look at the private industry. I can name two, three or even more private sector film makers (OK, they make documentaries), but they do it with their own money!!! And don't tell me a decent doccie doesn't cost money!!!!.


If they can do, make good money and keep on smiling to the bank and back to "Discovery Channel" and others, why can't our so-called "serious" film makers put their cameras where their big mouth is??

'Nuff said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am in total agreement with the theme of your takes. You all have come up with serious and thought out propositions. I even had to vote for a creation of a Namibwood. I only wish we have a larger audience and support.

Peeps! Uncle Paul raised a good point. Let's try and get the debate going here by telling the people that we know in the film or entertainment industries that it's happening here. eems to me many don't yet know of our Shebeen. Send them an e-mail telling them about our place and the talks going on.......