WINDHOEK– The Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) will premiere its new film, Why can’t I be like everybody else at the Warehouse next Thursday, September 26.
Johannes (Tevin Musukubili), a 16-year- old learner, is trying to accept the fact he is attracted to boys. He is constantly bullied on his way to school, in particular by Jacky (Johannes Magongo). He lives alone with his father, who cannot accept his son might be gay. Alex (Colin van der Westhuizen), another 16-year- old learner, is constantly teased at school because of his blue eyes. When the two boys meet at the riverbed, their lives change forever.
The film is the third episode of OYO’s mini-series themed My best interest. According to the film Producer and Director, Philippe Talavera, it is based on a true story. “We changed the names, of course. But ‘Alex’ told us his story and how he was constantly being called, which affected him, till his meeting with ‘Johannes’. We had little information about ‘Johannes’, so we created this character. However, when reviewing the script with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare for accuracy, one social worker shared how moved she was by Johannes’ story, as she was dealing with a very similar case. Being gay in Namibia is still a very difficult situation. When you are 16 and discovering your sexuality, you may also be faced with hatred, bullying and even rejection from your own family. We wanted to show how the negative discourse some people have towards homosexuality can affect our children,” he said.
This production is an all-Namibian star production, also starring Elize de Wee, Joseph Molapong and Valerie Tjirimuje. The project was sponsored by Save the Children, an international Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) that saves children’s lives; fight for their rights; help them fulfill their potential and work to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. It also received support from Torga Optical in Maerua Mall. The premiere will start at 19h00 and entrance is free but donations are welcomed. It is advisable to book a seat by calling Karolina at 061-254915.