The highly-anticipated documentary ‘Beyond the Goalpost’ is set to premiere tomorrow at the Namibia Football Association’s Soccer House at 18h30.
This documentary provides an intimate exploration of the trials and triumphs faced by Arrows Ladies’ players, offering audiences a deeper look at the sport beyond the match-day action.
The project began last year with extensive research, interviews and pre-production planning to ensure that the voices of key figures, players, coaches and administrators are authentically represented.
The purpose of the film is to showcase the team’s journey, and highlight the behind-the-scenes realities of women’s football in Namibia.
Director and producer Othilia Tutu Mungoba said filming took place across various locations over two months, capturing intense training sessions, candid locker-room moments and personal reflections from the athletes featured in the documentary.
“These athletes include Iyaloo Jacobs, Elsabe Reinecke, Jekohasana Kamatjipose, Helena Ipinge and Hope Silusava, as well as coaches Salmon Nakale and Munashe Chinyama,” she said.
Mungoba led a dedicated crew through long days of shooting, making sure each frame encapsulated the spirit of the sport and the struggles of those striving for recognition in the game.
While the production team faced numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather conditions, affecting outdoor shoots and balancing tight filming schedules with the busy commitments of the players, Mungoba remained determined.
She highlighted the team’s commitment to producing a high-quality film that would not only entertain, but also spark critical conversations about the state of women’s football in Namibia.
“I wasn’t prepared for the emotional connection I would develop with the players during filming. Many of them are under 25 years old, and face dire circumstances.
Some live in shantytowns, have come from abusive homes, and have dealt with gender-based issues.
It’s heartbreaking to see how Namibians often undermine the potential of sport as a viable career path,” she added.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na