Monika Amunyela
‘Echoes of Omusati’, a Namibian documentary film, is set to premiere tonight, at the Ster-Kinekor cinema in Maerua Mall, Windhoek. The film tells intimate stories from one of the country’s northern regions.
The project, co-produced and directed by Oshoveli Shipoh, focuses on the people, culture, and history of Omusati, a region in northern Namibia that is often overlooked in literature and media.
The idea for the documentary was Morna Ikosa’s, who had a vision to tell stories that had never been documented before. Oshoveli Shipoh, who is the co-producer and director, was particularly moved by the story of a family in Tsandi who spent 37 years searching for a relative they had left behind in Zambia during exile.
The documentary narrates the woman’s journey back to Namibia and her reunion with her father and extended family.
“Being able to document her journey back home for the first time, and her reunion with her father and extended family, was incredibly moving and became a powerful anchor for the documentary,” Oshoveli explained.
Oshoveli, who is originally from the region, was able to rely on authenticity and emotional depth in the production.
“I relate strongly to its people, culture, and history, which naturally drew me into telling its stories with authenticity and emotional investment,” she said.
The film also delves deeper into the unique histories of Omusati’s tribes, including the Aambalantu, Aakwaluudhi, AaNgandjera and AaKwambi, as well as the legacy of traditional kingdoms and leadership structures.
The filming process came together well in the end, even after the challenges the team faced on set. The long distances between locations and the difficulty of reaching some elders and traditional leaders left the team working with a very tight schedule and unable to include more voices in their story.
Funding was another factor that dragged out the production, as it took three years to complete, compared to the one year they had planned.
Despite these setbacks, Oshoveli and his team ensured the documentary reflected the true local culture by engaging directly with elders, traditional leaders, and community members. “Their insights, lived experiences, and commitment to preserving heritage helped ensure the documentary reflects Omusati authentically and respectfully,” he said.
The documentary targets both local and international audiences, offering an in-depth view of the region’s way of life and cultural identity, all while telling Namibian stories through authenticity.
“It reminds us that no matter how long we’ve been separated, hope for reunion and reconnection is never lost,” she concluded.