By Frederick Philander
WINDHOEK
Thousands of learners in the capital are expected to attend the daily matinee performances of the newly released film, Namibia: The Liberation Struggle, at the old bioscope hall in Katutura.
“We have decided on an affordable fee of N$10 for learners and adults in Katutura to allow everyone to see this historic film,” said the executive producer of the film, Uazuva Kaumbi on Friday.
The film will be screened daily at 14h00.
Chairperson of Pacon, Johannes Tjitjo, reacting to reviews of the film, said: “We are not perfect, no one is perfect, yet, for all intents and purposes, we need patriotic Namibians in art, music, culture, tradition, song, poetry, film, writing and indeed in media reporting.”
According to him, only Namibian citizens can make or break what is truly Namibian.
“This movie is but a fraction of what we want Namibia to achieve in movie making, and in the process, to lift the Namibian national flag high among the nations of the world. Namibians across the nation should be proud of this epic production, which requires our support at home if it is to be supported internationally. Namibians have to learn to support our own local products, to buy into what is local and stand together in promoting that for the sake of our nation,” he said.
He further said that his organization, Pacon, went through thick and thin in the process of producing this film.
“We have been criticized left, right and centre, but we stood firm and never wavered till this very moment. Now that the film is here and being screened in Namibia for Namibians, I am appealing for support for the product. It tells the sad story of the darkest chapter of the Namibian liberation struggle. I am not at all saying people should not be critical of the movie, no, by all means we are open to criticism, but please, let it be the kind that is constructive and meant to perfect future Namibian movies.
“The media is indeed a very important partner in helping all of us to arrive safely at our destination – the movie to be internationally acclaimed! I would also like to thank the Pacon Board, NFC, Minister Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Founding Father of the Namibian Nation, Hon. Prime Minister and the Government of the Republic of Namibia for the steadfastness that brought us all here,” he concluded.