Despite the usual and several challenges in filmmaking in Namibia, actor Harmony Ahalwa strongly believes the industry is on the rise.

Creatives have to do what it takes to be at the top, as there are tonnes of talent and potential.

He plays the antagonist role of Pikes in Lubinda, a locally produced film that will premiere on kykNet on Sunday.

The eloquent actor told VIBEZ! that the best part of working on the Lubinda project was the incredible sense of teamwork and camaraderie.

He said more investment is needed in the craft.

“We need to invest more resources into training and mentorship for emerging filmmakers. It’s also vital to create partnerships that can help us secure funding and distribution channels,” he advised.

The actor highlighted that one of the biggest challenges they faced was the limited resources.

“It made us get creative with what we had. It pushed us to think outside the box,” he said.

He credited the work of writer and director Leon Mubiana, who was patient and served as a guide in terms of rehearsals to make the experience worthwhile.

The name ‘Lubinda’ is particularly found among the Lozi people, and means strength or blessing.

The name is given based on traits or ancestry. 

For the movie, it is significant to the main character’s traits and challenges that he endures and overcomes.

Mubiana told VIBEZ! that challenges come with the job, but being innovative and planning minimises obstacles. 

“You have to commend Namibian businesses for opening up their doors to our production and allowing for ample time to create ‘Lubinda’. The actors and crew members were also heavily prepared to adjust at a moment’s notice when issues arose,” said the creative director.

Mubiana is over the moon that Lubinda will be aired on kykNet, a South African Afrikaans channel.

The film is in Afrikaans.

Shot in multiple parts of Windhoek, the storyline is that Lubinda has long since left his life as a criminal behind, but he must return to the criminal underworld to save his daughter from the jaws of a vengeful criminal.

The 50-minute-long film has 15 actors who play various captivating roles. 

Protagonist lead player Fareed Matjila said “From the locations, set crew, the cast and the thrilling story the director wants us to tell” make the experience worthwhile.

This was the first action movie he starred in.

“When Leon Mubiana pitched me the story and the character, I knew it would be challenging but it got me so interested in being one of the storytellers in this world of Lubinda,” he said with passion.

Matjila recalled the rehearsals and dangerous stunts he had to perform. 

“All this for me had to be taken into deep thought on how I would turn into Lubinda and make his story come to life and captivating,” he said.

-psiririka@nepc.com.na