By Emma Kakololo
WINDHOEK
Namibian extras working on the film ‘Generation Kill’ have accused the film management of discriminating against them while their South African co-workers receive preferential treatment.
They also claim that they were tricked into shaving their heads completely bald in preparation for the movie with promises of compensation of N$200 per day and an additional N$1 500 per week when called for work.
However, after they shaved their heads, the amount was changed to only
N$200 per day, while South Africans were given N$380 per day and an extra N$1 000 per week regardless of whether they had worked or not.
Apparently after they complained that this was not what was agreed upon, they were rudely told to leave as there were plenty of South Africans who could take their places.
“They (South Africans) received plane tickets and accommodation organized and paid for. About 20 extras are from Windhoek, why don’t they get accommodation …The South Africans get a daily allowance so that they can buy and get their washing done, why do we get treated like animals and with disrespect,” read a missive addressed to New Era yesterday.
“The South Africans also … get food first and when it comes to preparations for the actual shooting, they get equipped first as well. We as Namibians were also not allowed to wear our beanies against the cold when the South Africans were allowed, up to the shooting of the movie. Also the dressing tent for the 19 South Africans is larger (48m2) and has heating inside compared to (that of) the 60 Namibian extras with a size of (36m2) with no heating against the cold.”
The Namibian extras feel distraught and helpless against a certain woman only known by the name of Jackie, the key person in the production office responsible for extras, whom they accuse of using abusive and racist language when addressing them.
“Today 11 June 2007, one of the guys who had his wardrobe allocated to him with all the right sizes was asked to give his size eight boots to a South African who did not want to wear his size 10. He refused and Jackie swore at him. There was also an incident where an African Namibian was told by Jackie, you big black nigger stand that side. He was very upset and almost attacked her.”
The letter also alleges that explosives were tested at the Welwitschia plants without a permit from the Ministry of Environment.
Chairperson of Filmmakers Association of Namibia (FAN) Simon Wilkie, when approached for comment, responded that his office was aware of the complaints and has made an appeal to the Namibian Film Commission (NFC) to investigate the matter.
“I want to make it clear that I am not in a position to know the facts of what is actually happening. I have received a number of telephone calls and e-mails from various people who are/were working on ‘Generation Kill’. I have passed these reports to the Namibian Film Commission,” Wilkie said, adding that the reports were deeply disturbing and action needed to be taken to protect Namibians working on such productions from being exploited and abused, should the arguments hold water.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the NFC, Edwin Kanguatjivi, who was already on his way yesterday to attend a workshop organized by his office at the coast, gave assurance that his team would use the opportunity to ascertain the allegations made by the Namibian extras.
“I can confirm allegations that some Namibians have been used and then fired for some unknown reasons. But one needs to hear both sides,” he commented.
On the allegations of verbal abuse by the so-called Jackie woman, Kanguatjivi argued that Namibian laws do not allow racial discrimination and “she could be prosecuted, but it should not be something that has been made up.”
Efforts to get hold of the mysterious Jackie proved futile by the time of going to press as she was out of the country. Jackie is believed to be a South African national.
‘Generation Kill’, which is based on the Iraq war, has been given the green light to be shot on location in the Namib Desert by the NFC starting this month. In August, shooting will shift to South Africa where the rest of the action movie, destined for international release next year, will be shot.