Monika Amunyela

After a 6-year hiatus, the Namibian Theatre and Film Awards (NTFAs) are set to return in 2026. Organised by the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) in partnership with the Namibia Film Commission (NFC), the event will take place on 28 March 2026.

According to the Namibia Film Commission’s media officer, Rebekka Malakia, the NTFAs are a vital platform for elevating creative work. The awards will recognise both theatre and film practitioners through professional development opportunities.

Malakia explained that the long pause resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenges it imposed on the sector. 

“The NTFAs were halted due to Covid-19 and its lingering impacts on the industry,” she said. 

The decision to revive the awards was driven by noticeable industry growth following the pandemic and the need to restore a national platform that acknowledges this progress.

A key focus of the 2026 edition is ensuring equal visibility for both emerging and established creatives, with new categories such as Best Newcomer Director in Film and multiple new dance and technical categories in theatre, broadening opportunities for rising talent and bringing the total to 20.

The awards’ primary mission is to elevate Namibian storytelling and strengthen the foundations of a sustainable, competitive creative sector. This includes encouraging innovation, raising production standards, and boosting Namibia’s presence on regional and global stages. Although the final budget has not yet been publicly confirmed, Malakia states that a structured financial framework is already secured. 

“The awards are primarily supported through the institutional budgets of the NFC and the NTN, with additional private sector sponsorships being sourced to enhance the overall experience, expand category offerings, and ensure long-term sustainability, she said.

-mamunyela@nepc.com.na