Malakia Nashongo

The European Union, through the European Film Festival, has concluded a week-long training on filming, editing, directing and scriptwriting for nine aspiring filmmakers mostly from the Oshana region at the University of Namibia Oshakati campus.

The workshop aimed at ensuring locals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge in filming, so  they can film and tell their own stories, and from their perspectives. 

The participants were also trained on how to shoot a film using a cellphone. 

On her part, the European Union Ambassador to Namibia, Sinikka Antila, urged the participants to go out and make use of the skills they have acquired during the training to produce films and stories. 

“I would like to encourage you to be very responsible when using this technology, and I am sure you know better than me what can happen if we are not responsible. We want to hear from you, and we want to see your stories,” explained Antila.

The participants have shown their gratitude, adding they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills they lacked – and that this training will yield positive and timely results to their work, as they are now equipped with new skills that will help them excel in their daily work.

 “This workshop has helped me on how to edit and do a lot of other stuff that I really needed. I have acquired the necessary skills from this workshop,” expressed Severen Katenda, a videographer and photographer.

The workshop was held before the European Film Festival that will be happening in Windhoek from October to December 2021.

This year’s European Film Festival will be held under the theme ‘Life is about laughter, sadness, joy, wonder and timeless stories’.

• Malakia Nashongo works for the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Oshana Regional Office.