Jaenique Swartz
Pricilla Mukokobi
Namibian film ‘The Funeral’ graced the screens of Showmax and kykNET this past weekend, captivating audiences with its profound storytelling of love, loss, grief and betrayal.
Marinda Stein, the director of this accredited film, shed light on the creative journey behind this cinematic masterpiece.
She told VIBEZ! that her compelling story began in 2022 when seasoned journalist, writer and film connoisseur Donald Mathys approached her with the film concept during the MultiChoice Namibia and NBC call for film submissions.
Stein said she jumped at the opportunity to celebrate a place and people so dear to her on screen in a way that was not done before in a film.
“Funerals are also universal and are often, however, inappropriate, the place and time where families are confronted with issues they may be dealing with or turning a blind eye to, where emotions run high, and where the death of someone dear forces them or us to look within and take stock of our own lives, leading to both death and rebirth within. We tell a truly Namibian version of this with ‘’The Funeral’,” she narrated.
She noted that Mathys’ initial concept was transformed into a striking narrative which now carries themes of love, loss, grief and betrayal.
“To bring the story to life, I had to have the visual delivery match the beautiful performances of our cast. That meant getting the technical team to buy into my vision, and work alongside me to make it a reality. The beautiful southern landscape provides a striking backdrop for the scenes set in Aranos, and a rare opportunity to showcase it on platforms that reach so many audiences in Namibia, South Africa and Africa as a whole.”
“Travelling from Windhoek to Aranos for the ‘funeral’, as it is customary for us to do, especially if you moved away from your hometown, was also an important choice for the film. To be in that space lent an authenticity to the actors’ performances, and the visual delivery of the story to the screen that may have been lost if we were not in that setting,” she emphasised.
She added that there were so many layers to the story, to the characters and their journeys against the backdrop of cultural beliefs and practices which contribute to fragility as a society when it comes to the themes of betrayal and loss brought about by the choices of elders.
Stein was adamant that ‘The Funeral’ stayed authentic by being brutally honest whenever the story required it, but it was equally important to celebrate the sense of humour, which is so characteristic of Namibians.
The lighter moments in the film or moments of resolve at the end remind her of the resilience of the human spirit.
“The film does not reflect any personal experience of mine, but it is a story that so many in our midst can identify with. It is a heartfelt story meant to touch people, and I’m sure our audiences will be able to relate to the events and characters in the story; it may have happened to them or someone they know. The characters are people we have in our families, or have observed,” she continued.
‘The Funeral’ is certainly sparking more conversation around the themes it addresses, and hopefully will inspire people to try to do and be better.
VIBEZ! sat down with one of the cast members Edo Lutete, known by his stage name Dice Stunner, who said what drew him closer to this role was the fact that it allowed him to explore deep emotions.
He said grief is a powerful and universal emotion, and portraying it authentically requires understanding the character’s backstory, motivations, and the events that led to their grief.
Lutete said he drew from his own experiences, including various techniques, that helped him tap into and convey emotions effectively.
“Films often explore the impact of loss on families and relationships, highlighting the complexities and dynamics that arise during these challenging times. The message could emphasise the importance of support, communication and understanding among family members, as well as the potential for personal growth and healing through shared experiences,” he added.
Lutete said building strong rapport among cast members is crucial for creating believable chemistry on screen. They often spend time together during rehearsals, workshops and filming, which allowed them to develop a sense of familiarity and trust.
“We also engaged in team-building activities, shared our experiences, and collaborated creatively. Good communication, mutual respect and a shared commitment to this project were key contributing factors to this project.”