PHILIPPE Talavera, director of the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO), takes the helm in the film “Lukas” providing an intimate portrayal of the captivating lives of street children in Namibia.
The film highlights Lukas’ life as an infant until he becomes a teenager, encapsulating the harsh realities faced by homeless children and prompting a reflection on how society often fails and exploits vulnerable individuals.
Talavera provides insights into the meticulous casting process, emphasizing the importance of selecting individuals who could authentically convey the complexity of the narrative.
The film focuses on homeless children.
“Lukas is a movie about homeless kids and features a lot of young characters. To find the appropriate characters, we searched schools thoroughly. Though casting was challenging, we were able to find amazing kids who put a lot of effort into making Lukas come to life,” said Talavera.
He said to perfect the craft, the actors and actresses had to rehearse for long hours.
“We rehearsed for five weeks, for the kids, it was a lot because they had to spend numerous hours practicing their lines and scenes. For example, at just 12 year, Alejandro Cooper had 42 sequences,” he explained.
Talavera describes “Lukas” as hard-hitting and unapologetic, yet profoundly human, and
empathy and understanding.
While the streets are home to many of the children, the film strives to amplify their voices, sharing untold stories that extend beyond the borders of hardship and inspiring compassion and social change.
“The streets may be their lives, but this film endeavours to amplify the voices of children living and working in the streets, revealing the untold stories that resonate beyond the borders of hardship, ultimately inspiring compassion and social change,” he said.
Having directed the film, Talavera said it is a testament of tenacity in the face of unpredictability in the weather and logistical obstacles encountered throughout filming.
“I won’t lie, it was challenging, but the shooting was hectic. Perhaps more of the memorable moments came during rehearsing sessions, when we laughed heartily when an actor mispronounced a line or seemed confused, or when the younger members of the cast became animated as they executed the part correctly. I had a great time working with the younger actors because Namibia is full of talented people. Unfortunately, schools do not prioritise the arts,” he said.
He further said filming presented its own challenges including logistical and unpredictable weather conditions.
Talavera recalled having to work during the freezing weather of July 2023 at night in Katutura, Windhoek.
This experience, he said had deepened his awareness of the harsh realities faced by children and adults living without basic amenities.
“Even though it was challenging for the actors and crew, it also made us all realise how brutal life can be for kids. Being among so many people who suffered from the cold and living in areas like Katutura without electricity or water frequently made me feel helpless. I felt sorry for the kids and adults in Namibia who are living in dangerous circumstances. I believe the movie does a good job of capturing this sense of destitution and desolation,” he said.
Oscar Shilongo, one of the actors in the film said working on the film was an amazing experience and a great learning opportunity.
“I got to learn from some of Namibia’s top actors. We rehearsed over and over, and it was unbelievable how much energy goes into acting because it leaves you exhausted, but at the same time, it is like the best experience of your life,” said Shilongo.
Beyond its entertainment value, “Lukas” is positioned to contribute to crucial conversations with stakeholders, including ministries, municipalities, and schools, about the prevalence of street children and strategies to prevent more children from finding themselves in such circumstances.
The film’s premiere is scheduled for 1 February at Ster Kinekor Grove Mall, followed by a week-long screening from 2 to 8 February.
-imeldamunika@gmmail.com