Three Namibian films – ‘Lukas’ by Phillipe Talavera; ‘Skeleton Coast’ by Mondjila Studios and the ‘Walvis Tale’ by Tim Hubschile – have been nominated for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in Nigeria.
The nominations demonstrate Namibia’s commitment to growing the film industry, and sharing Namibian stories with the continent.
Director of ‘Lukas’, Talavera said this is not the first time Lukas is being recognised internationally. Last year, the film won the best younger African actor at the Sotigui Awards held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The awards celebrate African and diaspora cinema, recognising outstanding talent from the continent.
“Alejandro Cooper received the honour for his role in the film ‘Lukas’. Many nominations are unique and special. They are all special, but this nomination is very exciting because it’s an award that recognises the best African films. It’s a big award from DStv,” he said.
“When we look at the movies selected, those are very good movies by Africans. We are very happy and proud of this nomination. For me and the cast, it’s a job well done.”
He added that this was a successful project, as it resonates with many African countries.
The film tells the gripping story of 11-year-old Lukas, who witnesses the murder of his mother and grandmother. After being sent to live with his aunt in Windhoek, Lukas runs away to join a gang, navigating the harsh realities of living on the streets for the next 15 years.
‘Skeleton Coast’ was nominated in eight categories, and the executive producer of Mondjila Studios and the actor in the film, Tjuna Daringo, expressed delight in the nominations in an interview with Namibian Broadcasting Corporation.
“We’ve just received eight categories at the African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards 2025, happening in May. Therefore, we are exhilarated and so excited for this opportunity and miles from Namibian and the Namibian industry at large. So, please help us celebrate this joyous occasion by sharing all information and also by voting. So, fingers crossed.”
The Viewers’ Choice Awards are an annual accolade presented by MultiChoice, recognising outstanding achievements in television and film.
‘Skeleton Coast’, featuring a local and international cast, was produced by Nigeria’s Play Network Studios and the Namibian film production company, Mondjila Studios.
It stars Eric Roberts, René Mena, Thapelo Mokoena, Ini Dima-Okojie, Tjuna Daringo, Mawuli Gavor, Cindy Mahlangu and Damilola Adegbite.
The film is set in Namibia’s ‘Skeleton Coast’, also known as ‘the land God made in anger’, which is renowned for its stark natural beauty, deep history and being littered with the skeletal remains from shipwrecks. It tells the story of a group of African scientists searching for Blunamite, a rare gem rumoured to be found at the Skeleton Coast. When one of the scientists dies, the group is unsure if one of them is the culprit, or the haunted coast could be sending them a warning.
Namibians are encouraged to nominate the films on the website of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. The awards will be held in Nigeria in May.