Africa-Press – Namibia. The Academy Awards popularly known as the Oscars, have approved a seven-member Namibian committee ahead of the 2022 awards ceremony. The committee comprises of a diverse group of local creatives including Obed Emvula, who will lead the Namibian Oscars Selection Committee as chairperson, and other members like Bridget Pickering, Tim Huebschle, Marinda Stein, Abius Akwaake, Richard Pakleppa, and Linda de Jager.
The Oscars are easily one of the most coveted film awards globally, marking a glamorous event on the Hollywood calendar. Until now, the prestigious awards have remained ostensibly out of the grasp of the Namibian film industry.
“What emphasises this promise of a global award for Namibia is evident in our resolve to tell unique stories that reveal our unique realities and that define us as Namibians and as Africans,” says Emvula. “This is why we will not take this humbling opportunity to give a platform to credible Namibian films at the Oscars for granted.” Local award-winning actor Adriano Visagie says this brings a sense of hope to local actors and the country’s growing film industry.
“Acknowledging the hard hit Namibian film took with Covid-19, and the creative industry as a whole, a Oscar committee is a sign of hope for creatives, film makers and as an actor myself. It provides understanding of the vetting process that submissions go through to, whether for International Short Film or International Feature Film. This however places a greater responsibility on professionalism and quality vs quantity in terms of production, and calls for collective collaboration from government and the private sector in terms of supporting films,” he says.
Award-winning singer, actress and scriptwriter Lize Ehlers says this development is great news as it opens up a world of motivation, inspiration and opportunity for Namibians.
