Young Namibian filmmaker poised to transform local cinema
In November 2024, Elisabeth Tonata Hamukwaya, a 22-year-old Namibian filmmaker, celebrated her graduation from the prestigious MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy in Lusaka, Zambia.
Her journey through the year-long programme, which emphasized multi-disciplinary training in film and television, has equipped her with skills and a vision that promise to redefine storytelling in Namibia.
Reflecting on her success, Hamukwaya credits her unyielding hunger to learn and her commitment to mastering her craft. “As a young female African filmmaker, I was driven by the desire to tell authentic African stories and share them with the world,” she shared. “Staying focused and committed shaped me into a better filmmaker, and I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams.”
During her time at the academy, Hamukwaya honed critical skills in screenwriting, directing, and cinematography. She plans to leverage these abilities to tell stories that celebrate Namibia’s cultural diversity and stunning landscapes. “I aim to collaborate with upcoming filmmakers to showcase what Namibia is capable of creating,” she said.
One of her most transformative experiences at the academy involved weekly challenges of writing and shooting films. “As a young female filmmaker, I often faced underestimation of my talent,” she recounted. “But through hard work, learning from my peers and lecturers, and staying humble, I realized that turning a script into amazing visuals requires resilience and positivity.” By the end of the programme, she had not only developed her craft but also a newfound confidence to tackle the challenges of filmmaking.
Hamukwaya is now preparing to launch several creative projects. She’s actively seeking film funding opportunities and looks forward to collaborating with Namibian filmmakers to produce impactful stories. Her vision extends beyond storytelling; she aims to mentor and guide aspiring filmmakers. “Apart from telling authentic African stories, I want to contribute to the industry by lecturing and helping others navigate their journey,” she said.
Her journey through the year-long programme, which emphasized multi-disciplinary training in film and television, has equipped her with skills and a vision that promise to redefine storytelling in Namibia.
Reflecting on her success, Hamukwaya credits her unyielding hunger to learn and her commitment to mastering her craft. “As a young female African filmmaker, I was driven by the desire to tell authentic African stories and share them with the world,” she shared. “Staying focused and committed shaped me into a better filmmaker, and I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams.”
During her time at the academy, Hamukwaya honed critical skills in screenwriting, directing, and cinematography. She plans to leverage these abilities to tell stories that celebrate Namibia’s cultural diversity and stunning landscapes. “I aim to collaborate with upcoming filmmakers to showcase what Namibia is capable of creating,” she said.
One of her most transformative experiences at the academy involved weekly challenges of writing and shooting films. “As a young female filmmaker, I often faced underestimation of my talent,” she recounted. “But through hard work, learning from my peers and lecturers, and staying humble, I realized that turning a script into amazing visuals requires resilience and positivity.” By the end of the programme, she had not only developed her craft but also a newfound confidence to tackle the challenges of filmmaking.
Hamukwaya is now preparing to launch several creative projects. She’s actively seeking film funding opportunities and looks forward to collaborating with Namibian filmmakers to produce impactful stories. Her vision extends beyond storytelling; she aims to mentor and guide aspiring filmmakers. “Apart from telling authentic African stories, I want to contribute to the industry by lecturing and helping others navigate their journey,” she said.
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Namibian Sun
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