LOOK / LISTEN

Our round-up of Namibian books and movies we love and why the world should love them too.

The Eternal Audience of One - by Rémy Ngamije

Séraphin, a young man forced to flee Rwanda during the Civil War, navigates the complexities of identity and belonging while grappling with the challenges of family life in Windhoek, Namibia. As he prepares to embark on a new chapter in Cape Town, South Africa, Séraphin encounters loyal friends, adventurous experiences and the pursuit of a prestigious law degree. Ngamije’s narrative skilfully explores themes of migration, friendship and self-discovery, offering readers a compelling glimpse into Séraphin’s journey of resilience and growth amidst adversity.

An Arid Eden - by Garth Owen-Smith

Owen-Smith dedicated his life to wildlife conservation in Namibia’s remote northwestern region, which he calls his “Arid Eden”. Despite challenges like poaching and official indifference, he championed the harmonious coexistence of indigenous communities and wildlife, showcasing it as a model for conservation. After years of pioneering work and expulsion from the Kaokoveld in 1970, Owen-Smith returned in 1978 to embark on a 27-year journey to revive the region’s wildlife population. An Arid Eden is a personal account of Owen-Smith’s challenges and triumphs as one of Namibia’s foremost conservation heroes.

Taming My Elephant - by Tshiwa Trudie Amulungu

In Oshiwambo the elephant is likened to the most challenging situation that people can face. Growing up in a traditional household in northern Namibia, attending a Catholic school and later joining the liberation movement, Amulungu shares her candid reflections on survival, longing for home, and the challenges of adapting to unfamiliar environments. She recounts her cultural shocks and discoveries during her time in exile with honesty, emotion and humour, offering readers a close portrayal of life, friendships and community across various locations.

Doek! Literary Magazine

Free, independent and produced in Windhoek, Doek! is a vital platform for diverse voices in Namibia and beyond. Launched in 2019 and published biannually, this Pan-African online literary magazine offers a space for short fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art, fostering a rich literary culture. By featuring works from local and international contributors, Doek! bridges global audiences and storytellers, contributing to a more inclusive literary landscape. In 2020, Doek! was selected as Brittle Paper’s Literary Platform of the Year.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

Baxu and the Giants

Nine-year-old Baxu navigates life in poverty with her brother Khata and her grandmother in a Damaraland village in Namibia. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when strange men arrive, leading to changes in the village and within Baxu’s own household. As she uncovers her brother’s involvement in poaching to improve their family situation, Baxu is faced with a difficult choice: should she remain silent, or heed the wisdom of the rhinos, the giants of the savannah, with whom she communicates in her dreams? The short film explores themes of family, sacrifice and the struggle to preserve tradition in the face of adversity.

The White Line

Set in Namibia’s struggle for independence, the film follows Sylvia, a black domestic worker, and Anne-Marie, her racist employer. Amidst societal prejudices, Sylvia finds solace in a forbidden romance with Anne-Marie’s brother Pieter, a white police officer. Through powerful storytelling, the movie illuminates the complexities of love and resilience amidst systemic injustice. Recognised at film festivals across Africa, The White Line offers a poignant portrayal of post-colonial race relations and societal norms.