10 minutes with local taste makers

Nguundja Kandjii

Our corner of the continent has always been a source of remarkable stories. Up until recently, many remained untold, captured in hearts and memory through fables and fireside legend. Everything changed in September, when 13 local film productions hit streaming platforms like Showmax, GOtv and DStv. This is arguably the advent of Namibian storytelling on international stages, and Nguundja Kandjii is at its forefront.

Actor, director and fashion aficionado, Nguundja is a trailblazing triple threat with a whole lot more up her thrifted sleeves. The young talent’s story begins in Windhoek, growing up alongside her sister and cousins. Together they choreographed dances and skits, casting themselves as the entertainment at Christmas and family gatherings. "We loved performing," says Nguundja, realising that the seeds of her creative future were sown with childlike innocence and excitement, and watered with the unwavering support of her parents and sister.

When one door closes, another opens. Nguundja first began contemplating a future in film post matric. The hefty tuition fees of Cape Town’s AFDA spurred her to investigate local alternatives.

Pursuing the University of Namibia’s (Unam) drama program, Nguundja’s time there became a formative chapter in her artistic odyssey. Her lecturers at the university played pivotal roles in her development, nurturing her talents and providing guidance. Yet, it was her sister, Tjiurimo Kandjii, who emerged as a steadfast mentor and supporter. From starring in her first-ever theatre production, to advising on her recent directorial work in Anchoring Love – "she has supported me and been in my corner every step of the way," says Nguundja.

Nguundja’s prowess in the local film industry is tangible in her most recent, and biggest, acting gig to date. Cast as the sassy and scheming antagonist in Chef’s Kiss directed by Glenora Tjipura, which premiered on DSTV catch-up and Showmax on 4 September, the actor channelled pure mean girl energy to contrast her sunny off-screen disposition. What the industry dubbed as the holy trinity – writer, director and actor – seems well within reach for Nguundja, whose future in film is blindingly bright thanks to her acumen for both the behind the scenes and in the spotlight. She took on the role of assistant producer on the feature film Tjipanganjara by Leslie Tjizueza, and worked in theatre production on Mind my Money with Liberty Life, directed by Hazel Hinda.

Documenting the process has allowed me to see how my style and I have evolved through the years.

Beyond her budding acting and directing career, Nguundja possesses a deep passion and keen eye for fashion. For her, clothing is a means of expression, a storytelling medium that conveys personal stories and how we want the world to perceive us. In 2019, she began sharing her eclectic outfits on Instagram, saying, “Documenting the process has allowed me to see how my style and I have evolved through the years.” Nguundja’s wardrobe is laced with vintage and thrifted items, and her styling is timeless, classic, cool. Through thoughtful dressing, she's not only uncovered her own narrative but also explored the power of costumes in storytelling. She says, "Being passionate about clothing has allowed me to work in the wardrobe department on film sets."

Currently, her hands are full with several film productions, and Nguundja is in the midst of writing and preparing for a film project scheduled for the coming year. "I am excited to explore more historical dramas as well as psychological dramas," she says, perhaps alluding to what we can expect from this upcoming work.

With a short black bob, striking sense of style and electric smile, Nguundja Kandjii is an asset to our local film industry, here to tell Namibian stories with tenacity, authenticity and infectious enthusiasm.

Follow Nguundja’s journey on Instagram @falleria_ | @littlemissdirector

Charene Labuschagne