On 8 March, the Namibian film ‘Lukas’, made its debut in South Africa’s cinemas. 

Directed by Philippe Talavera of the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) and based on a script by Mikiros Garoes, the film boasts a Namibian cast and crew. 

‘Lukas’ explores the emotional narrative of street children, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of their daily struggles and the strong spirit that drives them forward despite adversities.

In an interview, cast member Treazurique Titus expressed a myriad of emotions upon witnessing ‘Lukas’ reach the grand stage of cinema.

“I can’t necessarily say I had one feeling because it was a whole bunch of mixed feelings and different reactions. I was surprised but mostly happy and proud that people outside of Namibia could see and experience what could happen to a child not only in Namibia but in any other country,” he said.

His experience and role as Lukas were quite exciting. He recalls being winter and they were shooting in the cold, however, they always tried to keep their composure not to show that they were getting cold especially while recording.

One of his most memorable moments was sharing a laugh with one of his co-stars because while acting, they forgot the script and had to remind each other of one another’s lines.

Another moment was having the support from the cast and crew to make this film a success.

“I feel that the movie ‘Lukas’ conveys a message of don’t always try to depend on others, fend for yourself as well, it’s not always that you will find someone that will come and rescue you. However, you must also try to help others where you can. The story/movie was well interpreted, as it showed all aspects of Lukas’s life. The good and the bad, what he went through, what he had to do to survive and how he was standing up for the ones he loved and cared for,” Titus said.

One of the challenges they faced was that they shot the movie in the cold, but they had crew members who helped them by making some hot beverages and also once they were done filming, they would wrap them with gowns as well to keep them warm.

“I would like them to recognise the reality that this can happen to anyone anywhere and that we should be grateful for the opportunities we have. The impact I would love the movie to have is that we all come from different backgrounds and treat people as equals and respect one another,” he said.

Oscar Shilongo, another cast member told VIBEZ! he was surprised but is filled with joy because history was made. 

It is a big win and a step in the right direction for Namibian movies. 

Viewers in South Africa and the rest of the world can relate to the story because there are street kids around the world, and he is sure they too can start the discussion. 

Apart from that, they got to showcase the talent and potential that Namibia has.

“Working on ‘Lukas’ as first AD and an actor was hectic, however, it was also a great learning experience because I got to learn from everyone on set and being a film student myself, it’s just the kind of thing you pray for. I had to make sure that every actor arrived on set on time. I was more like a timekeeper, making sure we didn’t fall behind schedule. Apart from that, I also had to operate the clapper board. I would say the whole production was a memorable experience for me because it was my first big production,” said Shilongo.

He added ‘Lukas’ is 100% Namibian. They have incorporated most if not all the Namibian languages, and everyone on set was Namibian. 

“Everything in the movie is based on real events that happen in the lives of Namibian street kids, and this is a story of the reality that is happening every day in Namibia that most storytellers in Namibia choose to ignore,” he said.

The film aims to start the discussion as to how society can help better the lives of street kids and how to prevent more kids from leaving their homes and suffering on the streets. The film also aims to show street kids’ point of view so that society cannot be so harsh on them because nobody knows what led to the children being on the streets. 

“It was hard for the kids, and what was harder was knowing that real street kids have to battle the cold every night because at least the cast and crew go home after shooting, but the street kids have to sleep out in the cold, and that is the kind of reality of how difficult their lives are. Other challenges that we faced were a lack of funds, and it would have been a smoother process if we had more funding. Production was hectic and tense, but we managed to put a masterpiece together,” he noted.

-priscillamukokobi@gmail.com

Caption: Premiere boys...Lukas premiered in South Africa recently. 

Photos: Contributed