Local director wins best screenplay at London film festival

Screenwriter and director Mikiros Garoes has earned praise for her pen at the recent London International Pan-African Film Festival.

The festival awarded Garoes the accolade of best screenplay for her work on ‘Lukas’ (2024). Produced by Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) and directed by Philippe Talavera, ‘Lukas’ expands on the plight of Namibia’s street children through the harrowing story of its titular character.

“I feel so grateful to be recognised in this way. Especially with this particular screenplay, because it’s a subject that is so important and one that had such a profound effect on my life,” says Garoes.

“Overall, it’s always rewarding to be recognised for any artistic project you put out, but it’s a first for me in terms of writing, so this one hits different.”

Garoes, who is based in Europe, is the director of the recent Namibian comedy ‘Penda’s Dilemma’ and the web-based mockumentary ‘The Spot’.

She also co-wrote the award-winning ‘Kapana’ alongside Senga Brockerhoff and may additionally be known for her comedic work on ‘Chommies’ and ‘The Date’.

Reflecting on the film’s international appeal, which includes a run at Ster-Kinekor’s South African theatres, Garoes highlights the story’s relatability.

“It’s a human story. There are certain matters that, despite race, nationality, gender or demographic, will resonate. It’s hard to see children suffer,” she says.

“It’s hard to see them forced into scenarios where they have to be ruthless for survival. It’s hard to see them in situations that compound their suffering, especially when those situations could be remedied or even prevented by adults stepping up, whether they are parental figures, government or social institutes.”

The screenplay for ‘Lukas’ is the result of a number of interviews conducted with former and current Namibian street children.

To convey their contemporary struggles and realities, Garoes’ writing process incorporated insights and stories from these sessions.

“This screenplay could not have been done without those brave youngsters opening up and allowing us to use their stories. They are the story! I was just a vessel to channel their experiences into a singular cohesive narrative,” she says.

“I listened to hours and hours of interviews. Those interviews became my life for several months. Many times it was difficult to hear what these young people endured, challenges beyond comprehension, enough to beat down the average adult,” she says.

Hinging the screenplay on themes of generational trauma, mental health, the pursuit of happiness and the indomitable human spirit, Garoes hopes the film inspires viewers to ask some difficult questions about their own actions and inaction regarding vulnerable children in their communities.

Garoes’ advice to aspiring screenwriters intent on developing their craft is a practical mix of community building and mining the existing cinematic archive.

“Hang out with and research other writers, watch plenty of movies and TV shows, go online and read or download scripts of your favourite movies, but most importantly, always be writing,” she says.

Garoes, who recently wrapped a film in Europe, is currently hard at work on her first love – writing and performing music.

Meanwhile, the filmmaker hopes that ‘Lukas’ will continue to make its mark on the world.

“I really hope that instead of judgement, the film fosters understanding, empathy and curiosity about the street children we encounter, because these children are whole human beings with feelings, hopes and dreams,” she says.

“I’m also glad the film has put a spotlight on the Namibian film industry and how far we’ve come in telling our stories in our own way.”

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com