Best and Worst 2015 … Florian Schott

Director of the highly acclaimed ‘Katutura’, this year Florian Schott gave Namibia a local film able to sell out at Ster-Kinekor, bring crowds to an open air screening in Katutura and he’s about to take the whole hit to the North. Pioneering, humble and with his eyes on the international prize, Florian casts a cinematic eye over 2015.

2015’s ‘it’ girl?

For me, an international choice, Alicia Vikander. In 12 months, she went from an actress almost no one knew through a number of roles in high profile films like ‘Ex Machina’, ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ and ‘The Danish Girl’, became a possible Oscar contender and one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. That’s quite incredible.

2015’s ‘it’ boy?

Local choice here and not one but three. And not really boys but guys. Savannah Afros. Bursting onto the Namibian scene with an incredible album that I have on repeat in my car. I hope for collaboration with them in 2016!

What 2015 song describes your year?

‘See You Again’. Having spent almost four months in Germany, it gave me time to reconnect with a lot of folks I haven’t seen in ages and spend some more time with family over there. And then coming back to friends and family in Namibia. And just now, through various events, getting back together with my ‘Katutura’ family.

2015’s best chill spot?

In the morning – Joy of Food. During the day – Jojo’s. At night – Chopsi’s.

The last three things you spent money on?

A cappuccino at Joy of Food, MTC credit and groceries from Checkers.

Hero of the year?

Any person who uses their influence for philanthropic causes.

Funniest social media moment of the year?

Haven’t been on social media much this year – usually just logged on to advertise ‘Katutura’.

Last thing that made you laugh out loud?

The YouTube video ‘Adele’s Hello by the movies’. The song sang/spoken by various characters in various films through the years. Fantastic editing job – and hilarious.

2015’s biggest fool?

Not surrounding myself with fools. If I have a choice.

Favourite slang term of 2015?

Over six years in Windhoek and still not using a lot of slang.

What put Namibia on the map in 2015?

The map-putting is scheduled for 2016 for me. We’ll start showing ‘Katutura’ around the world early next year and I can’t wait for the reactions.

2015 taught me… To be patient. And to get better at what I do.

Most overrated trend of 2015?

The good things about trends is that only the good ones stay. I usually don’t follow trends, if they annoy me, I choose to ignore them.

That’s a tough decision: Two fantastic ‘Katutura’ premieres in January and December. But personally, the ‘Katutura’ township premiere in December, such a great vibe, outdoors, in Katutura, after the rain and the loudest and best reactions to our film. That feeling is indescribable…

In terms of event where I was a spectator – ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. A fantastic play put on with a really great cast.

Saddest Namibian reality of 2015?