“Seeing ‘Momeya’ from being an idea to an award-winning film is truly an unbelievable feeling,” says Namibian film-maker Ndakalako Shilongo.
Her comments follow the film scooping the best cinematography and best costume design and make-up awards at the recent Bantu Film Festival in Botswana.
“I am joyful and extremely proud of the team and especially myself. This moment is extremely rewarding and validating in the most humbling way possible,” she says.
Shilongo, the scriptwriter and director film’s, gives credit for best cinematography to Thabiso Dube, and costume design and make-up, she credits to a collaboration between herself, her sister Ndipula-lye Shilongo and Nadia Iita.
“This is a win for team ‘Momeya’. Together, we created a beautiful film. I couldn’t have prayed for a better team and I thank God for them all.”
‘Momeya’, which means ‘In the Water’, tells the story of a vengeful water goddess who washes ashore and is immediately infatuated with an earthbound girl. The film has no dialogue, and is set in an imaginary world where mythical creatures roam freely.
“I am thankful for the recognition this beautiful story we told is getting. I look forward to the future, because this is just the beginning for ‘Momeya’.”
The film’s cinematographer, Dube, says storytelling requires passion.
“The camera was like the character, we shot from that point of view. I remember running with the camera to get the best shots and capturing while standing in the water at shoulder level. It was an amazing experience being part of the production,” he says.
Cast member Ute-Yan Smith describes her role as unique.
“Portraying Letu was interesting, challenging and rewarding for me. Embracing Letu’s character pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to explore the depth of the story. The trust we developed as cast members and the guidance we received from the director helped me trust myself and invest in my performance,” she says.
Shilongo further commended the Namibia Film Commission for making it possible for her and her crew to attend the festival.
‘Momeya’ also scooped the award for best short film in southern Africa at the 11th Sotambe International Film Festival in Zambia last month.
Shilongo says the Namibian film industry is still in its infancy, but that does not dampen the fire to create and tell stories audiences are eager to consume.
“We are working towards a future that allows Namibian film-makers the liberty to work full-time on their art while being fairly compensated. This can only happen if external stakeholders see this future as worthy of investing in as well. The future is bright and the growth is on a great trajectory,” she says.
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