Windhoek wants ‘Katutura’ tickets

The film is ready, Ster-Kinekor is booked and while women scramble for frocks fitting of Namibian cinematic history, scores of hopefuls have taken to social media with #IwantMyKatuturaTicket as their war cry against sold out red carpet tickets and absent cast and crew members.

Led by Tjuna Kauapirura, one of the film’s lead actresses, the #IwantMyKatuturaTicket campaign is essentially a bid to Ster-Kinekor to allow ‘Katutura’ to premiere on an extra screen.

Previously improved from one screen to two to meet militant demand, the ‘Katutura’ red carpet premiere is currently entertaining some extra drama before the drama as the public gets wind of the fact that many of the film’s cast and crew will not be in attendance due to scant tickets.

“Tulinane Entertainment only got a limited amount of tickets for the red carpet premiere. With a cast and crew of almost 600 people, plus sponsors and media invitations, the choice was either to invite everybody and make it a cast and crew-only event or open the premiere to the public,” says ‘Katutura’ director, Florian Schott.

“With this in mind, cameo roles, some crew members as well as extras had to be cut. All cast and crew members will be invited to a cast and crew-screening, separately from the screening on the 29th.”

Presumably bitter consolation for those who provided music and essential extra elements to the film, ‘Katutura’ producers have also been asked to explain why a film called ‘Katutura’ is not premiering in the community it aims to represent and which the film has used as its inspiration and backdrop.

“Unfortunately there is no cinema in Katutura and after spending months getting the sound and look of the film right, we needed a space that actually shows the film in the perfect way. A space like this does not exist in Katutura,” says Schott.

“My dream was actually an outside screening but that is very dangerous in rainy season. Some good news though, Tulinane Entertainment does plan to bring the film to Katutura – where it belongs – in the coming months.”

As for calls for an additional screen or two for an event that will undoubtedly sell out before the premiere, Schott is hopeful but cannot confirm any extra tickets at this stage.

“As it stands the film will run on two screens already. And there are talks between the film’s producers, Tulinane Entertainment, and Ster-Kinekor regarding the possibility of opening more screens for the red carpet night. I would love to have all screens filled with ‘Katutura’ and open the premiere to as many people as possible,” says Schott.

For locals who were unable to secure tickets to the red carpet premiere and the screening the next day, ‘Katutura’ will most certainly be making its way to its namesake as well as other townships and places in Southern Africa.

“Obviously the focus now is on getting the premiere done but Tulinane has plans for local street screenings that anybody can attend,” says Schott.

‘Katutura’s’ red carpet premiere will be broadcast live on NBC on 29 January between 18h00 and 20h00 and will be hosted by Dillish Mathews and Pombili Shilongo.

Finally, some famous last words from the film’s director:

“I hope that we’re able to announce soon that there will be more tickets available. It’s looking good but there is no official confirmation.”

In the meantime, hopefuls are asked to like ‘Katutura’s’ Facebook page to keep up with ticket developments. Film fans can also join Tjuna’s troops and tweet #IwantMyKatuturaTicket to add some oomph to the effort.