Investing in film creators

Ester Kamati WINDHOEKRecounting his first year at College of the Arts (Cota) as a rough time, specifically financially, Opeyemi Toriola is grateful to have strong forces such as Cota and the Namibia Film Commission (NFC) driving him to achieve his goals. He shared that there were times when he would pay N$500, N$200 or even N$100 at towards his tuition because that was all he had. He further highlighted individuals who have been instrumental in ensuring that he keeps his head up during these times through words of encouragement. “Don’t give up, keep pushing, keep trying.” These are the words that have kept Toriola positive and trusting in his skills and capabilities. He said he believes in always pushing boundaries and challenging himself to do better than what he already knows. “I feel really grateful to have all these instrumental characters within the college system around me,” he said, adding that they have encouraged him with their words of wisdom and understanding to help him move forward. Blessed“I feel blessed, favoured and grateful,” he said, adding that the support from the NFC and Cota, he can smile as he will be graduating next year. Toriola looks forward to a lot of productions in his career in cinematography and video editing. He has been active in the production industry, securing gigs to edit video footage and putting his cinematography skills to work. “One of the things that keeps driving me is to see Namibian citizens embracing, loving and seeing potential and greatness in the arts industry. I am very eager to impart my knowledge.” He added that he sees himself lecturing at the university someday, which is one of his dreams. “I believe that the Namibian filming industry is very powerful compared to many industries across Africa.” Creative toolsToriola said the country is blessed with many creative tools that can be used in production. He, however, added that many people are not doing enough to embrace the arts industry in the Land of the Brave, as young people make comments like “why should I watch a Namibian film?”To this end, he aims to create quality content which triggers a lot of eye-opening change to the mindset of the youth in Namibia in order for them to love, embrace and see potential in the arts industry of Namibia.He further said this can only happen if locals start appreciating their productions. “The only reason why Nollywood is Nollywood is because Nigerians watch it. The reason South African movies are trending is because South Africans watch them.” He emphasised that Namibian productions can only go far if locals start to celebrate and pride themselves in these productions, and he intends to play his part during his journey as a cinematographer, editor and content creator to produce eye-opening content for the Namibian viewing public.Bursary programmeThe NFC’s contribution its bursary programme has proven vital in realising this young man’s dreams. The beneficiaries of the programme include Toriola’s classmates, and he recounts the challenges they encountered collectively through financial difficulties, despite being great at what they do. Opportunity plays a vital role according to Toriola, who mentioned that a lot of people have dreams to become a great contributor to the arts but due to a lack of opportunity, they do not realise their dreams nor reach their full potential. He described the NFC as a source of life for many in realising their capability and leaving a footprint in the industry of film and arts as a whole. “I am very grateful to the NFC and Cota for making sure that we do not let the potential that comes out of the arts industry die.”

Investing in film creators

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Republikein 2025-08-05

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Investing in film creators

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Republikein 2025-08-05

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