‘Lukas’ movie selected at the FESPACO 2025 - Burkina Faso
Representing Namibian cinema
Ombetja Yehinga Organisation's latest movie competes in the 'Semaine de la Critique' category, highlighting the richness of African cinema at FESPACO 2025.
Namibian cinema takes center stage as Lukas, the latest film from the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO), is selected to compete at the FESPACO 2025 film festival in Burkina Faso. The film will participate in the Semaine de la Critique category, where 10 exceptional films vie for the prestigious Prix de la Critique.
The Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), held biennially, is a cornerstone of African cinema, celebrating its rich diversity and cultural impact. Scheduled for 22 February to 1 March 2025, the 29th edition features 235 films selected from 1,351 submissions, representing 48 countries. Director Philippe Talavera expressed immense pride in representing Namibia, stating, “We are incredibly proud to represent Namibia at this year’s celebration of the best of the best from the African continent.”
Lukas: A Voice for Namibia’s street children
Lukas explores the lives of children living and working on the streets, bringing attention to their struggles and humanity. The script, written by Mikiros Garoes, draws inspiration from testimonies of 21 street children, blending fiction with real-life experiences. Premiering in Namibia on 1 February 2024, the film achieved remarkable milestones, including a three-week run at Ster Kinekor Namibia and a two-week run at Ster Kinekor South Africa.
Talavera highlighted the film’s mission, emphasizing the importance of giving a voice to street children. He noted that they are often labeled as "bad boys," "problems," or "nuisances," while society forgets that these are children, many of whom have endured traumatic experiences. He added that turning away from these issues will not provide solutions.
Impact and outreach
Beyond its cinematic success, Lukas has been a catalyst for social change. The film has been screened for over 8,000 learners and 2,500 community members across Namibia. It has also been used during stakeholder meetings with ministries and NGOs to address the challenges faced by children living and working on the streets.
The production of Lukas was made possible through the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. FESPACO’s recognition of the film underscores the significance of storytelling in addressing societal issues, amplifying marginalized voices, and showcasing Namibia’s cinematic talent on an international platform.
The Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), held biennially, is a cornerstone of African cinema, celebrating its rich diversity and cultural impact. Scheduled for 22 February to 1 March 2025, the 29th edition features 235 films selected from 1,351 submissions, representing 48 countries. Director Philippe Talavera expressed immense pride in representing Namibia, stating, “We are incredibly proud to represent Namibia at this year’s celebration of the best of the best from the African continent.”
Lukas: A Voice for Namibia’s street children
Lukas explores the lives of children living and working on the streets, bringing attention to their struggles and humanity. The script, written by Mikiros Garoes, draws inspiration from testimonies of 21 street children, blending fiction with real-life experiences. Premiering in Namibia on 1 February 2024, the film achieved remarkable milestones, including a three-week run at Ster Kinekor Namibia and a two-week run at Ster Kinekor South Africa.
Talavera highlighted the film’s mission, emphasizing the importance of giving a voice to street children. He noted that they are often labeled as "bad boys," "problems," or "nuisances," while society forgets that these are children, many of whom have endured traumatic experiences. He added that turning away from these issues will not provide solutions.
Impact and outreach
Beyond its cinematic success, Lukas has been a catalyst for social change. The film has been screened for over 8,000 learners and 2,500 community members across Namibia. It has also been used during stakeholder meetings with ministries and NGOs to address the challenges faced by children living and working on the streets.
The production of Lukas was made possible through the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. FESPACO’s recognition of the film underscores the significance of storytelling in addressing societal issues, amplifying marginalized voices, and showcasing Namibia’s cinematic talent on an international platform.
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