Celeb Talk

Celeb Talk Armas Shivute Armas: Award-Winning Actor On Film and Theatre I will not separate the two because they have the same problems although they come in different forms. The challenges facing us in the theatre/film industry are huge. First of all, let's start with the financial aspect. It is very difficult for Namibia to produce a top-class actor, director or producer because the business world is not willing to financially back the industry. We are unable to really crack it big. Namibia is a rich country as far as storytelling is concerned. We have millions of stories to tell but the moment you do not have someone to back you financially you can forget about it. That is why some colleagues opt to grab their cameras and do poor quality projects just to have DVDs printed for financial reasons. On the other hand we have television stations that show foreign films for our people to watch. If there is any platform given for local directors to submit their work, then the financial rewards are worth the work. We should also look at other aspects such as what happens when your film is screened. In other countries, every time you appear on TV, for whatever project you did, there is money coming your way just like with music; every time you play an Armas song on radio Armas expects some money from Nascam at the end of the year. Secondly, we are our own enemies at times; we are not pulling in the same direction as actors, directors and producers. We need to agree on what is best for the industry. Yes, it's important to take what is good for you as a person but I think it would be better if we agree as a group and then other people will take us seriously and I am sure all this will be soon dealt with by the actors' guild. The other thing I want to touch on, which is a big challenge, is the lack of interest in acting in Namibia. People are not really interested and I can't blame them because many people believe acting does not pay as well as it should. They may be right, but one person cannot change the minds of many. Only if we join together can we make it a better place for all of us. I was in Rundu the other day looking for actors for a project that is paying well, but when I called for auditions, the first day I got none, the second day I got a few. This is my advice to young, upcoming actors: We had and are still having it tough but we are fighting. Dedication, hard work and the love of the art were always my prime motivators. What do you think I support my family with? I cannot go and stand the streets and ask the government to give me food and money. Hell no, I want the government to see me and say hey, young man, how can we meet you halfway? Let's work and one day I want us to say our country is benefiting from our work.