Windhoek — The new chairman of the Filmmakers Association of Namibia (FAN) is very optimistic about the future following frank and fruitful discussions last weekend with filmmakers at the coast.

According to Abius Akwaake, more than 30 registered and would-be FAN members attended the meeting that was shifted at the last minute from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay.

"We were actually forced to shift the meeting to accommodate a number of our members, who are currently working on the film, 'Generation Kill'. In my view, the meeting went well and we brought our message home as well as our plans for the future of FAN," said Akwaake telephonically yesterday.

The new board also announced to those present that a sub-committee would be established to specifically deal with foreign productions and other stakeholders in the local industry.

"This sub-committee will be expected to come up with a white paper on the local industry for perusal by stakeholders and implementation by FAN. This is but one of the actions the new board has taken since it was elected not even a month ago. We regularly meet to strategize and plan activities to make FAN a more viable and vibrant representative film body," he said.

One of the new board's main aims is to strengthen its relationship with the Namibian government through the Namibia Film Commission (NFC).

"It is important for the proper functioning of FAN as a government recognized body for the local industry in which opportunities to write and produce Namibian stories from our own perspectives are still lacking. It is imperative that such an action be started for the survival of the local industry," he said.

FAN also announced that the deadline for the annual membership fee payment to the organization of N$130 is today, after a week's extension.