Frederick Philander
2 May 2008
Windhoek — A disillusioned stage and screen actor has demanded that the Namibian Film Commission (NFC) legally intervene to help secure work for the countless permanently jobless actors in the local film industry.
Steven Afrikaner, the only Namibian actor portraying a substantial part in the international movie, 10000 BC as a young priest is, according to a press statement, very concerned about the perpetual raw deal local actors receive in securing parts in blockbuster films.
"I am not just talking about parts as extras, but across the board in big and small parts in the many international movies and productions being shot on location in Namibia.
Presently a very few privileged and selected people in advance know what international films are to be shot in the country, a big disadvantage to others," said Afrikaner, who is currently involved in a children's film titled, The Magic Tale, portraying the part of a Himba villager.
According to him even auditions as well as acting chances are very difficult and rare to come by in international films.
"Once a film shoot has been formally announced or even leaked to the local press one can be sure that certain selected actors have already unfairly been cast on the recommendations of the privileged ones, who are connected to such film projects. This makes things very difficult for newcomers to get into the film industry," he charged.
Afrikaner also pointed out that most international films being shot in Namibia come through the South African film industry, a very unfair advantage to actors in that country.
"Namibian actors are actually getting the crumbs from the table with regard to auditions because basically all casting and auditions for international films are aimed at and done in South Africa. The result is Namibians are normally only used to fill the less important parts when the film is shot in the country," he said.
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