LÜderitz — The arid and boundless Namibian south, with its breathtaking scenery, is the setting for a unique dual property development concept, combining an international motion picture destination with a luxury resort.

"If this project becomes a reality, it can provide investors with an opportunity to participate in a world first. Nothing on earth compares to this fusion of high-tech film environment, historical tourist attraction and sublime getaway, set in an undiscovered corner of Africa," said Dominic Wilhelm, PRO of Desert Star Studios, who made a business presentation under the auspices of the Karas Regional Council.

Namibian Head of State, President Hifikepunye Pohamba, First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba, Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma, and Prime Minister Nahas Angula, high-ranking officials from government and diplomats attended the event.

During the presentation, the PRO said the vision of his company is to make Namibia the most film friendly country in the world.

"Namibians have embraced the film industry as a source of jobs, however temporarily. But with the establishment of a supporting city job opportunities will grow to include technical training for film jobs and non-film jobs, offering indigenous people a more permanent involvement in the industry."

Wilhelm said the vision is to create a unique motion picture destination in the south that will cater for the needs of the international film community and tourists alike.

According to him, the Desert Star Studios concept caters for the construction of the most extensive collection of 21st century film sets such as Jerusalem in its original glory to buildings of temples that no longer exist. Apart from an incomparable working experience, Desert Star aims to give both crew and stars an unforgettable leisure experience.

To attract tourists he proposed a first-ever motion picture resort, with outdoor restaurants to extreme sport adventures. Inspired by the striking natural beauty of the desert, the vision was expanded to include riverside lodges along a waterfront, a golf course, a luxury leisure resort, hotel and spa complex, an observatory, winery and cellar, amphitheatres and biosphere reserve.

He said people love movie stars - and movie stars love Africa. He said his company would utilise the awesome star power generated by the film industry to market the development internationally.

Also on the cards are an international airport and a luxury railway service. He said Desert Star is proposing an Open Film and Tourism Zone, to allow for the free flow of professionals and goods into the basin where Desert Star Studios and the motion Picture Resort will be located.

In his view, a passionate and extraordinary team drives the company. The Desert Star project aims to do the same and more for Namibia and Southern Africa. He and his team are convinced the arid south of Namibia is an ideal location for such a development. He said the envisioned project is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects ever undertaken in Africa, if not the world.