Windhoek: The Namibian Theatre and Film Awards (NTFAs) have officially returned after a six-year hiatus, marked by a prestigious nominee announcement ceremony held at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) on Tuesday. The awards, which last took place in 2019, were suspended due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Organisers described the revival as a 'declaration of belief' in the resilience of the local creative industry.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the 6th edition of the NTFAs is scheduled to take place on 28 March 2026. Esther Beukes, chairperson of the Namibia Film Commission (NFC) board, revealed that 54 films produced between September 2019 and November 2025 were submitted. Following a rigorous adjudication process by an independent jury and verification by the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, 19 films secured nominations. 'These films are evidence that Namibia's film industry has continued to evolve and innovate even in the absence of a national awards platform,' Beukes said.
She noted that the NFC expanded categories to include Best Newcomer Director, Best Web Series, and Best Costume Design and Make-up to reflect increasing professionalism. Beukes added that the sector remains a priority for the government under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, citing its role in job creation and cultural preservation.
NTN General Manager Alma Ulamba emphasised that the six-year break was handled with a 'no vacuum' policy, ensuring all eligible stage productions since 2019 were considered. A total of 26 theatre and dance productions were evaluated, she added. In a significant shift toward inclusivity, the NTN has removed gender divisions in performance categories. 'Actor and dancer awards are open to all performers, regardless of gender, recognising excellence based purely on merit,' Ulamba explained. She stated that the ceremony also introduces Dance as a competitive genre for the first time.
The official nominees for film include Best Male Actor: Simon Hanga (Kapana), Dawie Engelbrecht (Speel Aan), Bret Kamwi (Wish For Death); Best Female Actor: Ebba Nashipe (Okalila), Hazel Hinda (Speel Aan), Girley Jazama (Under The Hanging Tree); Best Documentary: The Sea People of the Namibian Coast, Walvis Tale, The Weight of Tomorrow; and Best Web Series: Ompata Web Series, Rock the Boat, Tsek.
For theatre, nominees for Best Staged Production are Coming Home Dead, Naked Spaces, The Wasp. Best Director nominees include Ndayola Ulenga (The Wasp), Patrick Sam (Coming Home Dead), Rodney Gariseb (Naked Spaces). The expanded Best Actor category features Dawie Engelbrecht, Hazel Hinda, Jeanne-Danae Januarie, Melgisedek Nehemia, Ndayola Ulenga, Odile Gertze. The Lead Dancer nominees are Desmond Kamekira, Justina Andreas, Mary Jane Andreas.