The National Theatre of Namibia, in partnership with the Namibia Film Commission and the NBC, has announced the return of the Namibian Theatre and Film Awards for 2026.
After a six-year break, the nominees for the sixth biennial awards – spanning both stage and screen – have finally been revealed.
The award ceremony will take place on 28 March 2026.
The General Manager of the National Theatre of Namibia, Alma Ulamba, explained that the extended break was a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ulamba noted that the creative sector was hit particularly hard; stages went dark, productions were postponed, and livelihoods were interrupted.
"Today, we return not simply to resume an awards ceremony but to restore recognition for artists [active] from late 2019 through December 2025."
Ulamba added that the Namibian stages remained vibrant with a total of 26 theatre productions during the review period.
"The arts preserve our history, challenge our present, and imagine our future. When we recognise artists, we recognise the heartbeat of our nation."
Namibia Film Commission Board Chairperson, Esther Beukes, added that the announcement marks a proud moment for the creative community.
She stated that the call for film submissions was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, signalling the industry's deep anticipation for the awards' return.
"A total of 54 Namibian films across all formats, produced between September 2019 and November 2025, were submitted. Of these, 45 were eligible for entry into the Namibia Theatre and Film Awards, and 19 have been nominated."
NBC's Acting Head of Public Relations and Marketing, Beaulah Boois-Beukes, reaffirmed the broadcaster's commitment, stating that when the national broadcaster joins such a partnership, it does so not just as a media partner, but as a champion of Namibian storytelling.
"It goes beyond our mandate. And when I've heard our Director General talk about this so many times, he has championed the telling of Namibian stories through the Mukorob project. The NBC short films are through our drama school. So this is not new to us, and we are proud to stand here today to say that we are investing in Namibian stories."