This evening marks the return of the Namibian Theatre and Film Awards ceremony after a six-year hiatus.

The awards celebrate Namibia's creative talent and growth in the arts sector. 

The long break has resulted in a high number of entries, particularly in the dance and theatre categories. 

A panel of five judges evaluated twenty-six productions. 

The artistic director at the National Theatre of Namibia, Nelao Shilongo, explained how awards contribute to Namibia's growth.

"When we're speaking about awards, we're speaking about honouring and celebrating our storytellers. Storytellers that are working behind the lens, storytellers that are working in front of the lens, storytellers that are working on page, that are working on stage, that are working with the technical lights. These are our brand ambassadors, if we must say so, of our country. These are the stallions, if I may say so, cultural stallions that carry our experiences; they carry our history, they carry our vision and our hopes as a nation, as a country, as to where we want to go."

Internationally renowned actor and filmmaker Hakeem Kae-Kazim will grace the awards with his presence. 

The NBC is broadcasting the awards live on NBC 2.