Twenty-two unemployed young people from the Omaheke Region are being trained in scriptwriting and filmmaking production to enable them to participate actively in the economic mainstream.

The training is being hosted by the NBC Drama School programme in Gobabis. 

The programme’s operational manager, Chrisjan Appolus, said there is a need to train talented and aspiring filmmakers. He added that, with the Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Beauty Pageant being hosted in the Omaheke Region, the training presents a golden opportunity for young people to tell their own local stories.

Appolus said the past three weeks have been dedicated to working with the young people from script to production. 

He explained that the NBC Drama School programme brings in industry specialists to work with aspiring filmmakers so they can see first-hand what happens in production. He also said the community has been supportive by allowing the team to use their houses and living rooms for filming.

Appolus praised the group for the vitality and commitment they have shown throughout the training session.

One of the participants, Justin Ramphaga, said the training has been a huge opportunity and that they have learned a lot through the shooting process.

Tsholofela Hlongwane, a scriptwriter from the Omaheke Region, said the experience has been the greatest she has ever had, adding that opportunities to learn about filming are limited in the region. She thanked the NBC Drama School for bringing hands-on and advanced training to Gobabis.

Prosperity Goeieman also thanked the NBC Drama School for coming to Gobabis and giving young people an opportunity to do something useful for their communities. He said the training has been a good, educational experience and has helped improve his skills.