The Namibian Theatre & Film Awards (NTFAs) will be happening this month, marking a major moment for the country’s creative industry. The National Theatre of Namibia (NTN), together with the Namibia Film Commission (NFC), will be hosting the awards on 28 March 2026 at the National Theatre of Namibia in Windhoek.
The NTFAs were created to honour excellence in theatre and film, and to highlight the talent and hard work of Namibian artists. The awards recognise actors, directors, writers, technicians, and many others who help bring local stories to life. After several years without the event, its return signals renewed energy and hope for the sector.
According to the organisers, the NTFAs aim to celebrate the resilience of Namibia’s creative community. Many artists continued to create and perform despite difficult years, including a prolonged period without awards. The return of the NTFAs is therefore seen as both a celebration and a fresh start, with Alma Ulamba, General Manager of the NTN, stating that the awards remain an important platform for the industry.
“The NTFAs continue to grow as a celebration of the diverse voices and craftsmanship that make Namibian storytelling possible,” Her comments highlight how the awards help recognise the range of creative work produced across the country.
Also nominated: The Naughty Little Flea
The NFC shares this optimism. Executive Secretary Florence Haifene says this year’s return comes with a stronger, more inclusive approach. “This return marks an exciting moment for our industry, embracing new categories that reflect the depth and innovation of local storytelling,” she said at the announcement of the awards last year. These expanded categories are expected to open doors for more artists, including those working behind the scenes.
The 2026 edition will include several new award areas in both theatre and film. These will recognise technical skills such as stage design, choreography, costume and make-up, as well as new talent. The film categories will also grow to include areas like supporting roles, newcomer directors, and web-based productions. Organisers say this change reflects how Namibian creativity has evolved in recent years.
The return of the awards also comes at a time when many creatives have been calling for better support, more opportunities, and stronger visibility for local work. The NTFAs are expected to help bring attention to the challenges and successes within the industry, while giving local audiences a chance to celebrate home-grown talent.
According to the Economist Namibia, a total of 26 theatre productions have been staged from late 2019 to 2026. All 26 productions represent a diverse range of independent works and productions commissioned by the NTN.
Award nominations span from various categories, including Best stage production, Best Choreographer, Best Director and Best Stage Technician. Categories like Best Lead Dancer and Best Supporting Dancer were added to allow dancers an opportunity to take the crown. It was observed that while many may turn a blind eye to its significance, dance is a key performing arts genre in theatre.
See also: On Stage, Playing?: Preserving Uganda’s Theatre Memory
Playwright, and director Rodney Gariseb’s Naked Spaces takes centre stage with ten nominations across multiple categories. The play follows Sem and Aili’s relationship, first as young lovers full of promise and years later, divided by grief and unspoken resentment. The captivating tale asks its audience an age-old question: what do we owe the people we love, and what would it cost to walk away?
Other nominees in theatre include Eslon Hindundu for YONA’s Otjihambarere, Lize Ehlers, Karl Ehlers and Imms Nicolau for Boet and Sus, Moises Domingo, Diolini, Osmond Owoseb for Aoni Aes in the Best Original Score and Sound Design; Ethan Januarie in Die Stoep, Galilei Njembo in You Have Loved Enough, and Michael Nakale in Naked Spaces for Best Newcomer Actor; Bret Kamwi for Three Sisters, Jonathan Sasha for Die Stoep, and Rodney Gariseb’s Naked Spaces for Best Original Script (Original)
For many in the film and theatre community, the announcement brings renewed excitement. The event is expected to gather artists, producers, and industry supporters from across the country, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, and recognition.
The 2026 NTFAs may be the first ceremony since the long break, but according to organisers, it surely won’t be the last. The upcoming event promises to highlight the growth and strength of Namibian storytelling.
Discussion about this post