OYO’s new film at Warehouse Theatre
Johannes Magongo plays Jacky, a bully in Why can’t I be like everybody else?
The film tells the story of Johannes (Tevin Musukubili), a 16-year old learner, trying to accept the fact that he is attracted to boys. He is constantly bullied on his way to school, in particular from Jacky (Johannes Magongo). He lives alone with his father Chops (‘Everything happens for a reason’) who can not accept his son might be a moffie. Alex (Colin van der Westhuizen), another 16-year old learner, is constantly teased at school because of his blue eyes. When the two boys meet at the riverbed, their lives change forever. This production is an all-Namibian production, also starring Elize de Wee, Joseph Molapong and Valerie Tjirimuje. ‘Why can’t I be like everybody else?’ is the third episode of OYO’s film series ‘My best interest’. Produced and directed by Philippe Talavera, the film received support for one of the best Namibian teams, including Bernd Curshmann as director of photography, Wojtek Majewski at the sound (nominated best sound in a film production, Theatre and Film awards 2012), Sonja Majewski at the music (nominated best music in a film production, Theatre and Film awards 2012) and Vincent Mboku as editor. ‘Why can’t I be like everybody else? is based on a true story’, said Talavera. ‘We changed the names, of course. But ‘Alex’ told us his story and how being called a witch day in and day out affected him, until his meeting with ‘Johannes’. We had little information about ‘Johannes’, so we created this character. However, when reviewing the script with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare for accuracy, one social worker shared how moved she was by Johannes’ story, as she was dealing with a very similar case. Being gay in Namibia is still a very difficult situation. When you are 16 and discovering your sexuality, you may also be faced with hatred, bullying and even rejection from your own family. We wanted to show how the negative discourse some people have towards homosexuality can affect our children.’ This project was sponsored by Save the Children, an international NGO that save children’s lives; fight for their rights; help them fulfil their potential and work to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. It also received support from Torga Optical in Maerua Mall.
Entrance to the premiere is free of charge (donations welcomed). This red carpet event will take place at the Warehouse Theatre on Thursday 26 September at 19 00. Doors open at18 30.
Seats can be booked in advance by calling Karolina at 061-254915.
