Co-Production

Nǃxau ǂToma Film Fund

Known as the Namibian bush farmer, his role in the 1980 film, The Gods Must Be Crazy and its sequels in which he played ‘Xixo’ the Kalahari Bushman who discovers a Coca-Cola bottle brought him international fame and made him Namibia’s most famous actor.

While he received only a few hundred dollars for his work in the original film, he negotiated over half a million for his appearance in the sequel of The Gods Must Be Crazy. His film acting career ended in 1994 having acted in Crazy Safari, Crazy Hong Kong and The Gods Must Be Funny in China.

NǃXAU ǂTOMA spoke Jul’hoan, Otjiherero and Tswana fluently, as well as some Afrikaans, and was a man who attached little value to material items. In July 2003 he passed on in Tsumkwe at the estimated age of 59. He had 2 wives and 6 children.

In 2017 the Namibia Film Commission established an African Film Fund in his name to honour his legacy and in 2019 the Namibian Theatre and Film Awards recognised the incredible contribution of N!xau ≠Toma for introducing Namibia to the rest of the world and for sensitizing us to guard against the exploitation of our local talents.

The N!xau ǂToma Film Fund (NTFF) is a Namibia Film Commission initiative with objectives that include, but are not limited to:

Increasing the number of active projects originated by African filmmakers that film in Namibia;
Supporting the career trajectory of ambitious African filmmakers;
Connecting Namibian film production sector with partners from Africa and the diaspora;
Strengthening collaboration between filmmakers from Namibia, the rest of Africa and the diaspora;
Supporting filmmaking that takes risks on talent, form and content;
Promoting filmmaking that showcases Namibian culture and landscapes.

Namibia’s beautiful

Locations

Namibia, with its 14 regions including Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Kunene, Kavango East, Kavango West, Caprivi, Erongo, Otjozondojupa, Omaheke, Khomas, Hardap, and Karas, offers a diverse range of picturesque and captivating filming locations.

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Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe, a remarkable and iconic landmark, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the San Bushmen, making it a place of magic and spirituality. As you approach the towering inselberg and granite peaks of Spitzkoppe, you can immediately sense the awe-inspiring atmosphere that surrounds this extraordinary location. Formed 130 million years ago during the separation of the African and South American continents, Spitzkoppe showcases its uniqueness through the captivating reflections of deep red and orange hues during sunrise and sunset, creating a picturesque and enchanting setting.

Proximity to Swakopmund, Limited Accommodation, Optimal Filming Times, Concession Area, Travel Terrain and Accessibility

Coastal Dunes

The Namib's Coastal Dunes present an extraordinary filming location that combines the allure of expansive dune fields with the convenience of nearby urban amenities. This 30km stretch of dunes offers a unique opportunity for studio filming, as it is conveniently located within a short drive from two major towns in Namibia, providing easy access to essential services and accommodations.

Convenient Access, National Park Setting, Scenic Drives and Off-Road Opportunities, Optimal Lighting Conditions, Versatility and Logistics

Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast, a hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline, extends from Angola all the way to the Swakop River, where it meets the coastal town of Swakopmund. This region has captivated the imagination of both the San Bushmen and Portuguese sailors, who referred to it as "The Land God Made in Anger" and "The Gates of Hell," respectively. The Skeleton Coast National Park, encompassing over 16,000 square kilometers, is named after the whale and seal bones that once scattered its shores from the whaling industry. Today, it is known for the skeletal remains of shipwrecks that have fallen victim to offshore rocks and fog, with notable wrecks like the "Eduard Bohlen," "Otavi," "Shawnee," "Zela," and "Dunedin Star."

National Park Jurisdiction, Remote and Rural Location, Specifying Filming Locations, Restricted Areas and Protected Zones, Travel Terrain and Vehicle Requirements,

Kolmanskop

In 1908 when a railroad worker picked up a diamond, the German settler realized the area was rich in diamonds. The German government declared a large area as a restrictive location in order to exploit the diamond field. Due to the enormous wealth the diamond miners received, the residents built a village in the architectural style of a German town, complete with a hospital, school, ballroom, skittle-alley and even a casino. The town started to decline after World War I when the diamonds started to deplete, and by the 1930’s it was in full decline. Today this once rich town is taken over by the ruthless Namib Desert.

Deserted Architecture, Desert Sands, Natural Elements, Historical Significance, Contrast and Symbolism, Creative Lighting, Exploration of Themes

Sandwich Harbour

Sandwich Harbour, a truly unique and captivating location, offers filmmakers an extraordinary opportunity where the majestic desert dunes meet the vast expanse of the ocean. It is one of the rare locations in the world where these two contrasting landscapes converge, creating a visually stunning backdrop for your production.

Capturing the Contrast, Challenging Terrain, Local Support and Services, Proximity to Walvis Bay, Untamed Wilderness

International

Productions

Namibia is packed with talent in the film making industry. See below a small list of the international productions made in Namibia.

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Co-Production - Funding | Namibia Film Commission

Co-Production

Nǃxau ǂToma Film Fund