Theatre and Film Awards make a grand comeback in 2026
New categories to celebrate Namibia’s growing creative talent
After a six-year break, Namibia’s biggest celebration of stage and screen is set to make a dazzling return. The National Theatre of Namibia (NTN), in partnership with the Namibia Film Commission (NFC), has officially announced that the Namibian Theatre and Film Awards (NTFAs) will take place on Thursday, 19 March 2026, at the NTN.The event will once again shine a spotlight on the country’s best filmmakers, actors, dancers and theatre professionals, recognising the creativity, resilience and cultural impact of Namibia’s performing arts industry.
What makes the 2026 edition even more exciting is the introduction of new award categories in both theatre and film. These additions aim to make the awards more inclusive and reflective of the wide-ranging talent shaping the nation’s creative scene.
New categories
In theatre, new awards include Score for Stage, Choreographer, Stage Technician/Engineer, Stagecraft: Make-Up, Best Lead Dancer (Male or Female), Supporting Dancer (Male or Female), and Newcomer Dancer (Male or Female).
The film section will also expand with categories such as Newcomer Director, Supporting Actor (Male and Female), Costume Design and Make-Up, and Web Series. With these additions, the NTFAs will now feature 20 categories in total.
“The NTFAs continue to grow as a celebration of not just artistry, but the diverse voices, skills and craftsmanship that make Namibian storytelling possible,” said Alma Ulamba, General Manager of the NTN. “We’re proud to expand the platform in 2026 to be even more inclusive of the talents shaping our national stage and screen.”
Florence Haifene, Executive Secretary of the NFC, echoed this sentiment, describing the awards’ return as a milestone moment. “This not only celebrates the remarkable growth of our industry but also embraces the expansion of award categories that reflect the depth, diversity, and innovation of local storytelling,” she said.
The NTFA remain the only national platform that recognises and honours outstanding contributions to the country’s creative industries. Their revival marks a renewed commitment by both the NTN and NFC to nurture and reward Namibian talent.
Submission details
Film
Submissions opens: 22 October 2025 and the deadline is 22 November 2025.
Eligibility: Films produced and released between 1 September 2019 and 20 November 2025.
Submit via: filmfreeway.com/TheNamibiaFilmAwards
Rules & Regulations: nfc.na/news/downloads/namibian-theatre-and-film-awards
Enquiries: [email protected]
Theatre
Judging Period Ends: 30 November 2025
Eligibility: Productions staged between 1 December 2019 and 30 November 2025
Enquiries: [email protected]; Tel: 061 374 400
Documents: www.ntn.org.na
Submissions must feature Namibian citizens, and organisers are encouraging all local filmmakers and theatre practitioners to submit their works for consideration.
For full submission guidelines and updates, visit the official NTN and NFC websites, or follow the Namibian Theatre and Film Awards on social media.