An African story with a Namibian twist
A Fire in Africa rekindles global acclaim decades later
The production of the film formed part of research for a master’s degree that aimed to develop a comprehensive guide to producing low-budget feature films in South Africa, from concept to distribution. The project provided an ideal opportunity for young filmmakers to gain hands-on experience and launch their careers in film production.
More than 35 years later, this student project and film - A Fire in Africa, shot in Namibia - has won awards on international stages at several prestigious film festivals.
Produced between 1987 and 1988 and distributed in 1989, the film returned to the global spotlight following extensive restoration work that began in 2017 and was completed in 2022.
Although produced in South Africa on a limited budget, A Fire in Africa was mostly filmed in Namibia over 17 days by aspiring student filmmakers who had little knowledge of film and even less experience in producing feature-length projects.
Filming took place at five locations: Opuwo, Gobabis, Goanikontes, Dune 7 near Walvis Bay, and the ghost town of Kolmanskop near Lüderitz. Each of the three production vehicles, two VW Kombis and a BMW, covered an average of 9 500 km, exceeding the budgeted distance by 35%.
The fictional story follows the OvaHimba tribe of the Namib Desert, descendants of the Ancient Egyptians from the era of Queen Nefertiti and once the richest nomadic tribe in Africa. On the brink of extinction and caught up in the Herero–Nama War of 1904, the tribe flees genocide at the hands of the German army and settles in the Namib Desert.
Chief Nguzu realises that their only hope lies with his grandson, Omusu, whom he sends to school in Ohopoho (Opuwo). There, Omusu learns English, strengthens his faith, and discovers the mystical art of karate at a nearby army camp. Nguzu envisions Omusu as the future leader who will guide the OvaHimba out of the desert to a new life - a role Nguzu himself failed to fulfil, leaving him burdened with guilt.
However, Omusu’s journey takes a dramatic turn when he challenges the tribe’s traditional legal system after his best friend is murdered by an evil man, Omurue. His defiance leads to banishment, but undeterred, he journeys alone through the desert to Windhoek, where he hones his karate skills. Gifted with natural talent and lightning-fast reflexes, Omusu earns a place on the Kaokoland karate team competing at the USA International Championships.
More than three decades later, A Fire in Africa has earned 11 awards for Best Picture and a total of 37 accolades across countries including Germany, England, France, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Mexico and Australia.
The film is described as a compelling tale of a world where the past shapes destiny, where a tribe’s survival hangs in the balance, and where the human spirit triumphs over adversity.
Critics have praised it as “an intellectual exploration that delves deep into figurative comparisons, using motifs, symbols, and metaphors that challenge the audience’s intellect.” The film’s intricate use of circular motifs and abstract metaphors, such as the protagonist’s search for water contrasted with the decaying structures of Kolmanskop, invites viewers to uncover layered meanings.
Now available to a global audience of more than 200 million subscribers in 133 countries on platforms such as Prime Video and TUBI, A Fire in Africa continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and viewers alike. - [email protected]