Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) is premiering the movie “We Were Young” on Wednesday, 10 March at the FNCC Cinema. The 54 minute film adaptation of the highly successful local theatre play “We Were Young” highlights the all-too-common, social struggles of early school drop-outs. The resounding reception of the stage production by almost 24 thousand learners throughout Namibia during 2009 encouraged OYO to produce it on celluloid in order to make it as widely accessible as possible.

Synopsis:
Tyson tried smoking his first cigarette when he was still in Primary School. John never liked school and wants to fail grade 10 so he can feel free again. Cubic dreams of the day when he will finally meet his father; and Patricia has learning difficulties and decides to drop out of school.

Four young Namibians tell their stories; deep and personal stories that speak of the difficulties faced by those dropping out of school. Tyson, John, Cubic and Patricia really just want to be free, to make money and get a head start in the world of grown-ups, a life so apparently desirable. Instead, they have to confront the struggles of finding a job without a proper education; deal with teenage parenthood, alcoholism and drug abuse. In “We Were Young” the four characters reminisce about the days when they were young, when school seemed a drag yet actually it was their ticket to a successful future.


Entrance:
N$ 10,- (per show)
N$ 5,- (students, children & FNCC members)

Background:
“We Were Young” started out as a play, developed by four talented young Namibians: W. Fillemon, M. Nyjamba, V. Kalambo and L. Mabuku, under the leadership of the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO). With the help of OYO-director, Philippe Talavera, and Operation Coordinator, Evelina Ashipala, four monologues were created and collectively titled “We Were Young”. Talavera invited and directed four young actors (Nyandee Mbarandongo, Norman Kapunda, Bergo van Wyk, Estomine Haradoes) to stage the play at schools in the Khomas, Kunene and Erongo regions from February to April 2009. Due to the overwhelming success of the shows, the Ministry of Education invited the group to present the production in schools throughout the Oshana and Ohangwena regions during June 2009. Till date 23,899 learners have seen this insightful and topical production.

Following the success of the play, the monologues were adapted to film with additional characters adding spice to the production. Shooting took place on location at the University of Namibia, the Katutura Magistrate Court, the College of the Arts theatre school and Avis bridge. Despite the limited budget, “We Were Young”, directed by Philippe Talavera, with Horst Zaire and Matias Kamati on camera, Wojtek Majewski on sound and editing by Elke Kintscher is a telling insight into present educational problems. Since most of the material is based on true stories and the monologues are presented as interviews, the film has the evocative feel of a documentary.

The production aims to support efforts by the Ministry of Education to convince learners to successfully conclude their schooling. The movie, available on DVD, will be launched at the FNCC cinema on Wednesday, 10 March, at 18h30. The entrance is free. Due to limited seating, kindly confirm your attendance with Evelina or Jackie on 061-254915 or info@ombetja.org.

Organiser: Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC)