Watch Katutura

Katutura is a Namibian drama film that chronicles the lives of three young people who navigate their way through the complexities and often harsh realities of living in a rapidly urbanizing city. The movie takes its name from the semi-informal settlement that surrounds the capital city of Windhoek, where the characters struggle to make a living, find love, and pursue their dreams.

The film follows the story of Dangi (Paulus Alugongo), a young man who dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Dangi is ambitious and works tirelessly to achieve his goals, but faces countless obstacles at every turn. He lives in a cramped and rundown shack with his grandmother, who constantly nags him to find a job and settle down. Despite the odds, Dangi remains determined to succeed and becomes involved in a risky business venture that could change his life forever.

Prisca Anyolo plays Namene, a teenage girl from the countryside who moves to Katutura with her family in search of a better life. Namene's parents are struggling to make ends meet, and their only hope is for their children to receive a good education and find stable jobs. Namene is a studious and hardworking young woman, but she soon discovers that life in Katutura is not as easy as she thought. She falls in love with a handsome and charming young man named Keshi, played by Dalton Ashikoto, but their relationship is threatened by their different backgrounds and the prejudices of their families.

The movie is directed by Mikiros Garoes, who is known for his ambitious and socially conscious documentaries. In Katutura, Garoes explores the complex issues of poverty, urbanization, and youth empowerment that are facing many African countries today. The film is shot in a naturalistic and intimate style, with hand-held camera work and long takes that capture the raw emotions and gritty reality of life in Katutura.

The movie also features a strong supporting cast, including veterans of Namibian cinema such as Petrus Andreas, Riana Husselmann, and Xae Anton. The soundtrack includes both traditional and contemporary Namibian music, with standout performances by the popular Afro-fusion band Slickartie, and the renowned singer and actress Top Cheri.

Katutura premiered in 2015 at the Namibian Theatre and Film Awards, where it won several prizes including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. The movie has since been screened at numerous festivals around the world, including the Zanzibar International Film Festival, the African Diaspora Film Festival in New York, and the Durban International Film Festival.

Overall, Katutura is a powerful and poignant film that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of young people living on the margins of society. The movie is unflinching in its portrayal of poverty and desperation, but it also celebrates the resilience and creativity of the human spirit. Through its nuanced and empathetic characters, Katutura illuminates the struggles and triumphs of a generation that is determined to shape its own destiny in a rapidly changing world.

Katutura is a 2018 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.