03 Jun NAMIBIAN THEATRE & FILM AWARDS 2026 ANNOUNCEMENT

PRESS RELEASE

22 October 2025

For Immediate Release

The National Theatre of Namibia (NTN), in partnership with the Namibia Film Commission (NFC), officially announces the return of the Namibian Theatre & Film Awards (NTFAs), set to take place on Thursday, 19 March 2026, at the National Theatre of Namibia.

This prestigious event celebrates and honours the creative excellence, resilience, and cultural impact of Namibian practitioners in the fields of theatre and film. 

Moreover, the 2026 NTFAs will introduce a new range of categories in both the theatre and film section of the awards. These include for theatre, Best Score for Stage, Best Choreographer, Best Stage Technician/Engineer, Best Stagecraft: Make-Up, Best Lead Dancer (Male or Female), Best Supporting Dancer (Male or Female), and Best Newcomer Dancer (Male or Female). While the new additions for film are Best Newcomer Director, Best Supporting Actor Male and Female, Best Costume Design and Make-up and Best Web Series diversifying the total of categories to 20.

“The NTFAs continues to grow as a celebration of not just artistry, but the diverse voices, skills and craftsmanship that make Namibian storytelling possible. We’re proud to expand the platform in 2026 to be even more inclusive of the talents shaping our national stage and screen”, says Alma Ulamba, General Manager of the National Theatre of Namibia. 

The awards serve as the only national platform that recognizes individuals and productions that have significantly contributed to the growth of the country’s creative arts industry.

Florence Haifene, Executive Secretary of the Namibia Film Commission, is thrilled by the return of the joint Awards after a six years halt, adding, “this moment 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”.  

The return of the NTFAs reaffirms the shared commitment of the two creative entities in nurturing, recognising, and honouring local talent.