First Time Filmmaker’s Road to the Oscars 2022

First Time Filmmaker’s Road to the Oscars 2022

First Time Filmmaker’s Road to the Oscars 2022

When I started I didn’t have directing and producing experience, never went to film school. The only time I came close to a film set as a filmmaker, had been as an extra in a short film once or twice and acted in 2 or 3 NGO short films as well, until I got a chance in 2016 to work as a line producer on a film set. That was about all the experience I had in filmmaking, except writing all the stories I wanted to one day do when I gain enough experience.

When I started writing The White Line story idea I was not planning on directing but in between working on the project with my co-creators and trying to figure out who we were going to get to direct, I genuinely heard a voice asking “why don’t you direct?” at first I was like heck no, I have no knowledge, no experience and the same time I knew it’s something I always wanted to do and I loved film.

That’s when I decided to heed the voice and say if I don’t give and create this opportunity for myself who will.

First Time Filmmakers Road to the Oscars 2022

Behind the Scenes of "The White Line"

How did I get started with no knowledge of filmmaking?

I knew the story I wanted to tell, in my head I saw how I wanted to tell it and what I wanted it to look like and I also knew what I didn’t want.

So, I went to YouTube watched commentaries on directors whose worked I loved, listened to them speak about their process, listened to them speak about the movies they loved and that inspired them and I would go and watch those films and watched the details that they had described.

I watched the classic films because I loved how they told their stories. As I was doing this I worked out how I wanted to use some of it in my story. If I didn’t know I asked the questions and wasn’t afraid to look stupid doing it. That was my film school, that and the film set when we actually got to filming.

How it like was on set filming?

Now, being the first female in Namibia to shoot a feature film and complete it was both scary and exciting. It was an honor to set that path for others, and I was working with an experienced crew and that made communication with them easier. They knew what they were doing and they could understand what I would ask for even though I wouldn’t use the correct terminology and they would make suggestions, again I created an environment of collaboration.

I was working with an incredibly talented cast who also understood the story we were telling. We were also telling a period drama that is set in one of the most difficult times in our countries history, the story is a love story set in the time when Namibia was under South Africa’s apartheid rule.

We had had 14 days to shoot in three different towns, so it wasn’t always going to go according to plan but with my faith and learning to be flexing and adapt we got it done.

First Time Filmmakers Road to the Oscars 2022

My Experience making the film?

This journey reiterated the saying that "nothing is easy that is worth doing, but it is possible".

It was challenging because we were all new filmmakers on the producing team and no mentors to turn to. We had to learn everything as we were going. Not just the production but distribution, marketing etc and because we are from a country like Namibia with an industry that is still in its infancy and growing we had to really push beyond the borders to reach a global stage.

We made mistakes that we have learned tremendously from and I had a great co-creating team, Girley Jazama and Micheal Pulse.

I will not trade the challenges, the trials for anything as it pushed my outside my comfort zone, forced me to really learn, to stop being afraid and go for it.

Rejection and "no" are all they could say and even then that was not going to stop us. Most of everything to get us to this place we did on our own.

YouTube Video

What is the road to the Oscars is like?

First of all, this is the very first Namibian film to ever be entered in the Oscar race ever.

The challenge is that instead of entering it in the International category, like most foreign films do, due to circumstances beyond our control, we decided to submit in the general category that will see us competing with the biggest films in Hollywood for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director. We are doing all of this independently without a studio and distributor backing. But I am grateful for the support of my amazing team, Fetteroff Colen, Prudence Kolong, Girley Jazama, Micheal Pulse, and Eleonora Granata.

We knew it was going to be tough and some might even say are we crazy but the real question would be why not?

Visibility has been the biggest challenge trying to get write ups in publications because our film does not have any stars and is from a first time director that nobody knows and from a country that most people never has heard off.

But we will continue pushing and get our film in front of Oscar voters, journalist etc and hopefully create an Oscar buzz. Again, though challenging and hard at times nothing is impossible and ultimately all things work together for our good.

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About the Author

Desiree Kahikopo-Meiffret

Desiree Kahikopo-Meiffret

Director, Producer

I am a Director/Producer from Namibia based in the USA and also in Namibia. My participation in the Namibian film and theatre industry spans over 12 years as a performer, actress, creative director as well as playwright. I have produced, wrote and directed a theatre play titled' A Lifetime of Blues'...

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8 Comments on Desiree's Article

Kc Matthews
Content Creator, Filmmaker, Student
nice
3 years ago
Danielle Boone
Screenwriter, Production Coordinator, Script Consultant
Congrats on all your success! Thank you for sharing your story. It inspires me that someone who "looks like me" has the drive and courage to make it happen. I look forward to honoring you at the Oscars. Continue to be great!
3 years ago
Doug Kayne
Actor, Comedian, Director, Screenwriter, Studio Teacher
Congrats, Desiree!  I look forward to hearing about your continued success.
3 years ago
Ken Foley
Director, Screenwriter
Wow! Congrats on your directorial debut, Desiree! It looks awesome. Thanks for sharing your inspirational journey with us at Stage 32!
3 years ago
Marina Albert
Screenwriter, Producer
Thanks so much for sharing your journey, Desiree. The good, the bad and the seemingly impossible! All the best to your future success and hopefully an Oscar nomination!!!
3 years ago
Desiree Kahikopo-Meiffret
Director, Producer
Thank you very much Sam
3 years ago
Sam Odongo
director, editor, filmmaker, screenwriter
This was truly an inspiring testimony, and I am glad I read it. I know first hand the challenges it takes to make short films, let alone a feature, and glory be to God, that you managed to pull it off with your team. For truly nothing is impossible to them who believe. I pray that the film make it all the way, and inspires even more people. All the best my sister, and don’t stop there. I see more in your future.
3 years ago
Arhynn Descy
Music Composer, Producer
Desiree, this is very inspiring! Do you have a screening link for the film? I'm a member of AMPAS and would love to watch it. (If you'd prefer to email me, my email is arhynn@arhynndescy.com).Thank you!
3 years ago
Desiree Kahikopo-Meiffret
Director, Producer
Ok will do.
3 years ago
Eda Lishman
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
..and send to me  too.    eda@fetecine.com
3 years ago
Magnolia Cocco
Language Coach, Screenwriter
Thank you so much for sharing about the film itself and, also, about your feelings along the process. All these results show your heart was right all the time, no matter what. It motivates me immensely. Congrats on being who you are. 
3 years ago
Desiree Kahikopo-Meiffret
Director, Producer
Thank you, Eda, I really appreciate the awesome encouraging words.
3 years ago
Eda Lishman
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Beyond Awesome Desiree!  In a world where women are always told "you should know what you are doing before you do it"... this was an inspiring share!  thank you for sticking to your faith and belief in yourself that as you wrote it and your heart was invested in it -  you were the obvious person to Direct it.  I will also keep the faith that your film travels all the way to the top. Congratulations!
3 years ago
Allen Lynch
Music Composer, Producer, Songwriter, Sound Designer, Music Supervisor
Desiree. Congratulations on your amazing journey & impressive accomplishments! Trailer looks fantastic. I look forward to seeing this film and your next ones.
3 years ago
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