The Western drama series 'The Man With the Crooked Arm' created by Namibian filmmaker Perivi Katjavivi was recently presented at the Berlinale Co-Production Market. The series delves into the legacy of German colonialism in Namibia, following a Black cowboy on a journey across colonial-era Africa with stolen loot and an orphaned boy. The storyline involves a moral dilemma as the cowboy must choose between protecting the orphan or pursuing a corrupt German missionary.
The show is inspired by the real-life figure Jonker Afrikaner, known for causing chaos in Namibia in the 1800s. Katjavivi aims to reimagine the Western genre in a Namibian context, drawing influences from popular series like 'Deadwood' and 'Boardwalk Empire.'
'The Man With the Crooked Arm' was selected for the Berlinale Series Market's Co-Pro Series pitching event, attracting interest from potential German co-producers. The series reflects a growing interest in addressing colonial-era injustices, as seen in the recent award-winning documentary 'Dahomey' and other works exploring colonial legacies.
Katjavivi's previous film, 'Under the Hanging Tree,' also tackles the impact of colonialism in Namibia. The film explores how historical trauma continues to affect the nation, with a focus on a detective investigating a murder linked to the country's colonial past.
The Joburg Film Festival, where 'Under the Hanging Tree' is being screened, features other works addressing the brutal legacy of German colonialism in Namibia. The festival provides a platform for discussions on colonial history and its lasting effects on African nations.
Overall, the film industry's increasing focus on colonial legacies reflects a shift towards acknowledging and revisiting historical injustices. Through projects like 'The Man With the Crooked Arm' and 'Under the Hanging Tree,' filmmakers like Katjavivi are shedding light on the complexities of colonial history and its enduring impact on contemporary society.
The Joburg Film Festival, running from February 27 to March 3, serves as a forum for showcasing films that confront and explore the repercussions of colonialism in Africa.
