LUKAS
Philippe Robert Jean Talavera, Namibia, 2024, 1h43.
Lukas directed by Philippe Robert Jean Talavera
After witnessing the gruesome murder of his family and being kicked out of his auntie’s place, Lukas (Alejandro Cooper) ends up in the streets, where he meets Samora (Isvaldo Eixab) and his gang. Following his life growing up in the streets, having to fend for himself, ‘Lukas’ explores three stages of the protagonist’s life.
This script has been written based on testimonies from 23 children and young people living or having lived in the streets in Windhoek. While the story of Lukas is fictional, it is inspired by real events who have really happened to some of our children/ young people.
About the director
Born in France, Philippe Talavera moved to Namibia in 1997 where he still lives (permanent resident). He established in 2001 the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO), a Namibian Trust aiming at creating social awareness using the Arts. He also established in 2009 the OYO dance troupe for whom he is also the lead choreographer.
He is also the producer and director of the short spoken word pieces ‘Be a lady’ and ‘be a man’ (2022) – official selection Down East Flick Fest (USA), Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (Nigeria), Garden Route International Film Festival (South Africa), Sotambe International Film Festival (Zambia) and Zebra Poetry Film Festival (Germany).
” In crafting this film, based on real facts, my aim is to shed light on the resilient spirit of Namibia’s street children. Hard and unapologetic, it is also profoundly human. Through a poignant narrative lens, I seek to humanise their experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. The streets may be their stage, but this film endeavours to amplify their voices, revealing the untold stories that resonate beyond the borders of hardship, ultimately inspiring compassion and social change.”