Under the Hanging Tree

Under the Hanging Tree is a 2023 Namibian film directed and written by filmmaker Perivi Katjavivi. The movie explores themes of historical trauma, identity, and cultural displacement, set against the backdrop of Namibia's colonial past.[1][2][3] The film became Namibia's first-ever official submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature on the occasion of the 96th Academy Awards.[4]

Plot summary

The film follows Christina, a dedicated police officer, as she investigates a murder on a remote farm. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers not only the truth behind the crime but also her own family's history. The haunting legacy of colonization and the brutal genocide that occurred during the early 20th century weigh heavily on Christina's shoulders.[5][6] "Under the Hanging Tree" intertwines Herero mysticism, proverbs, and mythology with the tale of a tough female cop investigating the death of a German farmer found hanging from a tree once used to execute her ancestors during the German colonial era. The film stars Girley Jazama as police officer Christina Mureti and features performances by Dawie Engelbrecht, Roya Diehl, and David Ndjavera in his final feature film.[7]

Background and setting

The film is primarily set in the rugged landscapes of Namibia, capturing the stark beauty of the African wilderness. The vastness of the desert and the haunting presence of ancient trees serve as powerful metaphors throughout the narrative.[8]

Cast

  • Girley Jazama as Christina Mureti
  • Dawie Engelbrecht as Hosea Boois
  • Royal Diehl as Eva Fischer
  • David Ndjavera as Cornelius Kerung
  • Petrina Ndjavera as Ndjambi
  • Christian Stiebahl as Gustav Fischer
  • Andreas Elifas as Bootcall
  • David Tsebo Kemba as Eyuva[9][10]
  • Charles Zambwe as Farm Worker #2
  • Otja Kambaekua as Farm Worker #1[1]

Produced by

  • Ronald James
  • Perivi Katjavivi
  • Antonio David Lyons
  • Mpumelelo Mcata
  • Bridget Pickering
  • Raphael Scriba
  • Anna Teeman

Reception

Critics praised the film's evocative storytelling, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances. Audiences were moved by its exploration of historical wounds and the resilience of the human spirit.[11][12]

References

  1. ^ Krishnamurthy, Sarala (2023-01-31). "New film Under the Hanging Tree examines how Namibia's genocide lives on today". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  2. ^ "Under The Hanging Tree - Joburg Film Festival". 2020-12-01. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  3. ^ "Under the Hanging Tree Examines how Namibia's Genocide Lives on Today - Africa.com". www.africa.com. February 6, 2023. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  4. ^ Editor, The (2023-12-19). "Filmmaker, Perivi Katjavivi, Signals a New Era with Namibia's Oscars Debut, "Under the Hanging Tree" - Afrocritik". Retrieved 2024-09-30. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ "Under the Hanging Tree | Antidote Sales". antidote-sales.biz. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  6. ^ Under the Hanging Tree (2023), retrieved 2024-03-02
  7. ^ Mukaiwa, Martha (2023-08-25). "Katjavivi's 'Under the Hanging Tree' sets local premiere and eyes Oscars". The Namibian. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  8. ^ "UNDER THE HANGING TREE Vying to Become Namibia's First-Ever Oscars Submission". AKOROKO. 2023-09-23. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  9. ^ Under the Hanging Tree (2023) - IMDb. Retrieved 2024-06-12 – via www.imdb.com.
  10. ^ Mukaiwa, Martha (2023-08-25). "Katjavivi's 'Under the Hanging Tree' sets local premiere and eyes Oscars". The Namibian. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  11. ^ "Under The Hanging Tree". SVAFF - Silicon Valley African Film Festival. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  12. ^ "Perivi John Katjavivi's "Under the Hanging Tree" to Premiere in Namibia on August 31st - Afrocritik". 2023-08-07. Retrieved 2024-03-02.