20 MAY 2016
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY NEWS NEWS
NAMIB TIMES
13
Mummy Mayhem in the Namib Desert Posted on 13 May 2016 Gondwana Blog With the start of a new production, an unnamed 'Mummy' reboot, making its way to Namibia, we began to wonder about all the other films that have featured our desert sands. To our surprise we found out that more than 30 movies have been filmed in Namibia, so far and the numbers seem to be climbing steadily. Obviously all the films are not as popular as others, personally there were some we didn't know about at all. Films like Beyond Borders (starring Angelina Jolie) and Gallowwalkers (staring Wesley Snipes) all but flew under the radars. Most people don't realize that the older movies such as A Far Off Place or The Young Black Stallion were filmed in Namibia. Other big budget movies made a larger splash, like Flight of the Phoenix, 10,000 B.C. and the latest release, Mad Max: Fury Road received a massive reaction, along with six Academy Awards.
The main aspect of the country that continuously draws film crews to Namibia is the vast expanse of the Namib Desert. And why wouldn't it? The massive sand dunes that glide beneath the gentle touch of the ocean breeze are enough to inspire anyone. And this glorious desert has drawn attention once again. The Mummy franchise first started in 1932 with Boris Karloff bringing the monster to life. The next generation of films developed the original plot into an action packed trilogy launched in 1999, staring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and Arnold Vosloo as the monster. 'The Mummy' is once again being reimagined though a drastic reboot with Universal Studios. According to IMDb the film, that has yet to be named, is rumoured to develop around the discovery of a tomb that holds an ancient queen who was killed before she could fulfil her destiny. This queen – to be portrayed by Sofia Boutella – is awakened in modern day and with her the malice that has been brooding over millennia, goes on a rampage. This would be the first time where a female antagonist will be featured in this Universal franchise. Alex Kurtzman is directing the film and so far the full cast has not yet been revealed, but massive Box Office names like Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe will be making an appearance. Cruise is set to play a NAVY Seal named Tyler Colt, the main character in the film and a break through actress, Annabelle Wallis, will be starring opposite Cruise. In an interview with Collider, Crowe confirmed that he will portray the character Dr Henry Jekyll. Crowe's character forms part of Universal Studio's plan to create a 'Monster Universe' in which classic monster films are rebooted in modern settings and will eventually lead to a reboot of the classic Jekyll and Hyde. Now that you have the background info let's get back why this is relevant to Namibia. Some of the filming for this exciting reboot will be done in the Namib Desert. Filming is set to take place as of late June and has stirred quite a bit of excitement amongst the locals. Well who wouldn't be? Tom Cruise is scheduled to arrive on Namibian soil on 20 July 2016. Movies have been part of most people's lives across the world. Most children grew up watching Disney movies about princesses and magical animals that could talk. And as we grew into adulthood our animated memories became stories of hobbits and rings, and heroes and villains. To most, the idea of movies and films has become an escape from reality shaping the routine of our day-to-day lives. Moments in which we get too enter a new world where the unrealistic and fantastic becomes normal. And personally we feel a trip to the Namib Desert is just what the world needs. References for this article: http://www.gondwanacollection.com/blog/index.php/category/walvisba y/, The Mummy Reboot May Have Found Its Lead BY MIKE REYES, http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Mummy-Reboot-May-Have-Found-ItsLead-99007.html, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2345759/, For more photos, see, http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/673885-first-photos-of-tomcruise-on-the-mummy-set#/slide/1, http://collider.com/the-mummy-russellcrowe-tom-cruise/
WALVIS BAY * Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Book Exchange at the Mission to Seafarers. All Welcome. * Every Tuesday: Blood clinic (NAMBTS) at Welwitschia Hospital next to indoor pool. * First Tuesday of every month: Charity Quiz Night at The Raft! Call 204877 for more info and reservations. * Every Saturday: Braaivleis at MOTH Centre. * Every Sunday: Potjiekos available at MOTH Centre. * 20 - 22 May: The Western Youth Rally & 200 Years OMI Celebrations at Tamariskia, Swakopmund. * 3 June: Ray Dylan comes to Walvis Bay in aid of the JJ’s Care Centre at Community Church at 18:30, Walvis Bay. * 7 Junie: Interkerklike Gebedskring biduur om 09:00 by My Fathers House. * 8 June: MOTH meeting at Escarpment Shellhole at 19:00. * 24 June: Mr & Miss NPS. * 1 July: NPS Fun Day. * 5 Julie: Interkerklike Gebedskring biduur om 09:00 by Evangeliese Sending Kerk, Narraville. * 2 Aug: Interkerklike Gebedskring biduur om 09:00 by Lewende Water Gemeente. *6 Sept: Interkerklike Gebedskring biduur om 09:00 by Five Fold Ministry. * 15 Sept: NPS Matric Tea. * 1 Oct: NPS Festival Day. * 4 Okt: Interkerklike Gebedskring biduur om 09:00 by Anglikaanse Kerk, Narraville. * 12 Oct: MOTH meeting at Escarpment Shellhole at 19:00. * 1 Nov: Interkerklike Gebedskring biduur om 09:00 by Congregational Kerk, Narraville. * 20 & 21 Oct: NPS Prize-giving Ceremony. * 9 Nov: MOTH meeting at Escarpment Shellhole at 19:00. ***************
SWAKOPMUND * Bridge: The Swakopmund Bridge club meets every Monday evening at 19:00 at Lions Old Age Home. Contact: Ed Barbour 064-405 604. * Swakopmund Toastmasters: Meet every first and third Monday of the month at the Europa Hof Hotel, Bismark Str 39, Swakopmund, Namibia from 19:00 - 20:30. * Every Saturday: Flea Market & fresh produce outside Wild Rocket Cafe Kriess Arcade from 08:30 - 12:00. * 29 May: Sunday Market at the Green Center (behind the Snake Park), 5 Libertine Amathila Ave from 09:00 - 13:00. Contact 081 69 29 072. * 11 June: Namib High School Golf Day at Rössmund Golf Club. * 26 June: Sunday Market at the Green Center (behind the Snake Park), 5 Libertine Amathila Ave from 09:00 - 13:00. Contact 081 69 29 072.