Best Documentary
Namibia, Through the Burning Deserts | Deadliest Journeys
Namibia, an expansive and immense territory, stands out as one of the most sparsely populated nations on Earth, with a population of under three million. Amidst the disorderly roads of the northwestern region, beneath the scorching sun, the women from the Himba tribe endure a cramped journey in the bed of an aging pickup truck to attend a funeral. Clad in their traditional attire all year round, these women, regardless of their location, be it the desert or the supermarket, adorn their bodies and hair with a mixture of red powder and grease. However, this style does not resonate with another tribe, the Herero women, who dress akin to the Germans of the early 19th century. They are not hesitant to criticize the Himba, deeming their nakedness in front of the world audacious. Nevertheless, the Himba face numerous other concerns in this arid land, where water scarcity reigns. The women journey across the desert, painstakingly collecting water from puddles formed by infrequent rains. Others transport this precious liquid in antiquated trucks, navigating through dense vegetation to deliver water to isolated villages. Yet, within Namibia, a breakdown on the roadside poses a perilous threat.
Directors: Nicolas Cotto, Julien Boluen
Published Jun 5, 2023
