Basterland

A film by Marian Kiss & Julia Csabai | arte | 2023

The term “bastard” is used as a derogatory term worldwide – but not amongst the people of Basterland, a region in central Namibia in which the successors of white colonialists and black Nama women live. Their names are Heinrich, Wilhelm, Elfriede, Megan or Lee-Ray. Their facial features and skin tones are different from other Namibians. 35000 people in Central Namibia proudly call themselves “Baster” , because the name reminds them of their origins and their heritage. Their land, called “Basterland” is not frequented by tourists. Not only their facial features and their skin colour are different, but also their traditional clothes are reminders of past times. The Baster have lived and cultivated their traditions for 300 years. But how long will it last?