Walvis Tale

Walvis Tale is a Namibian documentary directed by Tim Huebschle. Set in Walvis Bay, Namibia, the documentary unpacks the layered relationship the harbour town's inhabitants have with fish.

Production

Walvis Tale received funding from the Namibia [Film Commission] and was shot on location in Walvis Bay during September 2023. The six interviewees were identified by co-writer Taati Niilenge, drawing on her background as a community journalist.

The documentary premiered as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Walvis Bay’s reintegration into Namibia on 1 March 2024.

Walvis Tale won the Audience Choice Award at the Namibia Film Week in 2024. At the 41st Vues d'Afrique film festival, Walvis Tale received a Special Mention in the Sustainable Development category. The documentary was also nominated in two categories at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, namely Best Documentary and Best Indigenous Language. In Kenya, Walvis Tale received the Best Documentary Award at the inaugural YORA Summit.