Namibian actor Alejandro Cooper, 12, was awarded the title of Best Young African Actor at the prestigious Sotigui Awards in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, this weekend. The annual ceremony celebrates excellence in African and diaspora cinema, honoring exceptional talent from across the continent.
Cooper was recognized for his compelling portrayal of Lukas in the film Lukas, directed by Philippe Talavera. The gripping drama follows the journey of 11-year-old Lukas, who witnesses the tragic murder of his mother and grandmother. After being sent to live with his aunt in Windhoek, Lukas runs away, eventually joining a gang and confronting the harsh realities of street life over the next 15 years.
This marks a significant moment not only in Cooper’s career but also for Namibian cinema. Cooper was Namibia’s sole nominee at this year’s awards, and his victory solidifies his place as one of Africa’s emerging stars.
Lukas, which has already garnered acclaim, also won Best Screenplay at the London International Pan-African Film Festival. The film made history as the first Namibian production to be screened in South African cinemas and was chosen to close the European Union Film Festival in Windhoek earlier this year.
