Concerned about the ever-increasing uranium mining in Namibia a local artist sets out to give the Namib Desert a voice: An Infinite Scream
Watch the trailer:
Synopsis:
Thousands of thorns arranged into traps in the blistering desert heat? Black rubbish bag roses planted between dunes or half a ton of salt poured into six huge circles?
Imke Rust’s land art installations not only show her concern about the extent of exploitation and pollution happening in the Namib Desert. They are also an attempt to symbolically protect the land and raising awareness about the effects of the ever-growing uranium mining industry.
Can art be an invocation for change?
Shot in 2012 in Namibia and Berlin, Holzkamp’s approach is determined by the nature and pace of Rust’s artworks. Meditative sequences documenting the making of the “Salt Circles” are followed by reportage style filming of the “The Scream”, an art action at the Atlantic coast.
When the local arts association unexpectedly rejects Rust’s exhibition, the film takes a dramaturgical turn and shifts the focus to the ensuing controversy about freedom of arts in Namibia. The well-known artist, with the help of a network of supporters, now finds alternative ways to ensure her works will be seen.
Strong imagery, breath-taking locations and atmospheric music weave the film into an impressive portrait of courage and initiative in a rather conservative society.
Filming on location in Namibia was supported in part by the National Arts Council of Namibia.
Imke Rust 
Good day Imke. I too must apologize for taking ages to get back to you. Thank you for your response. By the way, HAPPY NEW YEAR! es /i will sign up for you blog as soon as I am done with this message. I look forward to the screening of the documentary. I am super excited! I wish you well with all of your future endeavors. Looking forward to more of your work. I do hope that plans are coming together for the screening.
Warm regards,
Maruschka
Good day Imke!!! I look forward to watching this documentary, I hope you would not mind letting me know when it will be released. I read about you in the Namibian about two years ago or so, that you wanted to do an expose exhibition on Uranium mining and that it was received with some controversy. I never forgot your name. And now I am asking myself why I took so long to google you. Your work is inspiring and I am so proud of you as a fellow Namibian. When will the documentary be out? I know of so many young people who will take a keen interest in it. I am an aspiring my lawyer. Next year should be my final year of law and it is my hope to specialize in Environmental law. This documentary is important to me. And I know that I will be able to draw much inspiration from it.
Warmest regards,
Maruschka January
Dear Maruschka, I am sorry for the late reply. Thank you so much for your kind words and interest in my work and the film. The documentary is finished and we are currently looking for different options of having it publicly screened, hopefully early next year when I am home in Namibia again. The best way to find out news about future screenings is if you sign up for my blog, as I will announce it there. I have also just posted some more works from that series on the blog and on my website at https://imkerust.com/2-d-artworks/mixed-media-works-an-infinite-scream/ .
Good luck with your studies – I am sure Namibia could use your environmental law services a lot! Kind regards, Imke