A genocide that to this day no one wants to know anything about: “The Measured Man” is the first film to deal with the German crimes in Namibia almost 120 years ago. A conversation with the Namibian leading actress Girley Jazama and the Herero activist Israel Kaunatjike.
Clint Eastwood once said, “Movies are fun, but they’re not a cure for cancer.” What can a film like “The Measured Man” do anyway?
Girley Jazama: Movies can spark debate. And from this comes understanding and perhaps also healing, and that those involved acknowledge their guilt. You talk about the topic. That’s why our director Lars Kraume wanted to show these atrocities, after all it’s the first genocide of the 20th century, which many people still don’t know about today.
Israel Kaunatjike: And it’s the first feature film about the crime, not a documentary. You reach a different audience through the cinema – and their hearts and feelings.