"Believe it or not, I had never in my life been to Namibia until this morning. At first when I heard about Desert Star I was a little skeptical about moving Hollywood out of Hollywood and into the Namibian desert. I didn't really understand it" - Ernie Els
This is how South African golfing legend, Ernie Els, opened his heartfelt address at The Night of The Stars launch event held on the 11th of October 2010 at the Windhoek Country Club, before sharing his revelation about Desert Star Motion Picture Studios and Resort and consequently stirring his captivated audience to virtually erupt with applause.
Ernie continued; "Playing golf around the world, especially in Los Angeles, I have met many celebrities and have found out that they all love playing golf”.
"If you look at the Desert Star vision for Namibia as a country and then look at the extent of the resources and benefits that this project will offer to international film producers – you can easily see how this will attract top filmmakers from around the world, film celebrities, property investors and tourists and ultimately raise the awareness of Namibia as a destination while offering incredible job creation opportunities. There is no doubt that this project will work – it is going to do so much for Namibia. We (Ernie Els Design) are very excited just to be a small part of this amazing project” said Ernie.
“I have met and spoken to so many actors through the game – actors who all love a good game of golf! So I know that this can only be a huge success. It will see Namibia recognized globally as an incredible country - a film destination, a tourism destination, a golfing destination and ultimately as Africa’s 'Hollywood'."
As one may expect, it was at this point that the audience erupted with applause!
The room was filled to capacity with a diversity of local and international guests on the evening and in less than half an hour, over N$1M was raised for the OEWONA Charity and Desert Star Film Academy through the auction of a Luxury Waterfront Lodge.
Ernie Els had flown en-route from Wales to Florida, where he was to attend a banquette in honor of his recent election to the Golfing Hall of Fame, especially to attend the Night of the Stars event.
Hollywood Studio Executive and former Paramount Pictures President Frank Yablans addressed the audience from Los Angeles, California, while Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mrs. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun welcomed Namibia's business leaders. The Namibian First Lady Pohamba delivered a thought provoking and moving speech on behalf of the OEWONA Charity.
The Night of the Stars event was indeed a night to remember for all who attended, however the impact of the funding secured through this event will continue to improve the lives of many for years to come.
On a beautiful summer night in October 2010, the imagination of the Namibian people was ignited, giving rise to a new kind of hope of the great things to come.
Hollywood Studio Executive and former President of Paramount Pictures, Frank Yablans, delivered a moving message from Los Angeles in which he spoke of Desert Star as a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' assuring us that 'if you build it, we will come - Hollywood will come!'
"I spent six years with (Walt) Disney and I have never seen anything like you are planning out there! It is an honor to be involved and I am proud to announce that I am also an owner at the Desert Star Motion Picture Resort, so I'm putting my money where my mouth is!” said Frank.
He continued: "Desert Star Motion Picture Resort is creating an international film stop off. There will be no place in the world like it”
"It isn't the studios (Warner Brothers, Universal etc) that should concern you - it is the producers that make the decisions of where and when they will shoot. If you provide them a back lot here in Windhoek, if you build a New York Street and a Western town and a 1st century city somewhere, you're going to attract hordes and hordes of producers”
“Hollywood can't offer this. All they've got are a few sound stages. That's why it is very important for the Namibian Government to get behind Desert Star with all the effort that they possibly can. They have to welcome the people who will be coming to the country to take part in this venture to produce these films; to create incentives and to allow producers the freedom to move in and out of your country at will”
"Don't lose this opportunity - take it. Let's really sell this to the world. They will come – believe me – Hollywood will come!" Frank concluded.
It was at this point that the audience again exploded in jubilation and applause!
As experienced auctioneer Shaun Wantenaar took to the stage later in the evening, he likened himself to Clint Eastwood armed with a six shooter; "my aim is simple - to take your money!" In less than 30 minutes, Mr. Wantenaar raised over N$1M dollars through the auction of the fractional ownership of a luxurious Waterfront Lodge donated by Desert Star. Most of the sales went to private individuals.
"The evening was a great success. We were privileged to share our vision and take a glimpse at the excitement the film industry inspires in Namibia. Look out for the Night of the Stars next year!" said Desert Star CEO, Rudolf Markgraaff.
A night to remember as Professional Golfer - Ernie Els, Hollywood Studio Executive and former President of Paramount Pictures - Frank Yablans, and Desert Star CEO - Rudolf Markgraaff introduce Desert Star to Namibia’s leaders while raising N$1m for charity.