To accomplish this, 10 regions with strikingly different natural locations have been identified. Each region has been chosen for its unique and diverse landscape and will be complimented by a series of permanent film sets, supporting film infrastructure and a luxury resort for tourists and filmmakers alike. When complete, it will be the largest permanent collection of epic film sets in the world.
In addition to the permanent film sets, Desert Star will develop state-of-the-art production facilities, luxury film crew accommodation and film infrastructure at each of these locations to make the continuous filming of international blockbuster movies a reality.
Desert Star will also develop a Motion Picture Resort with various tourism attractions including film set tours at each of the ten motion picture destinations througout Namibia.
Employing a phased approach, Desert Star South on the Orange River will be developed first, with Desert Star Central and Desert Star West following in close succession.
Find out how Desert Star is creating world-first motion picture destinations by attracting international filmmakers, discerning holidaymakers and laying the foundations for what may become the second largest city in Namibia.
Unique to the DESERT STAR concept is the construction of the most extensive collection of first century film sets in the world; from Jerusalem in its original glory to buildings and temples that no longer exist.
Integrated into the natural landscape, the sets will be enhanced by the visually diverse and breath taking natural locations found within close proximity.
These first century film sets will be complemented by a full-service production facility, with everything a filmmaker would need to produce an international blockbuster movie.
Apart from an incomparable working experience, DESERT STAR aims to give both stars and crew a totally unforgettable leisure experience, an African experience that they will remember forever and enthusiastically tell the international film community about.
The film industry holds an irresistible allure. Tourists will be able to visit the first ever motion picture resort of its kind. Besides an array of leisure activities, from outdoor restaurants to extreme sport adventures, the most important draw card will be the studio and film set tours, where tourists will be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting world of filmmaking. The resort will walk a careful balance, offering enough access to fascinate tourists and enough privacy to satisfy stars, offering both the peacefulness of the desert and the buzzing activity of the film city and motion picture resort.
People love movie stars – and movie stars love Africa. DESERT STAR will utilise the awesome star power generated by the film industry to market the development internationally. Word of mouth from stars who've had the experience of a lifetime will be harnessed to attract major productions to use DESERT STAR's facilities.
Namibians have embraced the film industry as a source of employment. With the establishment of a supporting city, these employment opportunities will grow to include technical training for film jobs and non-film jobs, offering Namibians a more permanent involvement in the industry. Putting in place infrastructure to host international productions will further enhance Namibia's obvious viability as a leading film destination.
An international airport and a luxury railway service at Desert Star South are also on the cards, as is a rail link to the existing grid that connects with the rest of Southern Africa's main railway network. These will provide for the easy, cost-effective and environmentally responsible transport of vast amounts of production materials and people.
DESERT STAR'S national vision is to develop the Namibian film and tourism industries through creating sustainable and uniquely spectacular motion picture destinations throughout the country that will attract world-class film producers and tourists alike.