Uys decided to cast Namibian San farmer Nǃxau ǂToma as Xi, and later recalled that "At first didn't understand, because they have no word for work. Then the interpreter asked, 'Would you like to come with us for some days?" N!xua agreed and flew with Uys by airplane to Windhoek, Namibia, which served as a base for the film's production. Uys stated that "The airplane didn't impress him at all. He thinks we are magicians, so he believes we can do anything. Nothing impressed him." In his hotel room, N!xau agreed to use the toilet, but slept on the floor rather than on the provided bed.