14 Nov 2019

The 9th instalment of the Maun International Arts Festival (MIAF) will be held in Maun from November 23-30.

The week-long festivities organised by Poetavango Poetry Movement is expected to attract about 40 artistes both locally and internationally in all art genres of music, poetry and literature.

In an interview, Poetavango Poetry Movement chairperson, Legodile Seganabeng said this year’s edition, would see artistes like Shola Farrar and poet Teju Farrar both from the USA, poet Van Van from Namibia, comedian, Triccs from Botswana, comedian Yellow bone from Botswana, poet Asa from Zimbabwe and Stream Jazz Band from Botswana.

Seganabeng also highlighted that the festival would also include the introduction of the film segment as part of the festivities.

He said the intention was to give support to the growing film industry in the country, noting that some short films that relay certain messages would be showcased to ignite a conversation with the audience.

Seganabeng observed that the component of Poetavango short story had since been set aside to be an independent activity from last year’s festival.

He, therefore, said as from this year, the festival would also feature a book launch for local publishers to cater for the literary aspect of the show, which would be coupled with a literature workshop.

He noted that the festival would feature a book titled, Botswana women write, which is a compilation of extracts of Batswana women from different fields of authors, journalists and influential positions of Bogosi.

The book, he said included extracts from songs, poetry, plays, speeches, court judgments, short stories, journalistic pieces and novel excerpts.

Seganabeng said the book, which was published by UKZN Press South Africa had contributions from local authors such as Bessie Head, Unity Dow, Bontekanye Botumile, TJ Dema Lauri Kubuetsile and Wame Molefe as well as contributions from influential unpublished women as Kgosi Mosadi, Kgosi Kealetile Moremi and other contributors.

He said five of the contributors of the book, would attend the launch set for November 26.

Meanwhile, Seganabeng said preparations for the MIAF 10 to be held in 2020 were in full swing to give the 10th anniversary a unique touch.

He said the festival would be a review of the past and therefore would bring together all past sponsors, some former featured artistes as well as current sponsors under the theme; Rebirth and Reunited.

Further, Segabeng said in as much as the arts festival had grown and attracted massive following internationally and locally, it was a concern that the festival received less support from the Maun community and sponsors. ENDS