21 Jun 2020

Upcoming filmmaker, Tebo Ketsitlile is determined to bring change to Botswana’s film industry through innovative ideas as well as filmmaking skills.

In an interview, the 28-year-old Gaborone-based filmmaker said that he started filmmaking in 2012, during his second year as a Media Studies student at the University of Botswana.

Ketsitlile explained that he was part of the production team that did two local feature films being Spopile, which aired on Mzanzi Magic and The Small House, which aired on Now! TV.

He said he had also worked on over 50 music videos for local and South African artists. “I was part of the production team for South African hip-hop artist Cassper Nyovest’s music video called No worries and also shot two music videos for local hip-hop artist Ozi F Teddy”, he said

Ketsitlile said he was influenced by filmmakers such as Nate Thomas of SA, Zimbabwean Kuda Mpambawashe and a local filmmaker named Macdonald Kengaletswe of Mangorelo films.

“I am currently working on an online programme called Gaboronian which is a travel VLOG. I travel around the city visiting Gaborone’s landmarks, restaurants, hotels and hangout spots, which I believe the corporate world could be part of as my biggest goal is to change the way Batswana see Gaborone and Botswana”, Ketsitlile explained.

He said he desires to instill national pride within fellow citizens and create content that sells the city and country to the whole world.

 He said he had also reached out to local brands to partner with and create digital content, which they could use to market their brands online.

“Currently, I am facing financial problems, filmmaking is very expensive and I am limited by lack of funds and resources. I would like to get more support from the corporate world in terms of financial assistance,” Ketsitlile said.

 He however noted that Batswana had been supportive and gave him some positive feedback on his work. ENDS