26 Sep 2022

Creative artists have to believe in themselves and strive to be where they  want to be in order to be successful.

Speaking at a masterclass meeting for the creatives on September 24, Botswana Screen Society chairperson, Johnson Otlaadisa said actors, producers, filmmakers and authors had to stop feeling sorry for themselves and hoping that government would help in growing their crafts.

“For the film industry status to change in Botswana, it is up to us to teach government our value for them to be convinced,” he said.

Otlaadisa also pleaded with artists and the creatives to join associations such as BOSS. 

He said their voice would be louder as part of a team and for the spirit of oneness when dealing with issues that affected them as creatives.

He pleaded with South African actors who graced the occasion to open their arms for the Botswana creative industry and to help them access markets.

Otlaadisa said due to Botswana’s small population they were at a disadvantage and that collaborating would help them grow wings and improve the local film industry.

The three South African actors who graced the meeting were reality television star and actress, Innocent Sadiki, multi-award winning actor, Kagiso Modupe as well as actor and film maker, Matli Mohapeloa.

Addressing the meeting and sharing the industry knowledge, Sadiki said talent and not beauty got one the opportunity to make it on television.

She said it was imperative for them to have agents who could help them to soar to greater heights in the industry. She also advised them to understand contracts before signing them.

Sadiki also said they should be professional in what they did, saying being an influencer was dominating the market and that they should take seriously their craft on social media. Ends