14 May 2023

Roses in December delves deep in the truth that you cannot choose your family. The film, Roses in December delves deep in the truth that you cannot choose your family.The film, written by Laone Mathule and produced at Torch Solutions was premiered on UPICtv on Friday at Cinema Capitol in Gaborone.

The 60 minutes film directed by Thabiso Ranthoyakgale, displays family strife and secrets that have been lying dormant for years through the cast og some of Botswana’s seasoned actors such the talented Kgomotso Ratsie, known for her remarkable performance in South Africa’s renowned TV show Scandal and the charismatic Peelo Mookodi who has made appearance on South Africa’s prestigious Top Billing.
In the plot, the secret is revealed when the Mogami family is brought together by their father’s sudden attack by stroke that left him bedridden.
It came to light that Mogami’s wife, Beauty has a secret love affair with Ghetto General, the foreman of the family farm, and the second born of the family, Kagiso also discovers that he has a son in the village.
The first born of the family, Tebogo always has misunderstanding with his wife, he battles with issues of insecurity since wife Rebecca always calls the shots. Bantle, the last born is molested by her uncle, but the matter is never resolved domestically or legally.
At the end of all revelations, the family smokes a peace pipe and members take turns to take care of Mr Mogami. The role of Beauty is played by Gontle Merafhe, Lesego Madingwane plays Ghetto General, Peelo Mookodi plays Bantle, Tebogo Reteng plays Kagiso and Motheo Modise plays Tebogo, while Kgomotso Ratsie plays Rebecca.
Mathule, who is also the co-director of the film said at the premier event that her decision to write the film was to share her personal experiences.
“I wanted to share about the good and the bad that can arise in a family, and that despite all the shortcoming, families should find ways to resolve their difference, make peace because they need each other,” she said. For her part, the director of Culture and Creative Sector from National Arts Council of Botswana, Obenne Mbaakanyi commended the cast crew for their commitment to finally have the end product that made strides in the local film industry.
“Keep working hard and believe in yourself, do not allow the challenges to cut you short, the passion and commitment you pour out will always accelerate you,” she said. ENDS