09 Oct 2024

Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) Senior Specialist Risk Management, Kitlanang Phuthego says there are opportunities for growth for Botswana film.

Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of the third annual Bantu Film Festival, Phuthego said events such as these were key drivers in unlocking such opportunities, offering capacity building through workshops and master classes, and fostering shared dialogue through panel discussions.

“These platforms provide a space for experienced practitioners to share knowledge and explore further avenues for the development of the industry,” Phuthego said.

While Botswana’s film and television industry faced challenges such as funding, infrastructure, and distribution, Phuthego said the film industry holds immense potential to attract investment, create employment, and drive growth in Botswana’s film sector, “particularly as a country blessed with both culture and natural resources.”

 Phuthego said the ODC was proud to support the Bantu Film Festival’s vision of stimulating economic activity while telling the Botswana story. He said they recognised their efforts in driving further economic growth through film tourism, with Botswana’s breathtaking landscapes serving as ideal locations for film production.

He urged the government and the private sector to invest in the film and television industry, recognising its potential to contribute significantly to the country’s GDP, “as we have seen in nations like Nigeria and South Africa.”

For her part, the Director of Bantu Film Festival, Lesedi Mphothwe, said this year’s theme:Unifying Africa through Cinema, reflected the festival’s dedication to fostering a sense of unity across the continent through shared stories and experiences.

“The films selected for the Bantu Film Festival 2024 embody the diverse and rich cultural landscapes of Africa, creating a space where African stories can be told, heard, and celebrated globally,” said Mphothwe.

She said the festival was more than just a film screening event but a cultural experience.

A total of 30 films have been selected from various African countries. Among these, three are proudly from Botswana, highlighting local talent and storytelling rooted in the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Entries from Botswana have genres such as drama, documentaries, and short films, touching on themes of social justice, identity, and personal dreams.

The festival opened with a local film, Seipone, directed by Princess Mokokwe and Wazwagwa Ntabeni. Seipone is a horror film about three individuals who find themselves drawn together in a sinister and enigmatic forest.

The festival has film screenings, workshop, and panel discussion and ends tomorrow with a red carpet award ceremony. ENDS