13 Nov 2024

Three of Botswana films will this November get airplay on South Africa’s Mzansi Magic channel on the DStv platform.

The feature films, Mokwalo, Buying the Cow and Khumo Ya Dinaledi will air on November 16, 23 and 30 respectively on channel 161.

For the first time, the channel will give access to non-South African content. Mzansi Magic is a South African digital satellite and one of the entertainment channels created by Multichoice, with primary focus on original local productions and feature films from South Africa.

Speaking at the launch in Gaborone on Tuesday, Mphonyana Mokokwe who directed Buying the Cow, said they have had some opportunities in the creative space, but this was by far the greatest as their story, craft and talent would showcase to Africa and the world through the South African channel.

Mokokwe was among the 21 shortlisted finalists for Netflix and UNESCO African Folktales, Reimagined film competition,  for her reimagined folktale film Ntiti le Ntitietsane.

Multichoice Botswana head of marketing, Thembi Legwaila said she was hopeful that the airing of the films on the channel would bring more opportunities for the local creatives.

Sharing the same sentiments was Game Bantsi who co-directed Mokwalo feature film. He called on the private sector to tap and add more value on this investment opportunity to further grow the film industry in Botswana.

Zeus as Bantsi is popularly known, said market value goes a long way in the creative space, and he therefore encouraged private sector to leverage on such opportunities.

Masego Mohwasa who directed Mokwalo said this opportunity was not much on financial gain, but rather on making a point and occupying space in the global creative platform starting on Mzansi Magic channel.

“We did get paid but we know there are more opportunities coming our way as a result of this airing,” she said.

The three films tell Botswana stories through different story themes with Mokwalo’s line on grief and loss, while Buying the Cow emulates life as it unfolds with particular interest on the dynamics of marriage process.

Khumo ya Dinaledi, which is directed and script written by Tumelo Chaba, addresses social media facade especially by youths. Chaba said through the film, they were shaping tomorrow by fixing the present.

For her part, Multichoice Botswana managing director, Stephanie Pillay said their vision had always been to intentionally showcase and take Botswana stories to the world as her organisation is an African storyteller broadcaster. She said they would continue to strive for Botswana content to be on screen.

“These stories deserve to be told and to be told on global stages. Our audiences across the continent deserve to experience Botswana content.” Pillay extended gratitude to Mzansi Magic channel and applauded them for their investment into Botswana creative to make their dreams a reality. ENDS