27 Feb 2025

Mainane Studios, founded by the trio of Moreetsi Gabang, Kabelo ‘K-Bos’ Motlhatlhedi and Tricia Sello, is a creative force to reckon with, driven by a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to showcasing Botswana’s untold stories on the global stage.
The team’s vision is to produce high-quality films that not only highlight the rich cultural diversity of Botswana, but also resonate with audiences worldwide.
“With specialty in film directing, story development, pre-production, production and post production services, we create high-quality and impactful films that speak to our culture, that showcase Botswana to the world in an authentic, raw form,” said Gabang about Mainane Studios, which is dedicated to turning ideas into reality, making a significant mark on the global cinematic landscape.
Inspired by a range of filmmakers and literary works, Mainane Studios draws heavily from renowned author of African literature, Ousmane Sembene, Steven Spielberg, and African cinema classics such as Borom Sarret.
With the mantra; give them what they want, but not the way they expect it, the studio believes in the power of storytelling to connect people, and aims to give voice to stories that can change the world.
Their journey has not been without challenges though.
“In Botswana, securing funding for films remains one of the biggest obstacles, but we believe that with time, and with the right support, we can show that local films are commercially viable. Lack of infrastructure, limited access to high-end equipment, and a small distribution network for local films make it difficult to compete on a global scale,” said Gabang.
However, all is not lost because through significant marketing and networking, Mainane Studios short films, Zombie Date Night in Tlokweng and Baratani (The Hill of Lovers), the team was able to break even and even generate royalties for the cast and the crew.
The success story is attributable to the fact that at the heart of Mainane Studios filmmaking process is a dedication to authenticity.
“If a story does not feel real or true to the people and places it represents, it will not connect with the audience,” said Gabang, adding that the team strove to tell stories that were deeply rooted in local culture, but still carried universal themes that appealed to everyone.
The trio also emphasises emotional depth in their storytelling, focusing on characters that feel real and struggles that matter. As such the team’s creative process is organic and interative.
“We take it on a series of ‘dates,’ testing it out, seeing if it holds, if it speaks to us. Then comes that crucial, irreversible moment of I want you! - that is when we commit,” said Gabang.
Mainane Studios dedication to compelling and authentic storytelling is visualised through their works.
Their craftsmanship was put to the test with Zombie Date Night in Tlokweng, which became one of the company’s most memorable projects.
The short film garnered widespread acclaim, winning both Best Film and Audience Choice Awards at the NEFTi Africa Film Festival in 2023. This recognition from industry giants such as Vivica A. Fox, Ted Gagliano and Bruce Cohen, who served as judges, reaffirmed the team’s belief that Botswana’s film industry is on the rise and that it has the potential to compete on the world stage, which put a stamp on Mainane Studios big dreams of creating African epics on the scale of Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones.
 The studio dreams of creating immersive, grand narratives that showcase the richness of African culture and history with the same cinematic scale and depth as the most successful global franchises.
However, for the industry in Botswana to truly thrive, more investment is needed.
“We need both the government and private sectors to see filmmaking as a viable business. We need to prove that these stories are not just for us, but for the world. With the right support, Botswana can become a hub for African cinema,” Gabang noted, emphasising the importance of investing in one’s craft, whether through formal education or hands-on experience, and learning from both successes and failures.
Mainane Studios also has valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers in Botswana. “The road ahead may be difficult, but perseverance is key. The journey will not be easy, but if you stay passionate and persistent, you will see your vision come to life. Keep pushing forward you are part of building something bigger than yourself,” expressed Gabang.
 For his part, Sello said, “Stay true to your story, embrace your unique voice, and keep pushing forward. Our culture, our landscapes, our experiences are rich with stories the world is eager to hear.”
Sello believes Mainane Studios successes show that with the right approach, local films can be commercially viable.
 “We believe that films should be deeply rooted in the culture they represent. But at the same time, they should have universal themes that everyone can connect with,” added Sello.
“We envision bringing African mythology and history to life in a way that resonates globally,” said Sello.
As for Motlhatlhedi, his advice is that films should speak to the soul. “Stories should not be just for Botswana; they should be for everyone. They should resonate with universal themes of love, loss, hope, and resilience, told through an unapologetically African lens, like Mainane Studios does.
We were in awe to have our work recognised by such esteemed industry figures.” “It was a surreal moment, but it also affirmed that the Botswana film industry is capable of competing on a global scale,” said Motlhatlhedi.
Mainane Studios’ journey is a testament to what can be accomplished with authenticity, creativity, and resilience. Through leveraging digital platforms, strategic collaborations and embracing innovation, the studio stays deeply committed to not only showcasing Botswana’s stories, but also contributing to the global narrative of African cinema. As the film industry in Botswana continues to grow, Mainane Studios is leading the charge, proving that with the right support and dedication, the future of the country’s film industry is bright. ENDS