Botswana content producers exhibition on Friday

Scores of content producers will showcase their work on Friday at the inaugural Botswana Content Producers exhibition. The first of its kind event will be held at Gaborone Main Mall from 8am until 6pm and entrance is free. The one-day exhibition, organised by The Botswana Opportunity, in conjunction with BOFINET, Botswana Tourism, CC Kgolagano and CC Think, will attract leading production houses, industry captains, TV channels, Pay TV operators, mobile platforms, regulatory bodies, as well as media influencers, buyers and sellers of content.

According to the organisers, the platform will give all the role players recognition and accord them a platform to trade their work in the local and international content markets. Speaking at a press conference held this past Thursday, promoter Gilbert ‘PP’ Seagile noted that it was high time that the film industry, which he said had long been neglected, grows in leaps and bounds. A reputable promoter who doesn’t limit his scope of interest, Seagile said Botswana had gifted and qualified individuals who could develop a vibrant film industry. Cassim Kowa of CC Think said that for a long time now, foreigners had come to Botswana to make money and left the indigenous locals broke.

He cited The Number One Ladies’ Detective Agency movie, which was shot in Botswana. “The lead actors were foreigners. Our locals were engaged as extras or small-scale suppliers. Our people were closed out. Foreigners came here to make money off us,” he said. Kowa pointed out that it was possible for locals to use their own resources to market the country. “For example, Nomina, who is a Motswana based in Germany, released a great song, Don’t Cry Africa, with brilliant video for it. If you saw the video, you would not believe that the scenery was shot in Mogobane village,” he said. Kowa noted that it was the prerogative of Batswana to take themselves and the industry seriously, and strive to be active role players in the craft.

“Some foreigners partner with locals treat them to extravagant dinners and drinks, and that is all the reward for their ideas and input.” In his remarks, Benjamin Raletsatsi of CCL Kgolagano, who is also active in the local film industry, explained that the film industry had to be resurrected, emphasising that Botswana had a great pool of talent to create some of the best content globally. Another speaker was Reverend Botswelelo Tsekane, who is a scriptwriter, producer and director. He said the film industry was riddled by many challenges but he was confident that with the team now in place, things would get better. The former Botswana Film Association director noted that it was important to emphasise that film was not limited to acting but the whole scope of work of putting together a production. He also emphasised that it was important for Batswana to learn to be united. “There is space for everyone to shine. We should uplift each other because that way, we all benefit and succeed.”