Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana film industry is still finding its footing in the creative space, but it is not long before those in the sector enjoy rewards, says Botswana Film Association Chairperson Prince Monna.
Speaking during A Night with Khumo on Conversations with Khumo in Gaborone on Friday, Monna said the local film was in transition to finding itself in the showbiz space.
He decried rigid regulations and legal frameworks saying they delayed the industry to thrive.
Serena Mmifinyana of N&M Productions said the narrative of labelling creativity in Botswana as a hobby should be addressed to enable a thriving environment for the sector.
She said in Botswana showbiz was not regarded as a business. “We need a mindset shift where we can be able to question policies drafted for the industry and understand the business of entertainment,” she noted.
She said opportunities to grow the film industry in Botswana were in abundance emphasising the need to act now to avoid situations where the local industry finds itself having to play catch-up.
Those in attendance also discussed collaborations to grow the industry. They noted the need to engage and educate the community on the business of entertainment.
Johnson Otlaadisa of New Look Studios said many did not understand the power of film and challenged all in the industry to engage and educate the public, government and private sector so as to gain their trust.
Nonetheless, he said there had been some winds of change in the film industry lately and it was upon them to seize the moment.
“The whole world is waiting on our stories and it is time we take our power and tell our stories and access opportunities outside the borders of Botswana,” he said.
The event hosted by Khumo Studios, a film production company brought together industry players to discuss the present and future of the entertainment industry in Botswana. The company also showcased some of their plans for the future.
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