Africa-Press – Botswana. The 4th edition of the Bantu Film Festival has reinforced its position as a premier platform for interrogating African stories, history, and vision, while cultivating dynamic cinematic expressions. This year’s theme, “Decolonising the Story of African Cinema,” called on filmmakers to reclaim narrative authorship, restore dignity to African histories, and portray authentic and diverse perspectives.
The festival urges African filmmakers, as custodians of culture and heritage, to take command of the cinematic lens. It encourages the production and promotion of stories that truthfully reflect Africa’s past, present, and aspirations for the future.
The Ministry of Sport and Arts recognises the creative and cultural sectors as critical to national development and regional integration. It also acknowledges the challenges local filmmakers face, including limited funding, insufficient access to high-end equipment, gaps in technical training, and constrained distribution networks. Addressing these obstacles requires targeted and sustained interventions.
One key intervention is legislative reform. The Ministry is reviewing the Cinematography Act of 1972 to establish the Botswana Film Commission. This new body will serve as a modern, progressive regulatory and facilitative authority, aligning industry governance with international best practices. It will streamline permit issuance, safeguard artistic freedom, and position Botswana as a preferred destination for local and international film productions. Minister Honourable Jacob Kelebeng will table the cinematography bill in Parliament during the November session.
The Ministry is also developing a Film Rebate Programme to incentivise international co-productions in Botswana. This initiative will ensure active participation and upskilling of local professionals, fostering sustainable employment and knowledge transfer within the creative economy.
Addressing filmmakers at the festival, Honourable Kelebeng said: “I urge you to use this festival as a platform not only to depict African realities but to challenge prevailing narratives, celebrate the diversity of our peoples, and explore the full richness and complexity of our shared human experience.”
The Ministry commended the Bantu Film Festival for its Pan-African vision and for establishing strategic partnerships that support talent development and infrastructure capacity. The festival continues to provide a vital forum for advancing authentic African cinema and empowering local creative industries.
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