Film
Mzansi Magic calls out for authentic local Botswana productions
21 August 2023. Gaborone, Botswana. Today MultiChoice Botswana announced that local content creators can take part in a truly African production opportunity. Mzansi Magic on DStv Botswana channel 161 has issued a call for submissions for made-for-tv movies made specifically for Batswana audiences, as well as for a Local Motswana Production Supervisor to work on content for Mzansi Magic channels.
2023 has seen great local Botswana content championing the essence of MultiChoice in Botswana – being Africa’s leading storytelling platform. DStv Botswana to date has delivered riveting content to its viewers from shows like My Botswana Plate and Bots Top 5, in under a year! Alongside delivering homegrown content, the pay-TV service provider has also engaged in numerous skills transfer activities with local content creators in partnership with the Department of Broadcasting Services under the MultiChoice Talent Factory umbrella. With this, Botswana will soon find a sizeable seat at the table on Mzansi Magic, the time for Botswana to shine is now, it’s your moment to shine!
“Mzansi Magic’s call-for-submissions has come at an incredible time where the Botswana’s creative industry is being seen and felt by both the consumers and our policy makers,” said Thembile Legwaila, MultiChoice Botswana’s Head of Marketing. “The potential of our creative industry is telling of the socioeconomic and local content needs. We as MultiChoice Botswana are proud to be a part of helping shape the way we Botswana’s tell our story.”
Speaking on what this call-for-submission means to the industry, Executive Producer at New Look Studios, Johnson Otlaadisa, had this to say, “This call comes at a time when the industry in Botswana is yearning for more opportunities to tell our stories to the world beyond our borders. It is an answer to prayer for our industry and a critical opportunity for growth; working with Mzansi Magic, who are some of the very best storytellers in Africa.”
Through this call-for-submission, Mzansi Magic is set to engage a local production company to supervise and oversee the development, production and post-production phases of filmmaking on content made for Mzansi Magic channels. These channels include DStv’s Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Wethu, Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Magic music channels. An engagement of this nature for a local production company would not only provide it with incomparable exposure but with immeasurable upskilling opportunities as well.
Mzansi Magic has simultaneously made a call for the next fresh made-for-TV movie produced locally for Batswana audiences, with an opportunity available to showcase three movies coming out of this call-for submission.
MultiChoice Botswana urges interested applicants to remember the importance of staying true to the authenticity of our own local stories and to keep in mind the audiences that the content is being made for, “Although the stories being submitted should be geared towards Batswana audiences it’s always important to bear in mind that we live in a world without borders. Content should be unique to Botswana but should also be able to resonate with the rest of Africa as all eyes will be on these films,” adds Legwaila. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the M-Net Corporate Submissions website to apply for the Local Production Supervisor opportunity by visiting the Local Botswana Supervising Producer – Mzansi Magic – M-Net Submissions (mnetcorporate.co.za) website. Those interested in submitting made-for-TV movies are encouraged to visit the Authentically Batswana made for TV movie – Mzansi Magic – M-Net Submissions (mnetcorporate.co.za) website. Call-for-submissions closes on 15th September 2023 at 0:00
Film
Botswana’s Johnson Otlaadisa appointed as Production Supervisor for Mzansi Bioskop Local Film Project by Multichoice
In August of 2023, MultiChoice Botswana called for the submission of local film concepts alongside the role of a Production Supervisor who would go on to produce three local films to air on Mzansi Bioskop (DStv Channel 164). After months of a rigorous adjudication process, MultiChoice Botswana is excited to announce the appointment of local Motswana film fixer and agent, Johnson Otlaadisa as Production Supervisor.
“The journey we have been on since the inception of this milestone project has been a fulfilling one which promises to expose the incredible local talent we have in Botswana’s film industry,” says Stephanie Pillay, MultiChoice Botswana Managing Director. “M-Net and MultiChoice Botswana have a shared vision to ensure that the production of the three local films which are set to air on Mzansi Bioskop later this year are produced and overseen by an individual who has not only relevant and extensive experience but an individual who has an innate passion for growing Botswana’s local creative industry. Johnson has proven to be the absolute top choice for this opportunity.”
Born and raised in Lobatse, Otlaadisa has over 20 years of experience in the performing arts industry in Botswana. He is one of the founding creators of the popular Radio Serial Drama: Makgabaneng, and the Facebook hit comedy series titled BW Trending Content. He has produced Lights Off (Drama Series), The Village Idiots (Sitcom), and Wedding Stories (Lifestyle Magazine Program) which have all aired on BTV 1, as well as Night Shift (Sitcom) and Online Celebs Game Show for Upic Tv and Btv 1.
Speaking on the significance of the Local Film Project, Otlaadisa commented, “The Mzansi Bioskop Local Film Project is an answer to a prayer that the local creative industry has held for a very long time. We have been looking for opportunities to have our stories recognized by international broadcasters and for our talent to be acknowledged in order to grow our industry. For MultiChoice to make this investment is a big win for the local industry.”
Otlaadisa is currently the Chairperson of the Botswana Screen Society, a coalition of TV/Film Associations that advises and lobbies stakeholders, including government, for the development of television and film in Botswana. Otlaadisa is also a former member of Reetsanang Association of Community Drama Groups and a Former Board Member of Botswana National Youth Council, with the inaugural BNYC TV & Film Festival being his brainchild.
The Mzansi Bioskop Local Film Project will see three Batswana filmmakers’ concepts being brought to life and broadcast on Mzansi Bioskop; the home of locally written and produced feature films from South Africa. The broadcast of films produced outside of South Africa is a milestone not only for Botswana’s creative industry but the channel as well.
“We are proud to be part of showcasing the amazing work and creative storytelling though this project, especially because it gives a platform to share stories from other African markets,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Interest Channels – M-Net. “We hope this will go beyond the project and that we can later see more co-productions between Mzansi and other markets in the continent.”
With the appointment of Otlaadisa to the highly coveted role of Production Supervisor for the Local Film Project, MultiChoice Botswana looks forward to announcing the names of the production houses behind the three local films in the near future. “Words can’t express how much we are looking forward to Batswana being able to see this historic moment in local film on our platform,” adds Pillay. “It’s a defining moment for us as a business as our ambition has always been to bring our viewers more local stories that connect them to DStv more than ever before.”
For more information on how to subscribe to DStv to enjoy local content and more, please visit www.dstv.com or download the MyDStv App on Google Play and Apple Ios stores.
In the emerging world of film in Botswana, emerges the narrative of “Phala.” This abstract short film, born from a serendipitous conversation between filmmaker Mooretsi Gabang and a long-lost schoolmate, is poised for acclaim at the esteemed Berlinale and Cannes film festivals in 2024, alongside Gabang’s feature “Zombie Date Night in Tlokweng.”, Bone Chone of OniroHouse.
The chance reunion of these two collaborators, separated since their school days in 2008, became the catalyst for an extraordinary cinematic voyage. Gabang’s simple directive to “make it stand out” ignited a creative flame in his partner, giving rise to “Phala.” Fueled by a mutual drive to push boundaries, the team embarked on a quest to craft a visually arresting piece destined to leave an indelible mark on audiences.
With a background in music, the filmmaker drew inspiration from sonic landscapes, setting the stage for a mesmerizing audiovisual experience. Teaming up with Azizi as Cinematographer, Goaba as assistant Cinematographer, and Ipelo as Art Director, the vision began to take shape. But it was the contribution of praise poet Jabu, who delivered a stirring Setswana piece, that breathed life into the project, challenging the team to translate its essence into captivating visuals.
“Phala” transcends conventional storytelling, weaving together the rich tapestry of Setswana culture with dreamlike imagery to invite viewers into a realm of personal interpretation. Trippy Boy’s evocative musical score serves as the perfect companion, enhancing the film’s ethereal atmosphere and drawing audiences deeper into its hypnotic embrace.
For Gabang and his team, the opportunity to showcase “Phala” at Berlinale and Cannes represents not only a professional milestone but also a celebration of Botswana’s burgeoning creative landscape. While their expertise lies predominantly in corporate content, the allure of these renowned festivals beckons them to explore new horizons and assert their place on the global stage.
However, the journey doesn’t end there. A chance encounter with a South African producer during a trip to America paved the way for another exciting project. Collaborating on a demo for a film in late 2023, the team now finds themselves on the brink of pitching to Netflix as part of its development program. It’s a testament to their resilience and determination to push boundaries, proving that creativity knows no limits.
As they stand on the precipice of possibility, Gabang and his team are poised to make their mark on the international stage, armed with talent, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With “Phala” leading the charge, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in their cinematic journey.
A mini-documentary on the second studio album, GARDEN, by MOONGA K.
