Botswana: The Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture last night launched Botswana’s First ever International Film Festival, the beginning of a week long showcase of films and master classes.
The Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso McDonald Rakgare, said the occasion is a landmark event that symbolises the Ministry’s commitment to cultivating, diversifying and evaluating Botswana’s creative industry.
Bordering on the narrative of the ‘A re chengcheng’ theme pioneered by the President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the occasion’s theme ‘Introductions: capturing our narratives’ echoes the transformative journey of film makers relaying the famous ‘telling our stories our way’ ideology.
The Minister furthermore said stepping into the international stage is a chance for the local creatives to measure their creative prowess against global benchmarks.
The week-long event will stream 83 officially selected films from the initial 194 that had been submitted by creatives worldwide. The programme encompasses competitions among local film producers from various districts exclusively showcasing local talent.
Botswana’s First International Film Festival masterclasses and panel discussions schedule are:
21 NOV
PANEL DISCUSSION 1 (Timings will be 0830hrs-1030hrs)
The Importance of Establishing a film commission in a country
LOCATION: CR1
FACILITATORS
1. Bokang G. Ditlhokwa (Industry)
2. Tebogo Matebesi (DPS-Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture)
3. Sphesihle Dlamini(Kzn Film Commission)
4.
Ministry of Environment and Tourism Botswana
MODERATOR:
Tiro Kganela is going to take part in the discussion and speak for 1:30hr
- MASTERCLASS 1
- LOCATION: CR2
Animation :The future of Storytelling
0930hrs-1100hrs
FACILITATORS
1. Isabeela Rorke(SA)
2. Dick Omar(SA)
DURATION: 1hr
LOCATION: CR2
MASTERCLASS 2
1110hrs -1210hrs
Gatwe E Rile – finding room for Botswana narrative in the African and global cinema
FACILITATORS
1. Moabi Mogorosi (BW)
2. Heather Cooke (SA)
DURATION: 3hrs
LOCATION: CR3
MASTERCLASS 3
0930hrs-1230hrs
Production design, costume and makeup for film and television :the tone, look and continuity
FACILITATORS
1. Moratiwa molosiwa (BW)
2. Kgomotso Blackchild Dipholo (BW/SA)
3. Emmanuel Charles (BW)
Schedule for today (22 Nov)
PANEL DISCUSSION 2
0830hrs-1030hrs
Women and youth in film and television
LOCATION: CR1
FACILITATORS
Serena Mmifinyane (Women in film BW) Afentse Lekolwane (Producer/ Director BW) 2.
1.
3. Department of Gender Affairs (BW)
4. Grace Ramsey (Zam)
MODERATOR: Tumisang Mothei
5. Marrian Kunonga (Zim)
DURATION: Open
LOCATION: CR3
PITCHING SESSION Closed Session!!!
Starts @ 1030hrs
FACILITATORS
1. Lawrence Thompson (Zambia)
2. George Eustice (Botswana
3. Leonard Amanya (Uganda)
DURATION: Open
MASTERCLASS 4
LOCATION: CR2
Production and Post Production: talks and practical’s
0900hrs-1030hrs
FACILITATORS
1. Sam Ngwenya (BW)
2. James Brooke (SA)
DURATION: 1:30hrs
MASTERCLASS 5
LOCATION: CR2
Acting: Auditions, Casting and Techniques
1430hrs-1600hrs
FACILITATORS
1. Maxwell Dichi (BW)
2. Grace Ramesy (ZAM)