Local film scoops Best film award In California
WeekendLife
As the creative landscape continues to strive in leaps and bounds in Botswana, local creatives continues to raise Botswana’s flag high. Local filmmakers Nicky Bazhuzha, Kevin Sebolao and crew emerged victorious at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, in California for Best Short Film.
The Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF), was founded to confront the sad reality that after over 50 years of post-colonial rule in Africa, most of Africa’s narrative is still presented to the world through a foreign lens with narratives that have created blurred interpretations and perceptions of Africa and Africans.
The affordability of film making tools in the last few decades, prompted an exponential growth of the African film industry with African film-makers eager to share the true stories, hopes and dreams of Africa with the global community. Through this plartform many Africans continue to share their stories through the African lens. After the Isang Ntle crew expressed interest in entering the film festival, the crew had to showcase their films in California, USA, were 86 other African films were being showcased. “We got the award at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival for Best Short Film Narrative, because of our good narrative which is what they were looking for at the festival. That means we had the best narrative in the short film category at the festival against other contestants from Africa and the diaspora,” Tricia Sello the Executive producer shared with WeekendLife.
‘Gobe; The Gift ’is the name of the film which was showcased. The film is centered on a young woman's journey of self-discovery after the passing of her father. She realizes she has power within her that she didn't know she possessed. “It is an African narrative that has infused multi-cultural elements such as dance moves from all over Southern Africa and two of our indigenous languages, Setswana and Sekalaka,” she said. She went on to say, that it takes creativity to bring out an impeccable film. “Batswana are amazingly creative and have world class stories to tell. The beauty of our storytelling and the amazing culture we drew inspiration from as Isago Ntle Films propelled us. All the elements of the short film; the cinematography, sound, music, acting, dancing and languages used worked very well and showcased our diversity as a Batswana.” She remarked.
Sello also explained that the fact that they had European and American citizens of African descent competing with them and they won is a blessing that they will forever be grateful of. “We all possess gifts that we might not be fully aware of and sometimes it takes a tragedy to push us to release that power,” she said. The potential of Batswana that keeps spreading across boarders attest to their capability and that it is time they are noticed in our country. Sello is of the view that Batswana productions are doing well in the world. “Just last month we got word that a documentary by Tumi Rasesia, titled ‘Moriri’, was an official selection at Sotambe; a documentary film and arts industry, and there are others who are doing very well internationally. There is great need for investment in film, and right now that's all we are waiting for; investors to come to the table. If the world recognises our contribution to the creative industry, why can't our own people invest in us so we do more?” she said.
Isang Entle also won eight awards at the 2019 48HR Film Project Gaborone competition, including Best Film. They will be representing Botswana at the 2020 Filmapalooza Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands. They have been invited to compete against the top 3 films from all the 48HR Film Projects across the world and they are trying to raise funds for that. Early bird registration is P2,100 after that it's P2600 and anyone willing to assist is most welcome.
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Thabiso Maretlwaneng certified Master in filmmaking
“IT’S TIME FOR US TO ARCHIVE BOTSWANA HISTORY INTO BIOPICS FILMS”
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Dr Lame Pusetso comes to writer’s rescue
Multi award winning author of fifteen (15) books, Dr Lame Pusetso has put together a platform to empower local writers. Dr Pusetso is a President and Chairperson of the Executive Board of Kasapa Society.
She is also the Managing Director of Poeticblood Publishers and an owner of an online bookstore dubbed Mind and Soul Bookstores. Dr Pusetso has reiterated her commitment to helping upcoming authors, writers and poets in establishing their crafts and capitalizing on them.
In an exclusive interview this week, she said that she has put together a platform dubbed Botswana Literature Awards, which have fourteen categories.
When quizzed on what the awards stand for, Dr Pusetso said “writing as a form of art in Botswana is a skill that many have and have always been exploring. As a publisher, I have met different writers from all walks of life and some indicating that there isn’t enough motivation to keep going.”
In Botswana and according to the writer, there has been a limited representation of appreciation of authors. This is despite their efforts year in year out.
The whole intention of these awards really is to honor and recognize the hard work that local authors put in, when doing what they know best (writing).
“This is a way of appreciating their creativity and we will be doing this across all genres. The awards also act as a motivational tool to young writers who still have dreams of becoming best selling authors. Quite frankly, their works are of great importance and we cannot afford to let that slide like that.”
Dr Pusetso emphasized that all the winners will walk away with an award, a certificate and complimentary gifts to take home. “The two winners of Best Overall Author and Best Young Author will in addition receive book publication deals which includes book distribution and marketing for a year.
She gave a clearer picture of how authors can be a part of the literature awards.
“The awards are open to every author from the age of 7, must be a Motswana, and their book should have been published before or by 2022. For authors with more than one book, they are allowed to compete with only one book for one category, and different books for different categories.”
The young writer pinned hope on institutional collaborations, in order to stage the second edition of the awards next year, saying “We believe with these awards, the different institutions and stakeholders will show interest in helping nurture the literature scenario in Botswana.”
“It will also give authors hope and light to keep writing and penning down their stories for the benefit of all. We anticipate to host the next edition in 2024 with assistance from all interested parties.”
THE LITERATURE AWARDS CATEGORIES
Dr Pusetso stressed that there are fourteen (14) categories, and they are: Religious or Faith Based Book, Poetry Book, Children’s Book, Multi-lingual Writer, Best Collaboration, Setswana Novel, English Novel, Motivational Book, Best Young Author (7-13), Overall Best Author, Best Theory, Best Online Writer, Best Media Writer (Honor Award) and Honor Award (Long Serving Best Author).
EXPLAINING SPECIAL AWARDS
Best Media and Honor Award, Dr Pusetso said are not based on submissions but nomination by the committee. “For Honor Award, we want to appreciate the individual who has inspired the Botswana writing scenario over the years and even assisted numerous authors as both a writer and a community leader.”
The Best Media Writer award is meant to appreciate a journalist who is actively taking part in appreciating and helping authors in marketing, advertising and affording them a platform to showcase their works through their writing skills.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Literature Awards will be held on the 29th April and they are partially sponsored through the literacy grant. This is a grant under the Botswana National Library Services which falls under the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture.
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Women’s Awards hit the ground running
The second edition of the much-anticipated Women’s Awards Botswana will be going down on the 27th May 2023 in Gaborone at Travel Lodge. The organizers of the prestigious awards have announced finalists, with three nominees per category.
Women’s Awards Botswana is established to empower women and celebrate them from all walks of life and across sectors. The awards raise awareness for women to be granted equal participation, particularly in decision-making positions, as one way of breaking the gender bias.
They also seek to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women from diverse industries in Botswana. Taking a closer look at the categories, He for She award celebrates and shines a light on men who stand and support women.
These are men who advocate for inclusion of women, men who stand against GBV and men who promote any service that can better women life. Her Abilities award looks into women who have shown determination to keep moving and achieve any goal they have set for themselves, regardless of their disability.
Other awards are self-explanatory. They celebrate women in arts, culture and entertainment, agriculture, creativity, innovation and technology, tourism and hospitality, community impact as well as organization supporting women.
ORGANIZER SPEAKS ON CRITERIA USED
When speaking in an interview, Founder and Director of Women’s Awards Botswana, Bofelo Zebe, said in their first edition, they had fifteen categories, which was enough for a piloting project.
“But we left out many industries or lines of work. After the event, we received reviews and suggestions, and there was an intensive evaluation that led to us increasing the categories to eighteen for this second edition.”
He said the nominees were voted in by the public, adding that the finalists were judged by a panel with the support of votes from their supporters.
When shedding light on what winners take home, Zebe indicated that there is an award trophy, certificate and goodie bags for all categories but “we are working to have financial sponsors jump on board so that winners and nominees can receive monetary incentives. We are also busy at work trying to retain our previous sponsors.”
THE 2023 WOMEN’S AWARDS BOTSWANA NOMINEES
HE FOR SHE AWARD
Desmond Lunga, Tlhabo Kgosiemang and Christopher Seagateng
BEST WOMAN IN ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Ditshupo Mosoboloko, Thanolo Keutlwile and Seneo Mabengano
HER ABILITIES AWARD
Koketso Seleke, Goabo Kgasa and Mumsie Odirile
SPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Naledi Marape, Ouname Mhotsha and Keamogetse Kenosi
WOMAN FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Montle Rantatana, Lesedi Matlapeng and Trudy Bakwena
BEST WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE
Nomathemba Masuku, Basadi Molelekeng and Keolebogile Keabetswe
BEST WOMAN IN CREATIVITY, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Marang Mbaakanyi, Didintle Moreki and Thandeka Palai
BEST WOMAN IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
Masego Keleadile, Wapula Matshambane and Tshepo Phokoje
YOUNG WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Bridget Gothaang, Waone Makobo and Kimberly Matheakgomo
WOMAN OWNED SME BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Suits Africa, Nomlu Nail Bar and Sunflower Desserts
BEST WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS
Prezlin Clothing and Dawn Bell Academy
FEMALE MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Mpho Sebina, Dato Seiko and Priscilla K
BEST ORGANIZATION SUPPORTING WOMEN
Sekao Foundation, The Fighters Support Group and Single Mothers Living with HIV
BEST WOMAN WITH COMMUNITY IMPACT
Lebopo Bulayani, Nanzelela Chaitezvi and Kebadile Wasenda
MEDIA WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Poppy Sello, Keikantse Shumba and Kedi Lezozo
FAVOURITE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Marang Selolwane, Palesa Molefe and Masi Sithole
BEST WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP
Naseem Lahri, Neo Bogatsu and Lily Rakorong