Connect with us
Advertisement

DENIM RICHARDS American actor takes local productions to the world

American renowned actor, Denim Richards has been in Botswana for quite a while now with one clear mission: the revamp the film and entertainment industry.

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]

Born in California 34 years ago, Richards has been performing for over two decades with numerous TV, film and musical theater credits under his belt. He can currently be seen in the role of ‘Colby’ opposite Kevin Costner in the hit Paramount Network series “Yellowstone.”

WeekendLife reporter Tlhabo Kgosiemang this week had a conversation with Richards, who came to Botswana two and a half years ago. He has quite clear intentions together with his two Batswana friends, to breathe some life into the dying film and entertainment industry. Well, according to Richards, Botswana has no entertainment industry. It’s sad but true.

“I have been in Botswana that long and at the time I began my journey here, I had never been on the continent of Africa. I was eager to make this much needed journey. For me this trip was a spiritual journey, a calling that was very imperative. From the moment I landed it was like God spoke to me and said “I was home”. All my plans to continue to other countries faded away.”

Richards continued to say “Since I have been in Botswana I met and quickly partnered with two Batswana, Kay Chapi and Ona Ranyere, to start Khumo Studios, a film and TV production company dedicated to creating, developing, producing and distributing African content, while also providing employment opportunities in Botswana.”

Together with partners, Richards have been working on a number of productions. The trio is currently working on, in development with, or producing over seven productions, from feature films, TV dramas, to talk shows and travel and culture program, as well as corporate commercials and videos.

“Just over a year ago, Khumo Studios produced the pilot for a one-hour drama telenovela centered on two rival families in the Botswana diamond mind industry. Its Romeo and Juliet, meets Power, set amidst the world, business and culture of Botswana. Through this one production, Khumo Studios employed over 125 Batswana- all whom were paid and fed. We even purchased a combi to aid with transportation to support our team members who didn’t have vehicles for our late-night shoots. Khumo Studios also gave each actor per diem as an additional support payment. We wanted everyone participating in this production to fell what it’s like to work on a Hollywood production,” Richards said.

When quizzed on what he hopes to achieve in his interactions with local film industry players, he said he wants them to be elevated and informed on a number of issues pertaining to the entertainment industry.

“As a star on the number one show in the west, “Yellowstone”, I saw working with actors in Botswana as an opportunity in the entertainment business. I want the actors, and all the creatives to be educated and raised up. Which is why I partnered with the University of Botswana in 2022 to hold a series of acting master classes at no cost to all participants. And I did that to ensure that no one could create an excuse for not being able to attend. And I plan, with UB and Khumo Studios to host even more in future.”

Richards said Botswana has no entertainment industry and the biggest issue being discussed is lack of real support from government.

“There is lack of real film and TV industry where Botswana creatives can go work. An industry is defined as a group of companies that are related based on their primary business activities. So, with that in mind, you can see that for Botswana that has yet to be achieved. There are talented film makers and creatives in the country without argument. They work in silos and not in concert with one another towards the collective goal of capacity building, setting standards, or distributing content in the entertainment industry. Once that has been achieved then Botswana will have an industry.”

He however, managed to share an idea on what needs to be done, saying “Creatives must galvanize and come together with the purpose of setting and implementing a set of international standards across the board within the entertainment business. And make no mistake, this is not a bunch of adults who never grew up and want to play dress up, this is a business.”

According to Richards, in the US, the entertainment industry nets the country 720.38 billion US Dollars annually and on a global scale it nets 2.4 trillion US Dollars annually.

“This is an extremely profitable business when it is cultivated and an investment is made. With every great business the hope is to simply garner 1% of a demographic which would be looked at as a great success. If Botswana could garner 1% of the global entertainment industry profits that would net 120 billion US Dollars annually,” he said.

“So, I find it difficult to believe that the Botswana government wouldn’t want to begin to work to get those additional funds. We also need to train creatives, as many don’t know what they don’t know, so they can better compete with the worldwide standards. Khumo Studios is dedicated to that as we launch Khumo Conservatory, whose purpose is to facilitate that training. We want to create a space where Botswana creatives can come and learn all they need to, in order to support and build the entertainment industry here in Botswana.

Richards said Khumo Studios plan to build a full film and TV studio in Botswana, along with the Khumo Conservatory for training in writing, acting, producing, directing as well as business and computer coding, while hosting spaces for entrepreneurs and businesses to meet in a corporate setting and work to build and grow the entertainment industry.

Botswana demographics have always been a disadvantage when it comes to investing in the entertainment industry. Richards says “Where there are people there are stories. The stories Khumo wants to tell are viable because we are telling their stories. These are stories centered on their experiences, heritage and culture.”

He said these productions are neither inward, solely for Botswana, nor are they outward. “They are every ward. Khumo Studios mandate is to tell African stories. We speak for a continent, because we know Africa is the past, present, and the future. As for where the productions are going to be showcased, it will be technically everywhere. We are speaking with everyone, Netflix, Paramount Pluses, Hulu and whoever is ready to have real business conversations.”

[/ihc-hide-content]

Continue Reading

WeekendLife

Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity

18th March 2024
Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong

Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.

Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.

 

In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.

 

“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,” she said.

 

Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.

 

“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,” she stresses.

 

Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.

 

She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.”

 

Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.

 

As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.

 

“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.”

 

In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.

Continue Reading

WeekendLife

The narrative of joy’s true roots unfolds

18th March 2024
Happiness Research a Game Changer for the Environment

 

 

 

 

AUBREY LUTE

STAFF WRITER

 

Happiness research is proving to be a game changer for the environment, as it challenges the traditional notions of success and well-being that have led to environmental destruction. Author Jeff Golden, in his book Reclaiming the Sacred, highlights the findings that money and possessions account for only a small percentage of people’s happiness. Beyond meeting basic needs, additional money does not significantly increase happiness and can even undermine well-being by compromising relationships, leisure time, and gratitude.

 

This luminous work, crowned as the pinnacle of environmental literature by IndieReader and hailed across genres at the Nautilus Book Awards, shares prestigious laurels with luminaries such as the Dalai Lama and Brené Brown. It delves deep into the heart of happiness, revealing a threadbare connection to material wealth that has been our misdirected pursuit since the twilight of the 1940s.

 

The decline in happiness in the United States and other industrialized nations since the 1940s can be attributed to the emphasis on economic growth and consumption as measures of success. This focus has led to environmental destruction and a disconnect from the joy and wonder inherent in the world. By shifting our relationships with money and possessions, we have the opportunity to elevate our quality of life and reconnect with what truly matters.

 

One of the key insights from happiness research is that people living in serious poverty are still satisfied with their lives, while wealthy individuals often struggle to find happiness. Money does not equate to happiness, and the pursuit of wealth can actually diminish the ability to savor positive emotions and experiences. Even lottery winners find that their happiness levels return to baseline within a few months.

 

The optimal amount of work to maximize happiness is around 8 hours a week, highlighting the importance of balance and leisure time in well-being. By reevaluating our priorities and shifting away from materialism, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life.

 

Further explorations in Golden’s magnum opus present a paradox of satisfaction amidst scarcity, with a significant majority finding contentment in the face of poverty, juxtaposed against the fleeting happiness of wealth. The narrative delves into the diminishing returns of affluence on the ability to cherish life’s fleeting moments and the ephemeral nature of fortune’s favor. It posits a provocative thesis on the optimal engagement in work for harvesting happiness, challenging the sanctity of the 40-hour workweek.

 

 

Jeff Golden, with his background in sustainable development and environmental advocacy, brings a unique perspective to the discussion of happiness and its impact on the environment. Through his book Reclaiming the Sacred, he encourages readers to reconsider their relationship with money and possessions and embrace a more holistic approach to well-being.

 

The happiness research is a powerful tool for promoting environmental sustainability. By recognizing that true happiness lies beyond material wealth, we can make choices that benefit both ourselves and the planet. It is time to reclaim the sacredness of ourselves and the world around us, and create a more harmonious and fulfilling future for all.

 

Continue Reading

WeekendLife

LESEGO CHOMBO FOR MISS WORLD TITLE

6th March 2024

The outgoing Miss Botswana Lesego Chombo says her participation at the on-going Miss World beauty competition has grown her to be an ambassador of Botswana and the African continent at large.

Chombo has made history as the first participant from Botswana to perform exceptionally well at Miss World, with former Miss Botswana Emma Wareus being the second best after placing first runner up in 2010.

The Miss World Top 4 finalist is the first to place in all Miss World Fast Track events, and winning some in the process.

She is also the first Miss Botswana to perform at the Miss World Beauty-with-a-Purpose Gala Dinner.

Further, Chombo is the only Miss Botswana participant at the pageant to have her Beauty-with-a-Purpose project in the Top 10.

Chombo is the first Miss Botswana to place high in Talent Fast Track event.

Meanwhile, Miss World finale will be broadcasting live this Saturday on BTV and the Miss World website and YouTube.

Continue Reading