Maretlwaneng: The creative force behind SgEla
Correspondent | Sunday July 28, 2024 06:00
This compelling narrative, set to premiere on DStv Moja Love Channel 157 this July, is not just another teen drama. It is a captivating exploration of the social issues and cultural clashes that shape the lives of young adults. This narrative goes beyond borders, offering a shared experience that resonates with audiences across the continent. SgEla is a 26-episode TV Drama created by award-winning Botswana-based film and television production company, Dee-Zone, owned by Maretlwaneng. Dee-Zone has produced diverse TV content, including documentaries, TV ads, and music videos. It is behind Botswana’s popular TV drama, Ntwakgolo (2012), commissioned by Botswana Television (Btv), and Pelokgale (26 episodes), a GBV TV drama. The production company also made Botswana’s popular entertainment TV show, Pula Power, the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture’s Letlhabile youth magazine show and has produced the Bojanala Tourism TV Show and Trends Travel Lifestyle magazine programmes. SgEla was a project born out of passion and a belief in the story that needed to be told.
Maretlwaneng filmed it during one of the most challenging times in human history, the COVID-19 era in 2021. Despite being on a tight budget and dealing with personal tragedy, Maretlwaneng’s commitment to the project never wavered. This is a testament to his dedication and the mark of a true pioneer in the industry. “I thought I was dying. It was hard. But the thought of my team’s commitment to the project ignited my fire. It saved my life,” he said. Despite the constraints of tight budgets, family tragedy, and limited resources, Maretlwaneng says the team behind SgEla demonstrated remarkable resilience. They thrived on these challenges, showcasing their unwavering dedication and commitment. SgEla is a testament to their resilience and the mark of a true pioneer in the industry. “The cast features Botswana talent and 90% of the actors are making their debut on screen,” Maretlwaneng said. With all the commitment to the story, Maretlwaneng had yet to plan where the story would land. “Crew members would ask me where the drama would end, and instead of answering, I would encourage them to focus on practising their lines,” he said.
The managing director of MultiChoice Botswana, Steophanie Pillay, affirms that the coming of SgEla to DStv is a significant milestone for Botswana’s creative industry and a testament to “our unwavering commitment to showcasing more local content on our screens. SgEla provides a powerful platform for the voices of Batswana to be heard, not just across the nation but also on an international stage, marking a new era of recognition for our local talent”. Maretlwaeng is confident that SgEla’s airing on DStv Moja Love Channel 157 will not only benefit his company, Dee-Zone, but also the entire local film industry. “We have always aimed to showcase Botswana talent beyond our borders and expose them to a wider market. Through this drama, international agents will discover our Botswana actors, opening doors to their potential greatness,” he remarked. Maretlwaneng has Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Motion Picture Medium and a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Television from the Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia. He is a family man from Maun.