However, Khumo Studios like a few other film production industry, entities, stood up to change the narrative.
They hosted a black tie event dubbed A Night With Khumo where they showcased some of the projects they have been working on, on Friday evening at Capitol Cinema in Riverwalk Mall and did a splendid job.
They have proven that indeed Botswana has immense talent in the film production industry and can compete with the international market. Furthermore, they first showcased The Zoo Premier directed by Denim Richards that is said to have been based in a true story. The movie was about racism from long years ago where black men were locked up in a shack and used by a white scientist for experiment.
It was later followed by a video of A Re Bineng StreetJive dance competition video they had been shooting in different parts of the country where young Batswana unleashed their dancing skills.
Khumo Studios also showcased a documentary titled Mosadi Khumo that appreciates women. They also gave the audience an opportunity to see a trailer of their upcoming entertainment show that is said to be covering African entertainment and lifestyle industry dubbed Entertainment Africa. They also have an exciting series dubbed Mogapi, shot in Botswana and its actors and actresses together with the production company except Richards and partner Ryan Gibson.
Khumo Studios also showcased videos of their master classes where they teach aspiring actors, actresses and others who want to work in different roles in the industry such as aspiring directors, camera persons and others, the do's and don'ts of the industry. There was later a panel discussion where different panelists from the film production industry in the country discussed the challenges of the industry, its achievements and other issues affecting them. Panelists included Fenny Lekolwane from Botswood, Otsetswe Sedimo from Torch Studios, Serena Mmifinyana from NSW Productions/WIFT and Prince Monna from Brand IQ. The panel discussion was led by Richards. The audience, who were clearly thrilled about the occasion, also chipped in the conversation and added their observations about the local film industry.
The panelists agreed that there is an immense talent in the country but there was less support system together in the local film industry from the government. They said they had rich content that could sell the local entertainment industry in the country and internationally. According to Gibson, there is a lot of raw diamonds that need to be unearthed in the local entertainment industry.
He said a lot could be done to ensure that local film and television industry thrives. He added that at Khumo Studios, they were going to work tirelessly to ensure that local talent gets recognised beyond local borders. Since the event was a black tie event, both the ladies and gents looked smashing in their beautifully designed outfits. Khumo Studios is a film and television production company headquartered in Botswana since 2021. It is founded by American actor, producer and director Richards who starred in a movie dubbed Yellowstone and two Batswana.
