The Botswana Film Association and Botswana Screen Society have raised serious concerns over the Botswana Ignite project, a government-backed initiative spearheaded by international entertainment mogul Steve Harvey. Addressing the media, the associations expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to invest over P500 million in a three-year tender awarded to Steve Harvey Global.
The associations are set to stage protests against the project, arguing that it undermines local talent and fails to build capacity within the country’s film and entertainment industry. They criticized government officials for allegedly claiming that Batswana lack the necessary skills and experience to execute such a project, which they view as a disheartening dismissal of local potential.
“This decision is an insult to our creative industry. Instead of empowering locals and investing in building their capacity, we are sidelined in favor of an international entity,” said a representative from the Botswana Film Association.
The Botswana Ignite project, touted as a transformative initiative, has been clouded by controversy since its inception, with critics questioning the transparency and fairness of the tender process.
The associations are calling for the government to reconsider its priorities and redirect resources toward developing homegrown talent and supporting the local film industry.
