- Local filmmakers argue Botswana Ignites marginalizes them
- Calls for cancellation or restructuring to ensure inclusivity
In a bold move to revolutionize its budding film and television sector, the Botswana government has teamed up with iconic American comedian and television host Steve Harvey. The project, known as “Botswana Ignite,” has stirred a mix of excitement and controversy. While some hail it as a groundbreaking initiative set to propel the nation’s creative industry onto the global stage, others criticize it as a divisive scheme that undermines local talent and resources.
With the advent of a new government, stakeholders are advocating for the discontinuation of Botswana Ignite. At the core of this debate is the perceived marginalization of local professionals, who assert that the project has failed to fulfill its promises of enhancing the local film industry’s capacity. Critics argue that instead of nurturing local talent, the government’s investment in a foreign entity has diminished opportunities for domestic development.
The seeds for this ambitious initiative were planted in 2019 when the Botswana government invited Steve Harvey to explore opportunities within the country’s creative industry. Harvey, renowned for his diverse entertainment career, expressed a strong interest in cultivating Botswana’s media landscape. He envisioned a renaissance that would not only elevate local content but also showcase Botswana’s narratives on an international platform. This vision was formalized in 2023 when Harvey, in collaboration with the Office of the President and Forge Media, signed a significant three-year contract worth over P500 million with Botswana.
A central component of this project is the establishment of the Botswana TV Academy and Wildlife Film School, intended to develop local talent and equip them with skills comparable to international standards. The Wildlife Film School, in particular, promised a comprehensive curriculum focusing on wildlife production—a niche yet celebrated aspect of Botswana’s tourism allure. However, the initiative’s rollout has been met with opposition. The Botswana Film Association and Botswana Screen Society have vociferously opposed it, citing a lack of local involvement during the project’s conception and execution phases. They contend that the project was imposed as a directive from the Office of the President, leaving local stakeholders marginalized and coerced into compliance.
Critics have also highlighted perceived inequities in employment distribution, pointing out that a significant portion of the project’s workforce consists of South African nationals, with Batswana relegated to lesser roles or internships. This, they argue, contradicts the project’s stated goal of fostering local industry growth and capacity building. Furthermore, the adaptation of the UK drama series “Liar” has drawn criticism for its lack of indigenous storytelling, with local actors cast in minor roles and intellectual property rights held outside Botswana.
The controversy surrounding the filming of “Family Feud Botswana” further exemplifies the challenges faced by the project. Initially slated to be filmed in Botswana, the production was relocated to South Africa, reportedly due to inadequate facilities. This move has been perceived as contradictory to earlier claims about Botswana’s state-of-the-art studio capabilities, fueling discontent among stakeholders who question the rationale behind substantial investments in studio renovations deemed insufficient for such productions.
Despite these criticisms, the Botswana Ignite project endures, with proponents emphasizing its potential to establish a robust film fund and commission aimed at attracting further international projects and investments into the local industry. Steve Harvey and Duncan Irvine, the founder of Forge Media, remain optimistic about the project’s trajectory, underscoring the long-term benefits of their collaboration with Botswana.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Film Association and Botswana Screen Society have called for a comprehensive evaluation of the project’s first year before proceeding further. They demand transparency and accountability, insisting that any continuation be contingent upon demonstrable benefits to the local industry. This call for scrutiny reflects a broader sentiment of skepticism permeating the local film and television community, which expresses dissatisfaction with the perceived misallocation of taxpayer funds.
For many in Botswana’s film community, Botswana Ignite represents a missed opportunity to empower local creatives. The government’s decision is seen as a vote of no confidence in the skills and capabilities of Batswana filmmakers. Critics argue that the funds could have been better allocated toward initiatives that directly support and develop local talent, fostering a sustainable and self-sufficient film industry.
Despite the backlash, supporters of the Botswana Ignite project maintain that the initiative is designed to bring about long-term benefits for the country’s film sector. They argue that the involvement of an internationally recognized figure like Steve Harvey can help attract global attention and investment to Botswana, ultimately benefiting the local industry. The project aims to establish a film commission and create a film fund, intended to provide a robust framework for future growth.
As the debate intensifies, the future of Botswana Ignite remains uncertain, highlighting the delicate balance between foreign intervention and local empowerment in developing nations’ creative industries. While the initiative’s ultimate impact on Botswana’s media landscape is yet to be fully realized, it stands as a testament to the complex dynamics at play when global entertainment giants seek to influence and reshape local cultural narratives.
Minister in the Presidency, Moeti Mohwasa, has refrained from discussing the future of Botswana Ignite, promising only to engage with the concerned parties before making any decisions. Those opposed to the project are hopeful that the new administration will restructure the project to ensure meaningful local participation in its execution.
With new political leadership at the helm, there is an urgent call for realignment within the industry. This involves not only adapting to new policies and expectations but also ensuring that the industry’s needs are met. Misalignments between government expectations and industry realities can lead to frustration and delays, underscoring the necessity for clear communication and strategic planning. Leaders are urged to listen to industry feedback, fostering a culture of adaptability and responsiveness that can bridge these gaps.
