In August of 2023, MultiChoice Botswana called for the submission of local film concepts alongside the role of a Production Supervisor who would go on to produce three local films to air on Mzansi Bioskop (DStv Channel 164). After months of a rigorous adjudication process, MultiChoice Botswana is excited to announce the appointment of local Motswana film fixer and agent, Johnson Otlaadisa as Production Supervisor.

“The journey we have been on since the inception of this milestone project has been a fulfilling one which promises to expose the incredible local talent we have in Botswana’s film industry,” says Stephanie Pillay, MultiChoice Botswana Managing Director. “M-Net and MultiChoice Botswana have a shared vision to ensure that the production of the three local films which are set to air on Mzansi Bioskop later this year are produced and overseen by an individual who has not only relevant and extensive experience but an individual who has an innate passion for growing Botswana’s local creative industry. Johnson has proven to be the absolute top choice for this opportunity.”

Born and raised in Lobatse, Otlaadisa has over 20 years of experience in the performing arts industry in Botswana. He is one of the founding creators of the popular Radio Serial Drama: Makgabaneng, and the Facebook hit comedy series titled BW Trending Content. He has produced Lights Off (Drama Series), The Village Idiots (Sitcom), and Wedding Stories (Lifestyle Magazine Program) which have all aired on BTV 1, as well as Night Shift (Sitcom) and Online Celebs Game Show for Upic Tv and Btv 1.

Speaking on the significance of the Local Film Project, Otlaadisa commented, “The Mzansi Bioskop Local Film Project is an answer to a prayer that the local creative industry has held for a very long time. We have been looking for opportunities to have our stories recognized by international broadcasters and for our talent to be acknowledged in order to grow our industry. For MultiChoice to make this investment is a big win for the local industry.”

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Otlaadisa is currently the Chairperson of the Botswana Screen Society, a coalition of TV/Film Associations that advises and lobbies stakeholders, including government, for the development of television and film in Botswana. Otlaadisa is also a former member of Reetsanang Association of Community Drama Groups and a Former Board Member of Botswana National Youth Council, with the inaugural BNYC TV & Film Festival being his brainchild.

The Mzansi Bioskop Local Film Project will see three Batswana filmmakers’ concepts being brought to life and broadcast on Mzansi Bioskop; the home of locally written and produced feature films from South Africa. The broadcast of films produced outside of South Africa is a milestone not only for Botswana’s creative industry but the channel as well.

“We are proud to be part of showcasing the amazing work and creative storytelling though this project, especially because it gives a platform to share stories from other African markets,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Interest Channels – M-Net. “We hope this will go beyond the project and that we can later see more co-productions between Mzansi and other markets in the continent.”  

With the appointment of Otlaadisa to the highly coveted role of Production Supervisor for the Local Film Project, MultiChoice Botswana looks forward to announcing the names of the production houses behind the three local films in the near future. “Words can’t express how much we are looking forward to Batswana being able to see this historic moment in local film on our platform,” adds Pillay. “It’s a defining moment for us as a business as our ambition has always been to bring our viewers more local stories that connect them to DStv more than ever before.”

For more information on how to subscribe to DStv to enjoy local content and more, please visit www.dstv.com or download the MyDStv App on Google Play and Apple Ios stores.

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In the emerging world of film in Botswana, emerges the narrative of “Phala.” This abstract short film, born from a serendipitous conversation between filmmaker Mooretsi Gabang and a long-lost schoolmate, is poised for acclaim at the esteemed Berlinale and Cannes film festivals in 2024, alongside Gabang’s feature “Zombie Date Night in Tlokweng.”, Bone Chone of OniroHouse.

The chance reunion of these two collaborators, separated since their school days in 2008, became the catalyst for an extraordinary cinematic voyage. Gabang’s simple directive to “make it stand out” ignited a creative flame in his partner, giving rise to “Phala.” Fueled by a mutual drive to push boundaries, the team embarked on a quest to craft a visually arresting piece destined to leave an indelible mark on audiences.

With a background in music, the filmmaker drew inspiration from sonic landscapes, setting the stage for a mesmerizing audiovisual experience. Teaming up with Azizi as Cinematographer, Goaba as assistant Cinematographer, and Ipelo as Art Director, the vision began to take shape. But it was the contribution of praise poet Jabu, who delivered a stirring Setswana piece, that breathed life into the project, challenging the team to translate its essence into captivating visuals.

“Phala” transcends conventional storytelling, weaving together the rich tapestry of Setswana culture with dreamlike imagery to invite viewers into a realm of personal interpretation. Trippy Boy’s evocative musical score serves as the perfect companion, enhancing the film’s ethereal atmosphere and drawing audiences deeper into its hypnotic embrace.

For Gabang and his team, the opportunity to showcase “Phala” at Berlinale and Cannes represents not only a professional milestone but also a celebration of Botswana’s burgeoning creative landscape. While their expertise lies predominantly in corporate content, the allure of these renowned festivals beckons them to explore new horizons and assert their place on the global stage.

However, the journey doesn’t end there. A chance encounter with a South African producer during a trip to America paved the way for another exciting project. Collaborating on a demo for a film in late 2023, the team now finds themselves on the brink of pitching to Netflix as part of its development program. It’s a testament to their resilience and determination to push boundaries, proving that creativity knows no limits.

As they stand on the precipice of possibility, Gabang and his team are poised to make their mark on the international stage, armed with talent, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With “Phala” leading the charge, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in their cinematic journey.

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A mini-documentary on the second studio album, GARDEN, by MOONGA K.