Banana Emoji debuts LGBTQIA+ film trailer
Staff Writer | Sunday July 17, 2022 06:00
Aptly titled, 'This Noble Land', the film narrative re-imagines a homonormative Botswana where queer bodies exist without prejudice.
The film echoes themes of patriotism, homophobia, vulnerability, and strength through five acts of concentrated motion between performance art, dance and surrealism.
Tanlume Enyatseng, Banana Emoji creative director and film producer, explained that in continuing Banana Emoji’s aim to drive social commentary through art, This Noble Land further explores their interest in theatrical production through the translation of identity, political discourse and creation.
"Whether it be through photography, design, or filmmaking, we sought to always create new visual languages that encompass the expressions that communicate the lived realities of the communities we work and live with.
The film will be shown in a series of curated screenings throughout the year with the aim of affording each audience a unique cinematic experience," Enyatseng said.
The project was funded by the UK aid from the UK government facilitated through Botswana’s human rights advocacy group, LEGABIBO. It was produced and creatively directed through additional funding from Banana Emoji’s social responsibility project, Banana Club.
As project funding facilitator, LEGABIBO’s chief executive officer, Thato Moruti, noted that storytelling is one of the most valuable resources in advancing advocacy and raising awareness of issues in the varied communities and strengthen visibility and movement. "I have no doubt that 'This Noble Land' film will connect us all with our emotions and will inspire Botswana and eventually astonish the world to act to bring about change,” Moruti explained.
The short film is the result of a staggering creative eco-system.
It was written by Enyatseng and directed by Theo Silitshen while Mboko Basiami of Glotto performed the styling. It also features music by human rights heavyweight Katlego Kat Kolanyane with cameos from upcoming LGBTQIA+ activists and creatives. “This project boasts some of the most amazing young talent in the country.
As a creative consultancy, we aim to always centre the voices of artists in public discourse, expanding what participation in a democracy looks like; reshaping conversations about politics and provoking a change in consciousness. There is nothing more inspiring than young artists who are unique and true to themselves,” said Enyatseng.