Investing in local content creation empowers industry
Correspondent | Sunday March 24, 2024 06:00
Given the right infrastructure, policy and support, this could be easily realised. As the nation’s creative landscape continues to evolve, there is a growing recognition of the paramount importance of investing in local content creation.
We have seen this emphasis made repeatedly, from the call for content on new platforms such as Btv1, to the government’s collaborations with the likes of Steve Harvey and MultiChoice Botswana, and the just-ended African Youth Entrepreneurs Summit (AYES) 2024 platform.
We are a nation burgeoning with talent with a government that is interested in playing its role to grow the local creative industry. So why are we not investing in local content creation more? Such investment nurtures artistic expression and serves as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural preservation, and national identity.
At the heart of this discussion lies the intrinsic value of storytelling. Local content creation provides a platform for Botswana’s diverse narratives, traditions, and perspectives to be shared with the world. By investing in indigenous stories, whether through film, television, music, or literature, Botswana cultivates a rich cultural tapestry that celebrates its heritage while fostering a sense of belonging among citizens. These narratives serve as potent tools for cultural diplomacy, enabling Botswana to amplify its voice on the global stage. Investing in local content creation is a strategic imperative.
By nurturing a thriving entertainment industry, Botswana unlocks opportunities for job creation, entrepreneurship, and revenue generation. From actors and musicians to writers and producers, the sector offers a multitude of career pathways for talented individuals to pursue their passions while contributing to the economy. It is not a cheap venture, but it is a sustainable one when we consider long-term industry growth – this is why local providers and networks working to empower local content creation is so important. Investing in local content creation is instrumental in fostering social cohesion and inclusivity; we see this from tangible results that platforms such as MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) produce. To date, MTF has had eight Batswana alumni, four of whom have started their own production companies in Botswana, working on content for UPICtv, MultiChoice Africa and Showmax.
The annual MTF Masterclasses with local seasoned producers and creatives as well as international filmmaking experts continue to deliver progress. One of the beneficiaries of this programme has recently been engaged by Mzansi Magic as a Production Supervisor for three local films to be broadcast on Mzansi Bioskop in 2024.
By amplifying diverse voices and narratives, the industry becomes a catalyst for social change, challenging stereotypes, and promoting dialogue on issues ranging from gender equality to environmental sustainability. Partnerships and collaborations only unlock this further, between private sector providers and government for local content creation, and between producers and networks, bringing success stories like that of Mdu Tha Party who hosted and produced DStv’s Channel O Bots Top 5 music show and Rachel Tlagae, who in 2023 hosted a cooking show on DStv’s Honey TV called My Botswana Plate.
These are just two recent examples. Investing in local content creation is vital for the preservation of cultural heritage. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, there is a pressing need to safeguard indigenous languages, traditions, and customs from the encroachment of globalisation.
Through mediums such as film, music, and literature, Botswana’s cultural legacy can be preserved and transmitted to future generations in the face of globalisation’s homogenising forces.
By providing support for filmmakers, musicians, writers, and other creatives - and paying for this content to then air - Botswana cultivates a conducive environment and vibrant creative ecosystem for artistic experimentation, innovation, and excellence. This, in turn, elevates the quality of local productions, enhances the industry’s competitiveness on the global stage, and fosters a culture of creativity and excellence.
The possibilities for growth and transformation are boundless; and if it means a higher cost now for this investment for us to realise returns later, then it’s an investment well worth making to secure a brighter future for the creative industry.