Cinematography Bill key to creative sector development
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday April 6, 2026 06:00
The Botswana Film Commission, to be established under the Cinematograph Bill of 2025, presents a transformative opportunity for national economic growth, the development of the creative sector, and global visibility. By providing a centralised, professional structure to promote and regulate the film and audiovisual industry, the Commission will attract international productions, generate substantial local spending, and create jobs across multiple value chains, from tourism, transport, and hospitality to fashion, digital services, and technical crafts,” Kelebeng said.
Kelebeng further explained that with the authority to advocate for competitive tax incentives, manage a Film Development Fund, and facilitate co-productions, the Commission is positioned to deliver significant economic returns. “With direct annual revenues estimated at P100– P150 million and wider indirect and induced economic activity projected to reach P500 million to P1 billion per year, placing Botswana on a path toward a combined sector value of up to P1.5 billion annually once the ecosystem matures. Moreover, by positioning Botswana as a credible film destination aligned with global best practice, the Commission will enhance the country’s soft power, expand cultural exports, and contribute meaningfully to economic diversification,” he explained. The minister said the Bill was long overdue for the review and repeal of the Cinematograph Act of 1972. “Over the years, significant changes have taken place in the film and video industry, requiring a review and repeal of the Cinematograph Act to align with the latest developments and technological advances. This revision will ensure productions are properly regulated, and new management, growth, and sustainable development strategies are implemented,” he added.
Furthermore, he explained that establishing a Commission is a strategic and economically vital move to unlock the country’s potential in the creative industry, attract investment, and diversify the national economy. He highlighted that the Commission will provide coordinated leadership in developing, promoting, and marketing Botswana as a competitive destination for film production, while regulating the sector through licensing, setting standards, content rating, managing public complaints, and ensuring ethical and professional practices across the audio-visual value chain. “Key to unlocking this potential would be the introduction of competitive tax incentives and film rebates, which global case studies consistently show are crucial in attracting high-budget productions, boosting local spending, and helping countries stay competitive within the rapidly growing international film marketplace,” he said. The proposed Bill will establish the Botswana Film Commission and its related structures, serving as the primary regulatory instrument for the Film and Video industry in Botswana. Some of the key issues to be addressed by the Bill include: a firm legal framework for the film and video industry in Botswana, including the licensing of cinemas, film production, online streaming platforms, distributors, and exhibitors, and the registration of film agents.
Develop, promote, and market Botswana as a destination for film production. The Bill also aims to facilitate the growth and development of the film sector. The Bill will also help set filming standards and a code of ethics, and facilitate investment in the film and video industry. It will also hear complaints and appeals from the public regarding film and television material produced, distributed, and exhibited in Botswana. He said that without a Film Commission, Botswana risks ongoing regulatory fragmentation, uncoordinated licensing, limited investor confidence, and the persistent absence of a dedicated structure to promote filming or facilitate international productions. “This would lead to missed economic opportunities, weakened cultural documentation, limited skills development, and continued underperformance in a global entertainment market worth trillions of dollars. Establishing the Film Commission will close these gaps by professionalising the sector, supporting cultural storytelling, attracting investment, and positioning the audiovisual industry as a driver for economic diversification and national development,” he said.