DStv channel encourages filmmakers to provide content
Sharon Mathala | Tuesday February 9, 2016 11:57
The channel head, Addiel Dzinoraeva, said it was launched mid last year and it was the first time for the channel head to visit Botswana. This came as an opportunity for local filmmakers to interact one on one as well as get first hand information on the kind of content the channel is looking for.
Speaking at the mini-conference Dzinoraeva said that Zambezi Magic gives a platform that tells genuine local stories more than any other channel on DStv.
“I want the world to think of Zambezi Magic when they think of authentic African stories,” he said. “We are more close and pride ourselves to your traditional African values.”
He further said Botswana was lagging behind in providing content urging and calling out for local filmmakers to step up.
“We do not want your content to be strictly English, one can add subtitles as long as the story depicts your version of African tales and stories, and you are more than welcome.”
Kebone Seabelo of Baboneng Films had this to say: “It is not like we do not have content, it was not clear in the past how we submit our projects to the relevant stakeholders, especially channels within DStv. As we speak I have submitted about 10 different projects to the team that came to Botswana. I hope some of the material will make the cut.
“Information was not reaching us as to how we can give them content. It’s only now that we are fully informed of the process.”
However, Bokang Ditlhokwa the chairman of Botswana Film Association said that they were not aware of their visit.
He said his association was not informed but its individual members had been invited. However, he said, the association would contact MultiChoice formally.