One of them is filmmaker Pesalema Bagwasi, also known as Psalms, whose new short film, With U, is set to spark conversations around love, trust, and the future of local cinema. The film, which runs just over five minutes, reimagines the folklore of Lentswe la Baratani in a modern urban setting. But for Bagwasi, the work is less about legend and more about exploring what love means in today’s fractured world. “I wanted to tell the story of the rockiness of love in these murky and confusing times. I wanted to clarify the timelessness of love, what we are willing to take, give, or even tolerate to keep and maintain it,” he said. Bagwasi, who grew up in Maun, has long been fascinated by storytelling. He recalls working on a scriptwriting project that never materialised but planted a seed for With U. “Many things really inspired me, from those ashes I took my experience with the folklore of Lovers Rock and placed it in a modern setting as I seek universal truths in my work,” he said.
Like most independent filmmakers in Botswana, Bagwasi faced hurdles in production. Financing was one challenge, but the greatest obstacle came in an unlikely form. “As a young film director, it is difficult to have some aspects of production secure. However, the one I feel comfortable with is the challenge of permits, as the location was quite difficult to get,” he explained. The absence of a robust film industry in Botswana adds to the weight on young directors’ shoulders. “We do not have a strong film industry in Botswana as of yet, with limited investment and many barriers to entry,” he said. He further added that people such as Mooretsi Gabang and Teto Mokaila have proved to be bright examples. Bagwasi describes the feeling of releasing With U as “surreal.” He admits it will only sink in on the day the film meets its audience. “God did,” he added.
