News

University of Botswana (UB) has joined forces with a team of filmmakers from Denmark led by renowned actor Roland Møller, in a creative arts initiative. The collaboration aims to strengthen Botswana’s emerging film sector through the development of micro-dramas, training of young creatives and the establishment of long-term professional creative work. The partnership is also in collaboration with and supported by the Ministry of Sport and Arts as well as other industry stakeholders.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to his office, UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, reaffirmed that the project aligned with the UB's vision to create a vibrant, engaged and socially responsive campus. Professor Norris noted that the creative arts sector held potential for national development and economic diversification especially by empowering young people with practical skills and opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. He also acknowledged that young people had exceptional talent and passion. However, for many years the country had not fully built an enabling environment required for this talent to flourish, noted Professor Norris.

Responding, Roland Møller explained that the decision to focus on micro dramas was intentional and strategic. He noted that globally micro dramas were some of the most popular and cost-effective forms of storytelling.

"Because they are easy to produce and highly shareable, they attract quick online attention, something increasingly important in a digital world driven by views, likes and discover-ability," explained Møller.

He added that strong micro dramas could easily be expanded into a full-scale film. Furthermore, he praised UB and the Ministry Sport and Arts for their boldness, saying that many institutions globally had become overly cautious due to concerns about political correctness which he believes limits artistic expression.

For her part, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise, Professor Doreen Ramogola-Masire said the project would also reinforce youth ownership of intellectual property to ensure that creators themselves retained rights to monetise their content. Professor Ramogola-Masire noted that discussions with government were underway to support policy frameworks that enabled young people to earn income from digital productions.

Adding to the discussion, Principal Officer in the Department of Film at the Ministry of Sport and Arts, Ms Kganya Gao Kwalate, reiterated the Ministry's support for the collaboration. Ms Kwalate observed that the initiative aligned with the Ministry's priority of strengthening Botswana's creative industries. She further confirmed that funding had been committed for the micro drama productions and that the Film Office was already facilitating the necessary permits.

The Denmark team will lead script development, creative writing sessions and masterclasses, location scouting and auditions. Working with experts from the Faculty of Humanities, selected participants from both UB students and Ministry's affiliated performers will take part in the production of two (2) to four (4) micro dramas which are expected to premiere and later feature as part of UB's annual Film and Arts Week.