Opening Remarks by H.H. the Vice President Lt. General Mompati S. Merafhe, MP on the Occasion of the Meeting with Bollywood Film City Directors

source: Republic of Botswana (29/6/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 9 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"



D1) 19/6/10: OPENING REMARKS BY H.H. THE VICE PRESIDENT LT. GENERAL MOMPATI S. MERAFHE, MP ON THE OCCASION OF THE MEETING WITH BOLLYWOOD FILM CITY DIRECTORS



Joint Managing Director of Film City, Distinguished Film Directors and Producers, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon to you all,



1. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for the warm welcome to Mumbai, the home of Bollywood!



2. Although Botswana has a history of film making, this has mainly been focused on the documentary production on our flora and fauna.



3. In the 1980s, Botswana was internationally known for a feature film entitled “The Gods Must Be Crazy”, which showcased the rural life of the San people in contrast to the modern life.



4. In the recent years, the Government of Botswana invested about P31 million (US$5 million) in the production of the first major film to be undertaken in the country, entitled “No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency”.



5. The internationally-acclaimed movie, produced by BBC and HBO, is based on Alexander McCall Smith’s series of novels focusing on the story of a detective agency opened by a Motswana woman known as Mma Ramotswe and her courtship with the mechanic, Mr. JLB Matekoni. This, Ladies and Gentlemen, demonstrates the Government’s commitment and strong desire to develop a film industry as one way of diversifying the economy and create opportunities for many young Batswana, who are enthusiastic about the industry.



6. Since film production in Botswana is still on its infancy stage, it currently faces a number of challenges such as lack of technological expertise and resources. I however wish to point out that there is plenty of talent as many young Batswana have been educated in media related courses including cinema studies. These graduates are now yearning for an opportunity which will enable them to effectively utilise the knowledge and skills they have acquired in these critical fields.



7. Botswana, Ladies and Gentlemen, offers a variety of exotic locations for film production. In addition, the political stability and sound macro-economic policies make Botswana one of the best destinations for investment.



8. As Bollywood is one of the largest centres of film production in the world, my country can certainly benefit a lot from collaborating with you. It is a fact that no film industry can survive without foreign ideas, foreign talent, and foreign resources.



9. Many film industries across the globe, including Hollywood have progressed through fostering partnerships. I therefore believe that we can work together in this regard. I thank you for your attention.