DRAMATIC TENSION
New Dithunya Tsa Rona docudrama in actors-director controversy Actors complain of mistreatment at the hands of Ledikwe Accusations dismissed as false and mischievous
Co-director of the newly-launched Dithunya tsa Rona docudrama Isaac Marumo has dismissed as false, allegations that his partner in film production, Jenny Ledikwe, has no respect for actors. Ledikwe, who is of American origin, partnered with Marumo as directors of the onehour docudrama that focuses on positive parenting and child abuse. This week, unhappy cast members described Ledikwe as unprofessional, saying she has no respect for her actors. “One of the worst and traumatising incidents was when one of us went into labour and Ledikwe insisted that production continues. “She wanted to squeeze in as many scenes as possible from the actor despite her crying in pain. It was scary and traumatising,” the source said. “That never happened, it is an outright lie. She was simply excused because she was not feeling well. We had to be very cautious because of her condition so as not to strain her,” refuted Marumo. Marumo is shocked that anyone would say that about Ledikwe, saying she is one kind-hearted soul. Executive Director of Stepping Stones International, who are developers of the docudrama, Lisa Jamu, said the pregnant lady in question was assisted accordingly and even taken to the hospital. “There is no truth in that. I do not believe Ledikwe would do something like that. She is very loving and always goes an extra mile for the actors,” Jamu said. Jamu acknowledged that at the time, there was need to keep production going but it was not at the expense of an unwell actor. Ledikwe expressed shock at the allegations levelled against her. “I have no idea what you are talking about! No one went into labour. I just feel that when you work with over 100 people, chances of pleasing all of them are minimal,” Ledikwe said. Ledikwe said she always strives for professionalism. As proof of that, she was recognised as the Best Emerging Filmmaker at the African Film Festival in Houston, Texas, United States of America (USA) last week. “Marumo and I are award winning filmmakers. Marumo was recently winner of Mascom Finding Botswana’s Diamonds film competition. There is no how I cannot be professional,” she said. Meanwhile other unhappy actors said they were shocked when Ledikwe told them that chances are that they will miss out on the red carpet docudrama launch which was held at Masa Capitol Cinemas in Gaborone last week. “We were told that we can come in as ushers, imagine being denied an opportunity to see the work you did and just being relegated to an usher!” They were also shocked when one of the lead actors was excluded from the promotional poster for the docudrama allegedly because she had disapproved the invitation to relegate to an usher at the launch. “We had to look at numbers because of Covid-19 protocols but all main characters were prioritised,” Ledikwe clarified the issue of numbers. Marumo said it was not all a bad idea to suggest that some come in as ushers. “If the director says instead of outsourcing, I will have someone who was part of production to come in as ushers so that we adhere to stipulated Covid-19 numbers, I do not think it was a bad thing. Problem is when someone twists that to cause unnecessary tensions,” he said. On the other hand, Jamu said they had extended invitation to all, including the supporting cast. “We had put it out that anyone who wanted to come to the launch should come, no one was forced to be ushers, it was purely voluntary,” she said. Jamu explained that contrary to suggestions, they never intended using the lead actor on their poster. “We had to be careful. We did not want to give out much but just enough to grab attention of viewers during advertising.”
June 23rd Zodiac
As a Cancer born on June 23rd, your personality is founded on creativity and emotional understanding. Almost like a sixth sense, you can easily pick up what others are feeling and thinking. This ability makes compassion and sensitivity your most natural qualities. Security is one of your greatest concerns and you strive to obtain it with close bonds to your family and loved ones.
June 23rd Career
Being in tune with the emotion’s of others creates a wide variety of career opportunities. You have the ability and determination to help others, whether in the realm of public service, education or law. As a hobby, you may chose to use your emotional understanding to connect with others creatively. Look to the quirky, yet heart-felt lyrics of Jason Mraz, who was also born on June 23rd, for inspiration. The relatable songs of singer June Carter Cash, another of your birthday twins, may also be a good point of reference.