WOMAN ON THE RISE
What would you say has been the highlight of your career thus far?
There are numerous highlights I am grateful for. My current project ‘Red, Pink and Black’, which is really close to my heart, is my current highlight. I am grateful for the support I am receiving in raising funds to make this film. It was an honour for me to be selected to participate in the John Landis Masterclass and the Il Cinema Ritrovato Film Festival in Bologna, Italy. Participating in the Syracuse University in Los Angeles Semester Program and being nominated for the Gotham Awards fourth annual Focus and Jetblue student short film showcase are also very notable milestones for me.
From your experience, would you say women in the film industry, especially in positions of authority, are taken as seriously as their male counterparts?
My colleagues, where I am currently situated, respect me and my voice as a writer/ director/producer/actor. Prior to this, my experience as a writer meant working twice as hard as my male counterparts for unequal pay. Experience teaches you better and filmmaking is not an isolated process. As one moves along after every film, it’s easier to observe people’s patterns and filter whom to work with on the next.
When it comes to women’s issues, you call yourself a disruptor, and you own
the term. How important do you feel it is for women to take up spaces and no longer live life as you say ‘in an eternal state of
apology for being women?’
The historical exclusion of African women from cinema has adversely affected the creation of diverse characters. I create films that protest against human rights violations and societal injustices to effect change. For me, film is an inherited passion and a way to reconcile my history. Taking up space is invalid as lip service, it should be a core tool of survival at this point. Women have been left out of a history curated through patriarchal systems. To survive, we must be active participants in the narration and documentation of history now.
You’re also quite an active player in mental health activism, how important is this role for you?
In 2009, I was diagnosed with bipolar, which altered the course of my life. In 2012, I got healed and that’s how the mental health activist in me found alignment. I chose to volunteer my time and knowledge to teach high school students, women and the general public about mental health. During my three year-long struggle with bipolar, I was stigmatised in my commu n i t y for being a mental health patient. While pursuing my film degree at AFDA, I started Mmakgosi L i v e , B o t s wa n a , wh i ch sensitises people on mental health issues using spoken word poetry, fine art, film, dance and theatre. I carry this activism into every sphere of art I create.
Take us through your current film project ‘Red, Pink and Black’.
Red, Pink and Black is a film about a young, black woman immigrant, Anaya, who grapples with a new bipolar diagnosis. Her young brother offers her an opportunity to prove her sanity and she soon realises that the truth is not enough to keep her out of the psychiatric ward.
Through this film, I explore the stigma assigned to mental illness, sibling rivalry, and validation. It is important to me as a black female Motswana director to lead a diverse crew and cast of exceptional filmmakers representing different cultures, races, and perspectives. I have secured a crew of 10 women and 8 men from Iran, United States of America, China, Chile, India, Nigeria and Botswana. I am currently in the process of raising funds for the film, which will be shot mid February.
What would you say makes a great film?
A great vision, attention to detail; quality work speaks for itself - depth, style, powerful performances. A memorable score. Work that lingers long after the audience have watched the film.
What is your current take on Botswana’s film industry and what do you think the future of filmmaking in our country looks like?
The film industry will be where its stakeholders want it to be. The onus is on us.
Prior to this, my experience as a writer meant working twice as hard as my male counterparts for unequal pay
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received in your career?
The Calvary is not Coming, by Mark Duplass.
What would you want your last film to be called?
There cannot be a last film from where I am standing because I have not even begun.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?
The Calvary is not Coming, my friend. Honour the people you work with. Study. Don’t be afraid to do what you have not seen. Discipline is key. Have a relationship with God. You need faith because it’s not an easy path to walk.