Fight Club Production ventures into action movies production
First movie addresses bullying, more productions in the pipeline
Founder of film company, FightClub Production, Mbise Tabokana, says that his company’s mandate is to revolutionise and step up Botswana’s motion picture landscape.“We intend to show the world that we are just as capable at doing what we see them do and go even beyond,” he said.
Tabokana is a local martial artist, and he explained that his dream to be a movie star or director was inspired by his love for American and Chinese movies.
His company recently resurfaced on Facebook with their short martial arts film titled “Nswazwi.” The story was inspired by Tabokana’s life experiences.
“Growing up as a child, it’s always a challenge to adjust to moving to a new place/ school or just any environment. Our story was meant to demonstrate that sometimes those who are bullied at schools are not necessarily silent because they cannot defend themselves, rather because they might be defending those bullying them; they know their capabilities so they remain silent but when we push them because we might bring the
worst out of them.The message we are giving out is that we should all just learn to appreciate someone, even if they are different from you,” he said.
Tabokane has grouped together young actors in his short film. He explained that it is important to groom talent from a young age.
“Talent that is discovered early has a greater chance of success, because there is a process of refinement and improvement. Some of these children didn’t even know that they could act until they were given this opportunity,” he said.
He added that the youngsters use their mother tongues in the production.“For example, these children are Kalanga, and so we used Kalanga. Language is one of the most pivotal elements of any culture so if you want people to bring their best ,make them feel at home.”
Tabokana said they have more productions in the pipeline that depict Botswana’s unique culture. “We already have a few scripts we are working on. Our
long-term goal is to venture into feature films,” he said. He noted that their plans are often affected by limited resources and knowledge, so they will continue to research and also devise ways to secure funds to inject into their projects.