Primetime Emmy-nominee Steve Harvey, actor, comedian, producer, host of Family Feud, and previously, the host of The Steve Harvey Show, recently announced his Foundation’s creation of a filmmaking academy in Botswana. The initiative, titled Botswana Ignite, strives to help expand the local film industry, enabling aspiring filmmakers and visual storytellers to showcase their unique narrative voices. Botswana Ignite includes the newly developed Botswana Film Commission (to launch in September 2024), Botswana TV Academy, and Botswana Wildlife Film School, as well as masterclasses and mentorship. In partnership with Harvey’s foundation, NYFA will provide three 1-week online courses to support necessary training in creative and technical aspects of filmmaking.
“The New York Film Academy recognizes the importance of upskilling the new generation of Botswana storytellers as African cinema continues to grow on the global stage,” said Jim Miller, the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at NYFA. “We wholeheartedly said “yes” when we were approached by the leadership of the Botswana Ignite TV Academy to assist in this prodigious effort by providing specialized masterclass instruction by NYFA’s industry award-winning faculty. We salute the government of Botswana and the Steve Harvey Foundation for their vision and support for this endeavor. Botswood has the talent to join the ranks of Nollywood as a cornerstone of African storytelling.”
NYFA’s workshops for Botswana Ignite are overseen by Jonathan Whittaker, the head of the NYFA Chair of Short-Term Filmmaking Programs. Whittaker has a diverse background in media production, with credits including work on TV shows such as In the Loop, Louie, and Trophy Wife.
Filmmaking in Botswana and Beyond
Botswana’s flourishing TV and film industry has enabled the government of Botswana to recognize the potential of creativity as a tool for cultural expression and economic growth, leading to various initiatives to support local filmmakers. Events like the Botswana International Film Festival (BIFF) provide a platform for filmmakers to screen their work, and digital streaming platforms offer ample opportunities for mass distribution for Botswana’s filmmakers.
In recent years, Botswana, and the entire continent of Africa have seen incredible growth in film. A 2021 UNESCO report stated that the film and audiovisual industry in Africa accounts for US$5 billion in revenues, employing around 5 million people. Regional film hubs like Nollywood (Nigeria), South Africa, and Riverwood (Kenya) are already major players in the film industry, releasing films like the Academy Award-winning Tsotsi (2005) and Rafiki (2018). Africa has also played host to US-produced films like Hotel Rwanda (2004), The Last King of Scotland (2006), District 9 (2009), Invictus (2009), The Constant Gardener (2005), and Out of Africa (1985), serving as the backdrop to pivotal scenes.
A number of NYFA alums have already found their spotlight in African film. Lunathi Mampofu, 2-Year Acting for Film alum, is starring in the new Netflix film Fatal Seduction, which was filmed in South Africa. 1-Year Acting for Film alum Natasha Thahane has also worked extensively with Netflix on the 2020 streaming series Blood and Water, filmed in Cape Town. AFA Acting for Film alum Masali Baduza starred in the 2022 film The Woman King, filmed in KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town, alongside EGOT award-winning actress Viola Davis. She was also recently cast in the hit television series Bridgerton. Filmmaking and Screenwriting alum Banky Wellington (Banky W) starred in the hit Nollywood rom-com The Wedding Party (2016). NYFA 1-Year Acting program alum, Sèdo Tossou also starred in the Canal+ TV series Black Santiago Club, filmed in Cotonou, Benin.
Tell Your Story with NYFA and Botswana Ignite
With ongoing government support, international collaborations, and a growing pool of local talent, Africa, and specifically, Botswana’s film industry is only poised for further growth. Aspiring, emerging, and even established filmmakers can explore more opportunities with NYFA’s filmmaking, media, and performing arts programs. Learn more about Botswana Ignite today or explore NYFA’s hands-on and immersive programs – available in-person and online!