‘Morwaake’ Earns International Spotlight, Boosts Botswana’s Film Industry

‘Morwaake’ Earns International Spotlight, Boosts Botswana’s Film IIndustry. Morwaake, a locally produced short film exploring generational conflict, cultural identity, and male mental health in Botswana, is gaining international recognition and shining a spotlight on the country’s growing creative economy.

Written by Leinatsela Kesenye, Laone Mathule, and Calum Chisholm, and produced by Kgotla Films, the film was created through an innovative partnership between local Batswana filmmakers and international collaborators. Funded by Singapore-based Carbon Moves, Morwaake was shot using the professional-grade ARRI Alexa Mini camera system, setting a new benchmark for cinematic quality in Botswana.

The production trained over 40 young Batswana creatives, providing both paid work and technical experience in high-end filmmaking. More than 85% of the film’s budget was spent locally, making a direct contribution to the country’s creative sector and demonstrating the business case for investing in film as a tool for economic development.

In 2024, Morwaake won Best African Film at the Ekurhuleni International Film Festival in South Africa and has since been nominated for another award at the Accra Indie Filmfest in Ghana. These achievements not only validate the film’s artistic merit but also elevate Botswana’s profile on the global film stage.

For Botswana’s entrepreneurs and creatives, Morwaake serves as a compelling example of how local stories, when produced to international standards, can create jobs, build capacity, and reach global audiences. The project highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration, skills transfer, and reinvesting in local talent.