Botswana Short Film Baratani Earns Top Nominations at South Africa’s Ithuba International Film Festival

Botswana Short Film Baratani Earns Top Nominations at South Africa’s Ithuba International Film Festival. Botswana’s growing film industry is gaining international attention as Baratani (The Hill of Lovers), a locally produced short film, has been officially selected to screen at the Ithuba International Film Festival in Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, from 7–9 November 2025.

Directed by Moreetsi Gabang, Baratani continues to make waves across Africa’s film scene and has been nominated in three major categories: Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Short Film. The film’s lead actor, Bernard Lakima Morapedi, is being recognized for his powerful performance, while the entire cast and crew have been celebrated for their commitment to storytelling excellence.

The selection marks another significant milestone for Botswana’s creative sector, which has been steadily expanding its presence on regional and global platforms. The nominations also highlight the rising quality and competitiveness of Botswana’s independent filmmakers, who are leveraging limited resources to tell authentic African stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

Supported by NEFTI Competition and Panavision/Panalux, Baratani is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, vision, and passion. The film’s recognition at Ithuba underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in the creative economy — a valuable lesson for Botswana’s entrepreneurs and content creators looking to expand their impact beyond national borders.

The Baratani team expressed gratitude to local supporters and sponsors, emphasizing the importance of community-driven initiatives in elevating Botswana’s film industry. As the festival approaches, anticipation is high for the film’s screening and potential wins.