03 Apr 2024

 A local short film, Partly Cloudy and Hot,  last week won the Best Short Film award at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) in India.

A Cattle Post Films production starring Kaone Kario and Zenzo Ngqobe, the film addresses male fertility and challenges the presumed masculinity of men. Written and produced by Donald Molosi, who is a retired Broadway actor, the film is directed by Moreetsi Gabang. The Mumbai International Film Awards said the Botswana film stood out among thousands of other films submitted, and they congratulated the country for the win.

Expressing gratitude, Molosi said the award was a recognition of everyone who worked on the film. He acknowledged the film’s makeup artist, Emmanuel Charles, who did an award-winning job.

However, Molosi said he was disappointed with his fellow Batswana, saying Batswana creatives only enjoyed validation when their work was outside the country. 

“In Botswana there is no genuine celebration of local film, let alone merit,” said Molosi, adding that local filmmakers struggled to get sponsorship in Botswana.

Kario also shared the same sentiments with Molosi. However, she was excited about the achievement. “This is amazing. It feels good to have our work seen. It is validating. Other countries are supporting Botswana talent,” Kario said.

Meanwhile, Ngqobe, a South African accomplished actor, said the win was for Africa and that it was testament that Botswana and Africa could compete internationally. “This best film award in India is excellent for us as Africans, and our films are at a certain level now,” Ngqobe said.

The Mumbai International Film Festival is a prestigious festival in the Bollywood industry of India. 

Partly Cloudy & Hot premiered in the United States last June and was declared Oscar-qualifying by the Academy Awards. The film has also premiered in various countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. ENDS