Through his own films, which received excellent reviews from famous broadcasters, Botswana’s filmmaker, Billy Kokorwe, has earned a platform to promote his “Positive Africa Image Campaign”, which advocates for unbiased non stereotypical films, television programs aid campaigns and news reporting about Africa.
Kokorwe has earned a mark in the international film and television industry and had his latest documentary film, “The African Democrat”, featured notably on the just ended Marche International des Programmers Documentary (MIPDOC) guide in Cannes, France.
The documentary film, “The African Democrat”, highlights the political life of Botswana’s former president, Sir Ketumile Masire, and his achievements as the main architect of the country’s economic success and good democratic governance, setting another example that Africa is not all doom and gloom.
The documentary features Kokorwe’s interviews with prominent world statesmen, including former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, former President of South Africa and Nobel peace prize laureate, FW De Klerk and also former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki.
Kokorwe has always been optimistic towards the screening of Africa’s positive images but he has not turned a blind eye to producing controversial films that look at critical African issues such as human rights and democracy.
The filmmaker produced a controversial and somewhat critical film that leaves questions and answers to the viewer.
“The Bushman Rebellion” is about the battle between the San tribe of the Kalagkadi and the government of Botswana. It was produced in 2004 and will only be released when the protracted impasse comes to a final conclusion.
Also, to some extent controversial, is Kokorwe’s next film, “Africa’s Success Stories”. It is featured on MIPDOC’s films in the development list. It will not only showcase the good side of Africa on issues such as human rights and democracy but will also expose the bad side in a fair and balanced way, posing questions rather than creating impressions.
