Botswana’s film industry is on the verge of a significant transformation, following key announcements made by the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, during the official opening of the Wildscreen Festival in Maun last Thursday, outlining the government’s renewed commitment to developing the creative sector.
One of the major developments announced was the ongoing review of the country’s outdated film regulations. “The Ministry of Sport and Arts is currently reviewing the Cinematography Act of 1972 to modernise the regulatory framework and align it with global industry standards,” the Minister stated. The revised legislation will include provisions for the creation of a Botswana Film Commission, a body that will oversee production, exhibition, and cinema licensing, while also working to promote Botswana as a world-class filming destination.
In a bid to attract more international filmmakers to the country’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the Minister confirmed that the government is exploring new incentives. “Through the Ministry of Finance we are looking at creating a film Rebate Programme which will attract significant film production to Botswana,” he said. This programme would offer financial incentives to production houses filming in Botswana, with the broader aim of accelerating skills development and foreign investment.
The country is also investing in home-grown talent and stories that resonate on the international stage. Hon. Mmolotsi announced the launch of a Local Co-Production Fund, which he said is aimed at supporting productions with global appeal or international financing. “Botswana Ignite has also launched a Local Co-Production Fund to facilitate more local production specifically those that have international appeal and or have non-Botswana funding attached,” he said.
Significantly, the Minister revealed that this vision is already beginning to materialize. “I am informed that Botswana Ignite is concluding 3 International Co-productions and actively looking to do more with the International Production Industry for films to be shot in Botswana and affiliated with our growth and training ambitions,” he said.
For the North West region of Botswana, these policy changes could be especially transformative. As the tourism capital of the country, home to globally renowned destinations such as the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Tsodilo Hills, the region is rich in untapped storytelling potential. By encouraging international filmmakers to produce content in these areas, the new initiatives could usher in significant economic and infrastructural growth.
Wildlife filmmaking can bring more than just global exposure—it has the potential to create employment for local guides, camera assistants, hospitality providers, translators, and other service industries. Film crews often rely on local expertise, and with the government’s investment in training through Botswana Ignite, more youth and creatives from Maun and surrounding villages could find themselves with access to sustainable, high-impact jobs.
Moreover, the influx of international productions is likely to stimulate local spending, build capacity in tourism adjacent sectors, and reinforce Maun’s growing reputation not only as a safari gateway, but also as a hub of visual storytelling. With increased visibility, Maun and the North West could benefit from a dual identity a sanctuary for both wildlife and film innovation.
As Mmolotsi concluded, “It is our wish as the government to see many more locals showcasing their talent and storytelling to the world and trust me there are many to be shared with the global audience.” For Maun and the broader North West, this moment could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one where conservation, culture, and cinema come together to tell Botswana’s story on the world stage.
