After falling in love with Botswana from the moment he set foot in the country two-and-a-half years ago, Hollywood actor, Denim Richards, has made it his mission to transform the local film and television industry.
The 34-year-old American, who made his name in the hit US drama ‘Yellowstone’, is the co-founder of Khumo Studios, a company he set up with Batswana duo, Kay Chapi and Ona Ranyere.
“Khumo is dedicated to capacity building and education in acting, writing, directing, producing and distribution, not only here in Botswana but in the continent of Africa,” explains Richards, whose thick beard and eye-catching afro are something of a hallmark.
“The vision is to develop and nurture the next generation of young Africans to establish and run sustainable businesses through Arts, Entertainment and entrepreneurship, because this is a $786 billion industry. Young people deserve to meaningfully partake in that!” he continues, adding that ultimately they aim to provide employment opportunities in Botswana, especially for the youth.
To achieve this vision, Khumo Studios have run several masterclasses, both locally and abroad, passing on their expertise in the US, as well as Lusaka, Zambia and Johannesburg, South Africa.
“We’ll be in Cape Town soon,” continues Richards, who is planning another masterclass in Gaborone for this Sunday.
Sessions focus on various topics centered around the ‘Business of Entertainment’, including: Acting, Directing, Writing and Producing.
“This will increase creatives’ understanding of the industry, while also identifying and training them in transferrable skills,” states Richards, who played a farmhand in the critically acclaimed ‘Yellowstone’, a five-season drama that stars two-time Oscar winner, Kevin Costner in the lead.
Khumo Studios also produce their own content, and have put together a pilot for a one-hour telenovela that tells the story of two rival families in the Botswana diamond mind industry.
“It’s Romeo and Juliet, meets Power, set amidst the world, business, and culture of Botswana. Through this one production, Khumo Studios employed over 125 Batswana,” he revealed, adding they are currently in talks with several ‘different platforms’ on which the drama might be aired.
Richards admits locally we are lagging way behind, ruefully noting there is essentially no entertainment industry in Botswana.
“An industry is defined as a group of companies that are related based on their primary business activities. With that in mind, you can see that for Botswana that has yet to be achieved. There are talented film makers and creatives in this country without argument, but they work in silos and not in concert with one another towards the collective goal of capacity building, setting standards, or distributing content in the entertainment industry. Once that has been achieved then you will have an industry!” insists the actor-cum-producer, who describes his coming to Botswana as a ‘spiritual calling’.
“I had never been to the continent of Africa before and was eager to make this much needed journey. I purchased a one-way ticket and was on my way. I arrived in South Africa and after a couple of days was ready to move on to the next step of my journey, to a country that at the time I knew almost nothing about – Botswana. And from the moment I landed it was like The Most High spoke to me and said ‘I was home’,” concludes Richards, who, seduced by Botswana, saw his initial plan of continuing on to Kenya, Zambia and Ghana fade away.
