Staff Writer
WRITER and director of local drama series, Bophelo, Paul Banda Luanga Jr has hailed major sponsor of the project, Econet Telecom Lesotho, for supporting the production.
He said the film is gaining momentum on local television as well as in the region and they were grateful that Econet had shown confidence in the project.
Banda said this in an interview with the Xpress People yesterday.
He said since the soap started airing on LTV and DStv Channel 292 last December, they have received rave reviews locally and from the region.
The film has so far aired 10 episodes while production is currently on the 12th episode.
Banda said as they are about to complete the first season, plans are already underway to work on the second season.
“First and foremost, on behalf of PULA Media and indeed on my own behalf as the creator, writer and director, I would like to thank our sponsor, Econet Telecom Lesotho for believing in us and contributing to the arts,” Banda said.
“Bophelo is gaining momentum on LTV and DStv Channel 292 as we are getting lots of feedback internationally and from Basotho at home and in the Diaspora. Our social media pages are laden with positive reviews.”
He said they were now back on the negotiating table with Econet for further sponsorship for the second season of the film.
“So far, the negotiations are going on well. As you may know, production is expensive, so we are grateful to Econet for partnering with us.”
He said once their negotiations are complete, they would then announce dates and venues for season two auditions.
“We have hundreds of applicants wanting to be part of the series but we can only take so much because some key characters must continue. I am impressed with the talent that both the new comers and the experienced actors have shown.”
He said he was also grateful to the Lesotho National Broadcasting Service (LNBS) for airing the film on LTV giving the local film industry an opportunity for growth. Banda said the growth is also evident in the part-time and full-time employment created for actors and production personnel.
“We have 165 people who are involved in the film so far. This is another reason for which we are grateful to Econet and all our sponsors and partners for showing faith in an arts project. They took a chance and they have changed people’s lives.
“Season 2 promises to be explosive as we have many surprises for the viewers,” Banda said.
He said they were happy that four Bophelo actors have been identified by a South African agency for a soon to be announced project.
“This brings joy to my heart as it helps to motivate artistes to work even harder. If our artists are being noticed then, we are making a difference,” Banda said.
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