Khahliso Khama
MASERU — Lesotho’s first feature film, Tears of Blood, finally hit the big screen when it premiered at Sterkinekor in Maseru on Thursday.
The premiere was initially penciled in for September 29 but had to be postponed by two months to fix some technical issues.
The wait — and all the work put into producing the movie — was however worth it if the reaction of the 300 people at the first screening is anything to go by.
Most of the people appeared impressed by the movie, which is expected to start showing at the local cinema soon.
Tears of Blood, or Likhapha tsa Mali in Sesotho, is centred on Lesotho’s water crisis.
It was directed by Jeremiah Mosese and produced under Bam Promotions.
The movie has an entirely local cast including Palo Sempe, Sephiwe Nzima, Motlatsi Mosase, Ramosongoana Kaeane, Tšeliso Tale and Tseko Mbele.
“This journey has not been easy but thanks to the persistent men and women who sacrificed so much today we are launching this homemade product,” Bam Promotions managing director Tšepang Mosena said at the premiere.
“It was not easy convincing stakeholders about the importance of investing in this film.
“We came across various challenges because the arts industry is not fully recognised.”
She called on Basotho to support local artists, including musicians and poets.
“Let’s support our own artists because we need to grow this industry,” Mosena said.
“Let us buy their products and stop pirating their work.”
Before Tears of Blood was unveiled on the big screen, local artists stole a few minutes of the show to entertain the audience.
When Nthakoana Ngatane, Damario and Khotso Thahane took the podium to sing their first collaboration titled Peace Song, it was clear the night was going to be unforgettable.
The song was launched last Friday during the Peace March in Maseru.