Lerato Matheka
MASERU — A local communications firm is producing a documentary chronicling the life of Basotho king Moshoeshoe I.
The two-hour film titled Moshoeshoe The Mountain King is being directed by local film-maker Kalosi Ramakhula.
“It is about the real story of the origins of Basotho from Egypt to Thaba-Bosiu,” Ramakhula said.
“The documentary is intended to paint the real picture of what Lesotho is all about and let world learn the true history of Basotho.”
Ramakhula added: “It is going to include every historical journey Moshoeshoe I travelled from the Free State to Lesotho, exposing all significant historical places.”
He said the royal family had given its blessings to the production of the film.
The film’s production manager, Neo Matsunyane, said they were planning to run auditions for people to act-out some scenes of the documentary.
“It is going to have a long shelf life because it is going to be released on DVD,” Matsunyane said.
“To take it globally, we are going to submit it to various film festivals around the world.”
Ramakhula, who has worked on several films in the past, said they hoped the documentary would provide a powerful weapon in selling Lesotho as an attractive tourist destination.
“Apart from Moshoeshoe I’s story it includes beautiful places that are of significance to our history,” he said.
Ramakhula said he has been working on the film over the past 15 years and hoped to launch in Lesotho, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein.
He expected to finish the production of the film in November.
“Eighty percent of the production is already done,” Ramakhula said.
He added that they were going to hold auditions for local actors to take part in the production, which will also incorporate local illustrators as well capture historical art effects.
“The documentary is going to capture the journey Moshoeshoe I travelled, as well as his political relations with both the British and Afrikaans leaders,” he said.
The filmmaker said he decided to team up with the accomplished Matsunyane on Moshoeshoe The Mountain King because he respected his film-making abilities.
“I have known him for a very long time as an individual and I have seen his work so I knew that with his expertise the final product will be of high quality,” Ramakhula said.
Matsunyane has directed a number of well-known South African productions including Soul City, Takalani Sesame I, II and IV, Take 5, Emzini Wezinsizwa IX, Soul Buddyz III and IV, Afro Café, Motswako The Mix, Scandal! and Jika Majika.
Ramakhula said Matsunyane was also passionate about Basotho history.
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