Set in Botswana, Alexander McCall Smith’s series of bestselling novels featuring private eye Precious Ramotswe have virtually put that southern African country on the map. Millions of Westerners had probably had never heard of Botswana before reading these not-quite-mysteries in which Ramotswe and her bespectacled assistant and obliging mechanic-husband swap ludicrously polite musings about human nature. Among other evidence of their power, The #1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and its sequels have spawned an industry in “bush tea,” aka rooibos, aka Aspalathus linearus, a South African specialty previously unknown in Western teacups.
But now a controversy is simmering in Botswana as a film is in the works based on the novels, underwritten by the Botswanan government. As quoted in Reuters-India, director Anthony Minghella says: “The movie has two primary characters. One is Mma Ramotswe and the other is Botswana as a whole. It tries to tell a story of what is wonderful, what is magical, about Botswana and about the rest of Africa.”
But “some residents of Botswana,” according to Reuters-India, “say [their] government’s $5 million offer to underwrite the movie demonstrates a case of misplaced priorities for a country which, despite its mineral riches, remains largely poor. ‘What is government trying to do? Where have you seen that being done anywhere else in the world?’ fumed one participant in a radio call-in programme…. Minister of Tourism Kitso Mokaila, whose ministry was responsible for the $5 million film fund, insisted the movie presented ‘a rare opportunity’ for Botswana to market itself as a premier African travel destination.” Botswana has been striving to diversify its economy from an over-reliance on diamonds.
Although McCall Smith’s books have sold more than 15 million copies in English alone, “Botswana’s book buyers have been slow to warm to the woman who may become their country’s emblem,” the article continues. “Martina Seetso, manager of Exclusive Books in Gaborone, said McCall Smith was not a best seller there, although interest has been growing with the start of movie production: ‘They are just popular enough, if you get what I mean. But in the past three weeks the sales seem to have improved a bit because people are curious to know what the hype is all about,’ Seetso said.”
Chris Says:
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:29 amVisit Chris
Really interesting story. Did this film actually get released over there and did you end up catching it some how?
It’s interesting to hear that the government offered so much to underwrite the movie. That 5 million is a lot considering the country that this is happening in but at the same time I can see how they want to promote Botswana as a travel destination.
I’d love to check this movie out. Any ideas of where I could find it or if it did indeed get released?
Thank you,
Chris A Clark
Patty Cravitz Says:
February 8th, 2009 at 8:28 amVisit Patty Cravitz
Chris, your best bet is to do a google search. Movies like these are considered rare and very few major online outlets will carry such a film.
Otherwise, you’re going to have to travel to the country where the film was made and buy it from their local video store (huge hassle I know).
Reise Laender Says:
May 16th, 2009 at 10:29 amVisit Reise Laender
They can choose to show the movie to the country where most copies of the book were sold. Or as suggested, you can travel to where it was shown and maybe get a copy of that film there. Anyway, the movie would be a very effective way to show the world some of the best places to visit in Botswana or in Africa.
Luxury Vacations Says:
July 22nd, 2009 at 7:38 amVisit Luxury Vacations
I did a quick Google search and it seems like this might be part of a HBO mini series called “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”. If that was the case I think it may be justifiable for the government to do so because it could get people interested in visiting the country. Even if it doesn’t bring in the 1st year the effect would be on going if visitors have a great experience and tell their friends.
Exclusive Buyer Agents Says:
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:29 pmVisit Exclusive Buyer Agents
The only reason I can think of for this is a ploy to increase tourism. Do I think a movie will provide more than $5 million in increased tourism revenue? I’m not sure … but it probably wont. Sounds like a sad case to me.
Rooibos Tea Says:
December 2nd, 2010 at 3:33 pmVisit Rooibos Tea
Its wild how one book, cleverly written can spawn an entire industry for rooibos tea.
World Tour Travel Says:
December 30th, 2010 at 9:02 pmVisit World Tour Travel
interesting book, i’m already look for the related movie from the book. anyway is there any digital version of the book which sold in internet?
More Customers Blog Says:
April 8th, 2011 at 7:17 amVisit More Customers Blog
I would not be so skeptical about spending $5m on tourism. In fact tourism is the only real alternative for Botswana now that the diamond industry is beyond its peak. If there is a proper robust business plan to encourage tourism (and there are certainly huge opportunities) then investing in the film as part of the process might be worthwhile. If the money is just spent in the hope it will stimulate interest then probably not. On the other hand look how the Australian tourist industry was given a mighty push by Crocodile Dundee. The Botswana people might grow to love McCall Smith yet.
Kevin
Webmaster More Customers Blogfor B
RJ Says:
April 21st, 2011 at 12:17 amVisit RJ
Such a great story and plot. And it is going to be launched as a movie too? Quite interesting. I am quite excited to see such unique and eye opening piece.
Sally Says:
May 25th, 2011 at 9:31 amVisit Sally
@World Tour Travel- I have looked far and wide across the internet and cannot find it for the life of me.