The highly anticipated first African adaptation of the worldwide hit scripted format “Liar” has been unveiled, marking a milestone for Botswana’s growing film industry. The series, produced by Botswana Ignite in partnership with leading distributor All3Media International, is about for completion in early April 2025.
“This has been a groundbreaking achievement for Botswana,” said Duncan Irvine, program director of Botswana Ignite. “There’s an exciting pool of young filmmaking talent here that fueled the creative drive to supply a uniquely compelling African version of this powerful and universally relevant story.”
The six-part thriller, featuring celebrated actors Motsoaledi Setumo (“The Wife,” “Soweto Love Story”) and Maxwell Dichi (“Generations,” “Muvhango”), wrapped principal photography in November 2024. Filmed on location in Gaborone, the series retains the powerful themes of consent and modern-day gender politics that made the unique “Liar” a world sensation.
All3Media International’s Lizzy Ribeiro praised the difference, saying, “We’re thrilled our good partners at Botswana Ignite have delivered such a premium adaptation of our global hit. It’s good that the compelling scripts and powerful themes have attracted leading African talent each on-screen and behind the scenes.”
Originally created by Two Brothers Pictures for ITV within the UK, “Liar” has seen 15 adaptations worldwide, including in India, Italy, France and Germany. Botswana’s version will premiere on a Pan-African streaming platform before being broadcast locally on BTV.
Botswana Ignite, a government-backed industry program in partnership with Steve Harvey Global, is playing a key role within the country’s film and TV expansion. This production signals Botswana’s growing influence in the worldwide entertainment industry.
