CHINGOLA FILMMAKERS UNITE TO BUILD A PROFESSIONAL PRODUCERS’ NETWORK AS COPPERBELT FILM INDUSTRY GAINS MOMENTUM
The establishment of the Filmmakers Hub signals a new chapter for Chingola's creative community, with NAMA calling for stronger collaboration, professional film production, corporate partnerships and a sustainable film economy across the Copperbelt.
The movement to strengthen Zambia's film and television industry is gathering momentum on the Copperbelt as filmmakers in Chingola take a significant step towards organising themselves into a professional network dedicated to collaboration, skills development and the production of competitive film content.
In an initiative that reflects the growing determination among local creative professionals to transform filmmaking into a viable industry, filmmakers in Chingola have come together to establish the Filmmakers Hub, a producers' network designed to unite practitioners, encourage professional cooperation and develop high quality productions capable of reaching both local and international audiences.
The development comes at a particularly important time for Zambia's creative sector, following recent pronouncements by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema recognising the economic potential of the creative industries and the need to strengthen opportunities for artists, filmmakers and content creators throughout the country.
For the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA), the emergence of the Filmmakers Hub is an encouraging example of filmmakers taking responsibility for their professional development and preparing themselves to participate in a more structured and commercially viable creative economy.
Rather than operating individually, the Chingola filmmakers have recognised the importance of building a collective platform through which they can share knowledge, pool resources, develop productions and engage institutions and businesses that could support the growth of their industry.
This is the kind of initiative NAMA believes should be encouraged throughout Zambia, particularly in districts where talented filmmakers may have limited access to professional equipment, production financing, distribution networks and industry development opportunities.
A COLLECTIVE VISION FOR CHINGOLA'S FILMMAKERS
The formation of the Filmmakers Hub represents more than the creation of another professional grouping. It provides an opportunity for Chingola's filmmakers to establish a shared direction for the development of film production within the district.
The network aims to strengthen collaboration among producers, directors, writers, actors, cinematographers, editors and other professionals involved in the production process.
For filmmakers operating independently, one of the greatest challenges is often the inability to access the full range of technical and creative resources required to complete a professional production.
A filmmaker may have a compelling story but lack the necessary camera equipment. Another may possess strong editing skills but have limited opportunities to work on productions. Others may have experience in sound recording, acting, directing, lighting or production management but struggle to connect with projects that require their expertise.
A properly organised producers' network can help bridge these gaps by bringing complementary skills together and creating opportunities for members to work collectively.
Through such collaboration, filmmakers can reduce production costs, improve technical standards, strengthen their portfolios and develop the experience necessary to undertake more ambitious projects.
The Filmmakers Hub could also become a platform for mentorship, practical workshops, screenplay development, production planning and the exchange of industry information.
However, NAMA believes that the long term success of the initiative will depend on its ability to move beyond meetings and establish a consistent record of completed productions, professional cooperation and measurable results.
A network becomes valuable when its members can demonstrate what they are producing, the skills they are developing, the opportunities they are creating and the economic benefits they are generating.
NAMA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER BENSON MUSEBELA ENGAGES FILMMAKERS
The meeting was attended by Mr. Benson Musebela, a member of the NAMA Executive Committee, who shared practical insights on professional film development and production.
His participation reinforced the importance of maintaining professional standards while encouraging filmmakers to develop projects that can compete in increasingly demanding content markets.
Professional film production requires more than access to cameras and editing software. It demands careful preparation, strong storytelling, competent technical execution, production discipline and a clear understanding of the intended audience.
From script development and casting to cinematography, lighting, sound recording, editing and final delivery, every stage contributes to the overall quality and commercial potential of a production.
As Zambia's filmmakers seek opportunities with television broadcasters, streaming platforms, film festivals and international distribution partners, the importance of professional standards becomes even more significant.
A compelling story can lose its impact through poor sound, inconsistent picture quality or weak editing. Equally, technically polished content may struggle to attract audiences if it lacks strong characters, effective storytelling and cultural relevance.
For emerging producers' networks such as the Filmmakers Hub, the challenge will therefore be to build a production culture that values both creativity and technical excellence.
NAMA welcomes the involvement of its Executive Committee members in provincial and district activities because these engagements help connect filmmakers at grassroots level with broader national industry discussions.
They also provide an opportunity for the Association to better understand the challenges and ambitions of filmmakers working outside established production centres.
CHINGOLA FILM FESTIVAL INITIATIVE OFFERS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY
Among the filmmakers who participated in the meeting was Bwale “Marshall” Chisenga, who is preparing to launch the first edition of a film festival in Chingola.
The proposed festival aims to promote and celebrate films produced within the district, providing a platform through which local filmmakers can showcase their work and engage audiences.
NAMA considers the development of local film festivals an important component of a sustainable creative ecosystem.
Film production and film exhibition must develop together.
It is not enough for filmmakers to produce content if there are limited opportunities for audiences to watch, appreciate and support that content.
District film festivals can help address this challenge by creating spaces where filmmakers, audiences, sponsors, businesses and industry professionals come together around locally produced stories.
A well organised festival can provide filmmakers with valuable audience feedback, encourage healthy professional competition and introduce emerging talent to potential collaborators.
It can also create opportunities for discussions, workshops, screenings, networking and commercial partnerships.
For Chingola, a successful district film festival could gradually become an important cultural event, attracting participants from surrounding Copperbelt towns and strengthening the district's reputation as a centre of creative production.
There is also potential for local businesses to participate through sponsorship, advertising, hospitality, venue support and the provision of goods and services.
NAMA encourages the organisers to approach the festival with a long term vision, giving particular attention to transparent film selection, credible adjudication, professional screening standards and meaningful recognition of participating filmmakers.
If properly developed, the festival could become a valuable complement to the Filmmakers Hub, providing an exhibition platform for productions developed through the network.
RECOGNISING THE FILMMAKERS DRIVING THE INITIATIVE
The establishment of the Filmmakers Hub reflects the commitment of local creative practitioners who recognise that collective organisation is essential to the industry's growth.
Among the participants identified at the meeting were Bwale “Marshall” Chisenga, Kabulyeni Habbyshay, Donald Ngulube, Mwanji Lucky, Mumbai Chisenga and James Chisonge.
Their participation demonstrates a willingness among Chingola filmmakers to explore new approaches to collaboration and professional development.
NAMA commends these filmmakers and other participants for taking the initiative to organise themselves.
While individual creativity remains important, the growth of a sustainable industry requires stronger professional networks, shared responsibilities and institutions capable of connecting talent with opportunity.
The Association encourages the Filmmakers Hub to remain inclusive and to provide opportunities for both experienced practitioners and emerging filmmakers.
Young people entering the industry should be able to learn from those with greater production experience, while established professionals should remain open to new ideas, emerging technologies and changing audience expectations.
This exchange of knowledge is essential to building a creative community capable of sustaining production activity over many years.
CONNECTING CHINGOLA FILMMAKERS WITH THE COPPERBELT BUSINESS COMMUNITY
One of the most important opportunities arising from the formation of the Filmmakers Hub is the possibility of establishing stronger relationships between filmmakers and the Copperbelt business community.
The Copperbelt has a diverse commercial environment that includes mining companies, engineering firms, manufacturing businesses, financial institutions, transport operators, retailers, hospitality businesses and a growing number of small and medium enterprises.
Many of these organisations require professional communication services, including corporate documentaries, advertising campaigns, training videos, promotional content, safety awareness productions and digital marketing materials.
These services fall directly within the technical and creative capabilities of a professionally organised film and media production sector.
NAMA believes that filmmakers should increasingly recognise this wider market rather than depending exclusively on entertainment productions.
A production company that develops a television drama can also possess the skills required to produce a corporate documentary, a product advertisement or an educational video.
The difference lies in understanding client requirements, preparing professional proposals, delivering consistent quality and operating within agreed budgets and timelines.
A coordinated producers' network can help filmmakers respond to these commercial opportunities more effectively.
For example, members could collaborate to undertake assignments that require multiple technical specialists, share production resources and develop portfolios demonstrating their collective capabilities.
The Filmmakers Hub could also organise business engagement sessions where local companies are introduced to the services available within Chingola's creative community.
Such engagements would help businesses recognise filmmakers not simply as artists seeking sponsorship, but as professional service providers capable of contributing to corporate communication, brand development and business growth.
This distinction is important.
Sponsorship can support the development of creative projects, but commercial contracts create opportunities for filmmakers to earn income through the professional services they provide.
NAMA therefore encourages the Filmmakers Hub to explore both sponsorship and commercial service opportunities as part of its long term development strategy.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND INVESTMENT IN LOCAL CREATIVE TALENT
Corporate social responsibility presents another potential avenue for strengthening Chingola's film industry.
Companies operating on the Copperbelt regularly engage with communities through programmes focused on education, youth development, entrepreneurship, culture and social welfare.
Film and media arts can contribute to these objectives by providing practical skills, employment pathways and opportunities for young people to participate in productive creative activities.
A company supporting a filmmaking workshop, youth documentary programme or district film festival may contribute to the development of technical skills while strengthening its relationship with the local community.
However, NAMA believes that partnerships should be structured around clearly defined objectives and measurable outcomes.
For example, a corporate supported training programme could aim to equip a specified number of young people with practical skills in cinematography, editing, sound recording or production management.
A sponsored short film initiative could support the completion and public screening of locally produced projects.
A partnership with a district film festival could contribute towards screening facilities, professional adjudication, workshops and opportunities for filmmakers to engage with audiences.
These arrangements would allow participating companies to understand the developmental value of their contributions while giving filmmakers a clear framework for delivering results.
NAMA encourages the Filmmakers Hub to begin identifying potential corporate partners and preparing proposals that demonstrate how investment in local filmmaking can create meaningful community and economic benefits.
BUILDING A COPPERBELT NETWORK OF FILM PRODUCTION HUBS
The Chingola initiative also raises an important question about the future organisation of filmmaking across the Copperbelt.
Rather than allowing individual towns to operate in isolation, there is an opportunity to encourage cooperation between filmmakers in Chingola, Kitwe, Ndola, Luanshya, Mufulira, Chililabombwe, Kalulushi and other districts.
Each town possesses its own creative talent, production experience, cultural identity and business opportunities.
By establishing stronger relationships between local filmmaking groups, the Copperbelt could progressively develop a network of production hubs capable of supporting projects across district boundaries.
Such a network could facilitate the sharing of technical resources, specialist crew members, training opportunities and information about available production work.
It could also create a stronger platform for engaging provincial authorities, corporate organisations and national creative industry institutions.
For instance, a filmmaker developing a project in Chingola may require specialist expertise available in Kitwe or Ndola. A production company in another district may need actors, locations or technical personnel from Chingola.
A connected industry makes these relationships easier to establish.
The development of such cooperation does not require every district group to surrender its independence.
Instead, each hub can retain its local identity while participating in broader professional partnerships that strengthen the entire provincial industry.
NAMA sees considerable value in exploring this approach as part of its wider efforts to encourage production activity throughout Zambia.
THE NEED FOR A PRACTICAL AND SUSTAINABLE HUB MODEL
While the establishment of the Filmmakers Hub is encouraging, the next phase should focus on developing a practical structure capable of supporting its objectives.
NAMA believes that the network would benefit from establishing a clear membership framework, identifying available professional skills and agreeing on realistic production priorities.
Members could begin by developing a directory of filmmakers and their areas of expertise, documenting available equipment and identifying projects that can be undertaken collectively.
The Hub could also establish regular production meetings where members review scripts, assess project proposals, identify technical requirements and discuss potential funding or distribution opportunities.
A particularly valuable initiative would be the development of a shared production calendar, allowing members to coordinate activities and track the progress of ongoing projects.
Where resources permit, the network could explore practical training partnerships with educational institutions, experienced industry professionals and equipment suppliers.
It would also be important to establish clear principles for professional conduct, financial accountability, intellectual property ownership and the sharing of responsibilities within joint productions.
These considerations may appear administrative, but they are essential to building trust and avoiding disputes that can undermine collaborative projects.
A sustainable producers' network must ultimately demonstrate that its members can work together professionally, honour agreements and deliver completed productions.
PREPARING FOR BROADCAST, STREAMING AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
The ambition to develop films capable of competing internationally is an important aspect of the Filmmakers Hub's vision.
However, access to international markets requires careful preparation and an understanding of the standards expected by different distribution platforms.
Television broadcasters, streaming services and international film festivals may have specific requirements relating to picture quality, sound, programme duration, technical delivery, rights clearance and supporting documentation.
Producers must therefore consider these requirements during project development rather than waiting until production has been completed.
Professional production planning should include appropriate budgeting, contracts with cast and crew, music licensing, location permissions and the management of intellectual property rights.
Filmmakers should also prepare marketing materials, trailers, production stills, programme descriptions and other documents that may be required when presenting their work to distributors or potential partners.
NAMA encourages filmmakers to develop projects with a clear understanding of their intended markets.
A production designed for local community screenings may require a different commercial strategy from a drama series intended for national television or international streaming distribution.
Both approaches can be valuable, provided the production is developed with a realistic understanding of its audience, resources and objectives.
For Chingola filmmakers, the Filmmakers Hub could become an important platform for building this commercial knowledge and improving the competitiveness of locally produced content.
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA'S CREATIVE ECONOMY VISION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRY READINESS
The establishment of the Filmmakers Hub comes against the background of renewed national attention to Zambia's creative economy.
President Hakainde Hichilema's recent pronouncements on supporting creative industries have generated considerable discussion about how filmmaking, music, content creation and other artistic activities can contribute to employment, entrepreneurship and national economic development.
For NAMA, these pronouncements reinforce the importance of building an industry that is organised, productive and prepared to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
The Association believes that Government support and private sector investment will have greater impact when creative professionals can demonstrate their capabilities through completed projects, credible business structures and professional portfolios.
The Filmmakers Hub is therefore an example of the kind of grassroots organisation that could help filmmakers prepare for future opportunities.
Instead of waiting for funding before establishing professional relationships, filmmakers can begin by developing their skills, strengthening cooperation and preparing projects for production.
This approach also aligns with NAMA's call for a stronger culture of work, enterprise and self reliance within the creative sector.
NAMA PRESIDENT MORGAN MBULO CALLS FOR ACTION AND INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
NAMA President Morgan Mbulo has welcomed the formation of the Filmmakers Hub, describing it as an encouraging development in the Association's wider efforts to stimulate film production across Zambia.
Mbulo believes that initiatives of this nature can contribute significantly to the development of the industry, particularly when they combine creative collaboration with business development and professional standards.
He emphasised that the future of Zambia's film industry depends not only on individual talent but also on the ability of filmmakers to organise themselves into productive and commercially sustainable structures.
“This is the kind of initiative we want to see taking place across the country. Filmmakers must come together, organise themselves, develop projects and begin producing. The formation of a hub is an important first step, but its real success will be measured by the productions, partnerships and opportunities that emerge from it.”
Mbulo also stressed the importance of connecting filmmakers with the business community.
“On the Copperbelt, we have a significant business and industrial environment. We must begin exploring how our filmmakers can provide professional services to these businesses while also developing their own film productions. We want companies to see the creative industry as a serious economic partner.”
He reiterated that NAMA's broader objective is to encourage active filmmaking communities in every province, with particular attention to districts that have historically received limited industry support.
“We cannot build a national film industry if production remains concentrated in a few towns. We need active filmmakers in Chingola, Kasama, Mpika, Mansa, Mongu, Solwezi and every other part of Zambia. Our role as leaders is to help create the connections and frameworks that will allow this activity to grow.”
He further encouraged filmmakers to embrace continuous production and professional development.
“The message remains simple: work, work, work. Let us develop our scripts, produce our films, build our portfolios and prepare ourselves for the opportunities ahead. Chance favours the prepared mind.”
CONNECTING FILMMAKERS WITH BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
An important part of developing sustainable filmmaking hubs is ensuring that creative professionals have access to relevant information about the wider business environment.
Filmmakers need to understand not only developments within the film and television industry but also opportunities emerging from sectors that may require their services.
Information about corporate investment, business expansion, entrepreneurship programmes, training opportunities, procurement and potential partnerships can help production companies identify new markets.
This is particularly relevant on the Copperbelt, where economic activity across different industries can create demand for communication and audiovisual production services.
To encourage greater awareness of these developments, filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs are invited to follow Morgan's WhatsApp Channel, which shares information relevant to the Zambian film and television industry, Copperbelt business activity and other developments of interest to creative professionals.
Follow the channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6Eam22ER6gj1PMuU2h
The objective is to encourage filmmakers to become more informed about the commercial environment in which they operate and to recognise opportunities that may exist beyond traditional film production.
A professional filmmaker should not only ask where the next film project will come from, but also which businesses require audiovisual services, what opportunities are emerging in the market and how creative skills can be converted into sustainable income.
The combination of local filmmaking hubs, professional industry networks and access to business information could become an important foundation for strengthening the Copperbelt's creative economy.
FROM FORMATION TO PRODUCTION: THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR CHINGOLA
The establishment of the Filmmakers Hub marks an encouraging beginning, but its greatest contribution will depend on what follows.
The immediate challenge is to translate the enthusiasm surrounding the initiative into practical activity.
This means developing productions, strengthening professional relationships, identifying potential markets and establishing systems that allow members to collaborate effectively.
The proposed Chingola film festival could provide an important platform for showcasing the results of these efforts.
Together, the Filmmakers Hub and the festival initiative have the potential to create a productive relationship between film development, production, exhibition and audience engagement.
NAMA encourages the organisers to maintain momentum and continue engaging stakeholders who can contribute to the long term success of these initiatives.
The Association also welcomes opportunities for cooperation with Government institutions, corporate organisations, educational establishments and other partners interested in supporting creative industry development.
A STRONGER FILM INDUSTRY BEGINS WITH ORGANISED FILMMAKERS
The coming together of filmmakers in Chingola demonstrates an important principle: meaningful industry development often begins when creative professionals recognise the value of working together.
The Filmmakers Hub offers an opportunity to build a more organised and collaborative filmmaking community capable of developing professional productions, discovering new talent and creating economic opportunities.
It also reinforces NAMA's wider vision of a film industry that extends beyond traditional production centres and provides opportunities for creative professionals throughout Zambia.
As the country explores ways of strengthening its creative economy, initiatives such as the Filmmakers Hub deserve encouragement, professional guidance and opportunities for meaningful partnerships.
NAMA congratulates the filmmakers who have taken this important step and acknowledges the contribution of Executive Committee Member Benson Musebela in sharing professional insights during the meeting.
The Association also welcomes the proposed Chingola film festival and looks forward to seeing how these initiatives contribute to the development of local talent and the wider Copperbelt film industry.
The challenge now is to turn collaboration into productions, productions into marketable content, and creative talent into sustainable businesses.
For Chingola, this could mark the beginning of an important new chapter.
For the Copperbelt, it presents another opportunity to connect the creative sector with the region's wider business community.
And for Zambia, it reinforces a message that NAMA continues to champion:
A strong national film industry will be built through active filmmakers, organised professional networks, meaningful partnerships and a consistent culture of production.
Let us organise. Let us collaborate. Let us produce.
Work, work, work!
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