FROM PRESIDENTIAL PRONOUNCEMENTS TO ACTION: KASAMA ANSWERS THE CALL AS CHISANGA FILMS LAUNCHES “MANDALENA” DRAMA SERIES

FROM PRESIDENTIAL PRONOUNCEMENTS TO ACTION: KASAMA ANSWERS THE CALL AS CHISANGA FILMS LAUNCHES “MANDALENA” DRAMA SERIES

NAMA President Morgan Mbulo applauds Northern Province filmmakers for taking the initiative and calls on creatives across all ten provinces to embrace a culture of work, preparation and production as Zambia moves towards a stronger creative economy.

13 October 2026 | NAMA News Desk

The winds of change are beginning to blow across Zambia's creative industry, and the excitement generated by the recent pronouncements of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema on the development of the creative economy is increasingly finding expression in practical initiatives beyond the country's traditional centres of film and television production.

In Kasama, Northern Province, filmmakers have taken an encouraging step towards strengthening the local film industry following the launch of a new drama series titled “Mandalena,” an initiative by Edmond Chisanga Films.

The project was unveiled during a launch and press engagement held on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at President's Park Saver Spot in Kasama. The event brought together Government representatives, sponsors, filmmakers, creative industry stakeholders and officials from various institutions, reflecting growing interest in the development of film production in Northern Province.

Among the notable officials in attendance was Mr. Crispin Ntalasha, Regional Arts Coordinator for Northern, Muchinga and Luapula Provinces, whose participation provided an important Government presence at the occasion. Also in attendance was Mr. Chanda Chipwepwe, NAMA Northern Province Coordinator, representing the National Association of Media Arts.

Their participation highlighted the importance of collaboration between Government, regional arts structures, industry associations, sponsors and local filmmakers in building a stronger and more inclusive creative economy.

Described by the organisers as the first launch of its kind in Kasama and Northern Province, the occasion marked an important moment for local filmmakers seeking to establish a stronger presence in Zambia's growing film and television industry.

The planned drama series is expected to be developed for distribution through various television channels and digital platforms, with ambitions to reach audiences both within Zambia and internationally.

For NAMA, the significance of this development extends beyond the launch of a single production. It represents the kind of initiative, determination and productive mindset that the Association believes must define the next chapter of Zambia's creative economy.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA'S CREATIVE ECONOMY VISION BEGINS TO INSPIRE ACTION

The launch comes at an important time when the creative sector is responding with renewed enthusiasm to President Hakainde Hichilema's recent address to the National Assembly, in which he reaffirmed Government's commitment to supporting the growth, formalisation, commercialisation and sustainability of Zambia's creative economy.

The President recognised the enormous talent that exists among Zambians working in music, film, content creation, fashion and other artistic disciplines, emphasising the need for these talents to translate into fulfilling careers, sustainable businesses and meaningful economic opportunities.

Of particular significance was his recognition that creative talent exists throughout Zambia's ten provinces and that citizens outside established economic centres must also be afforded opportunities to develop their abilities and participate in the national creative economy.

This vision has resonated strongly with the National Association of Media Arts, which has consistently advocated for a more inclusive industry in which opportunities are not concentrated in Lusaka and the Copperbelt alone.

The emergence of projects such as Mandalena in Kasama demonstrates the potential for this national vision to inspire creative activity in communities that have historically received limited attention in mainstream film production.

Although the Mandalena project should be recognised as an initiative of its own filmmakers, its launch reflects the renewed industry confidence and sense of opportunity surrounding the President's pronouncements.

NAMA believes that this growing enthusiasm must now be converted into a sustained culture of production, professional development, entrepreneurship and investment.

KASAMA DEMONSTRATES THAT THE FILM INDUSTRY BELONGS TO EVERY PROVINCE

For many years, the development of Zambia's film and television industry has been associated predominantly with Lusaka and, to a lesser extent, the Copperbelt.

This concentration has often created the impression that aspiring filmmakers must relocate to established production centres before they can participate meaningfully in the industry.

However, the creative potential of Zambia extends far beyond these locations.

Northern Province possesses a wealth of cultural heritage, languages, traditional narratives, historical experiences, natural landscapes and community stories that can provide a strong foundation for distinctive film and television productions.

Kasama and its surrounding districts have the potential to develop an identifiable storytelling tradition capable of attracting audiences from across Zambia and beyond.

The launch of Mandalena therefore sends an important message: filmmakers do not necessarily have to wait for major investors, expensive equipment or established broadcasters before taking the first steps towards developing their projects.

They can begin by organising themselves, developing compelling stories, identifying available talent, building local partnerships and preparing productions that can grow as additional resources become available.

The presence of Government representatives, sponsors and NAMA's provincial leadership at the launch is equally encouraging because the development of a sustainable creative economy requires cooperation between filmmakers, public institutions, businesses and communities.

For the Northern Province creative community, Mandalena presents an opportunity to demonstrate that locally conceived projects can become the foundation for a broader provincial film industry.

NAMA PRESIDENT MORGAN MBULO APPLAUDS THE INITIATIVE

Reacting to the development, NAMA President Mr. Morgan Mbulo welcomed the launch and commended the filmmakers for demonstrating initiative at a time when the Association is encouraging creative professionals across the country to move from discussion to production.

Mbulo said the project represents the practical response he would like to see from filmmakers in every province following the President's pronouncements.

“This is exactly the kind of development that excites me as President of the National Association of Media Arts. His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema has pronounced Government's commitment to developing the creative economy. Our responsibility as artists, filmmakers and industry leaders is to respond by getting to work.”

He emphasised that Government support, policy frameworks and institutional development are essential to the growth of the industry, but that these interventions must find a creative community that is organised, productive and ready to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

“We cannot afford to sit back and wait for everything to be provided before we begin creating. The President has outlined a vision, and as an industry we must demonstrate that we are ready. Whether you are in Kasama, Mpika, Mansa, Chipata, Mongu, Solwezi, Kabwe, Livingstone or any other part of Zambia, the message is the same: start working.”

Mbulo noted that one of the most important changes required in the creative industry is a shift away from an excessive dependence on anticipated support towards a culture that rewards initiative, discipline, collaboration and consistent production.

He stressed that this does not diminish Government's responsibility to establish an enabling environment, but rather strengthens the industry's ability to benefit from such an environment when it becomes operational.

WORK, WORK, WORK: THE CULTURE THAT MUST DEFINE ZAMBIA'S CREATIVE INDUSTRY

At the centre of NAMA's message is a simple but powerful principle: Zambia's creative economy will not be built through pronouncements alone, nor will it be built by filmmakers waiting indefinitely for resources before developing their ideas.

It will be built by people who are prepared to work, improve their skills, organise their businesses, develop intellectual property and create products that can eventually enter the market.

According to Mbulo, the industry must begin replacing an entitlement mentality with a productive and entrepreneurial mindset.

“One of the things I appreciate about President Hakainde Hichilema's development agenda is the emphasis on work and productivity. We must embrace that same spirit in the creative sector. Work, work, work. That must become our culture.”

He explained that filmmakers should not interpret the President's commitment to the creative economy as an invitation to suspend their activities while waiting for Government programmes to materialise.

Instead, they should view it as a signal to prepare themselves for the opportunities that may emerge from stronger policies, financing mechanisms, training programmes, market access initiatives and institutional reforms.

“There is a saying that chance favours the prepared mind. If opportunities become available tomorrow, what will you have to show? Do you have a script? Do you have a production plan? Have you identified your cast and crew? Have you produced a short film, a documentary, a pilot episode or a television concept? Have you registered your business and started building your portfolio?”

These questions, he said, should become central to the industry's preparations.

Filmmakers who have already developed projects, demonstrated their capabilities and established professional structures are likely to be better positioned to compete for future opportunities than those who have made no preparations.

The Association therefore encourages artists to begin with the resources available to them while continuously working towards higher production standards.

A short film produced with a modest budget can demonstrate talent. A documentary about a local community can preserve important cultural history. A pilot episode can introduce a compelling television concept. A carefully developed screenplay can become the foundation for a larger production.

What matters is that filmmakers begin the process of creating and progressively build the capacity required to operate professionally.

MUCHINGA PROVINCE ALSO SHOWING SIGNS OF CREATIVE ACTIVITY

The excitement is not limited to Northern Province.

NAMA President Morgan Mbulo has also indicated that he has received information suggesting that filmmakers in Muchinga Province are embarking on a creative project of their own.

Although further details of the initiative are yet to be formally communicated, the development is encouraging because it suggests that filmmakers in different parts of the country are beginning to take practical steps towards strengthening their local production activities.

For NAMA, the size of a project should never be the primary measure of its significance.

A production involving a handful of young filmmakers can be just as important to the development of a provincial creative ecosystem as a larger production involving established professionals.

Smaller projects provide opportunities for practical training, experimentation, collaboration and the discovery of new talent.

They also help filmmakers develop the discipline required to complete productions, manage resources, meet deadlines and understand audience expectations.

Mbulo encouraged filmmakers in Muchinga and other provinces to document their activities and communicate their progress through their provincial NAMA structures.

“I am reliably informed that something is also happening in Muchinga Province, and that is very encouraging. It does not matter how small your project may be. What matters is that you are doing something. We must begin building a culture where every province is producing, every province is discovering talent and every province is contributing to the growth of our industry.”

TAKING THE FILM INDUSTRY BEYOND THE LINE OF RAIL

One of the strongest commitments made by the NAMA President is his determination to see the film industry develop beyond Zambia's traditional economic and production corridors.

Mbulo believes that meaningful national growth in the creative sector can only be achieved when filmmakers from all provinces are represented and supported.

He has therefore identified the expansion of film activity outside the line of rail as an important priority of his leadership.

This includes encouraging provincial associations, local filmmakers, arts institutions, businesses and relevant authorities to establish partnerships that can support film production, training and exhibition.

For many communities, the absence of dedicated film schools, production facilities, screening venues and professional networks remains a major challenge.

However, Mbulo believes that provincial filmmaking initiatives can become the starting point for addressing these gaps.

As local production activity increases, communities may begin to identify the need for training programmes, equipment hire services, production support businesses, editing facilities, screening opportunities and other services that contribute to the creative value chain.

“If there is one legacy I would want to be associated with as President of NAMA, it is helping to spark film production in every corner of Zambia. I want to see filmmakers in places that have previously been overlooked telling their own stories, developing their own talent and building their own industries.”

He added that the creative industry must reflect Zambia's full national identity, including the languages, cultures, traditions and experiences of communities that are often underrepresented in mainstream media.

A genuinely national film industry should make it possible for audiences to discover stories originating from every province.

FROM LOCAL FILM PRODUCTIONS TO REAL ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Beyond the excitement surrounding new projects, NAMA believes that the greatest opportunity lies in transforming provincial film production into sustainable economic activity.

A film or television production creates demand for numerous services beyond acting and directing.

Camera operators, sound technicians, editors, makeup artists, costume designers, musicians, writers, graphic designers, production assistants and many other creative professionals can benefit from an active production environment.

Local businesses can also participate through catering, accommodation, transport, equipment supply, construction, location services and other forms of production support.

As production activity expands, these opportunities can generate income and encourage the development of small businesses within provincial communities.

A successful drama series can also create intellectual property that may be licensed to broadcasters, distributed through digital platforms, supported by advertisers or developed into additional productions.

However, commercial success requires more than completing a film.

Producers must understand the importance of audience development, distribution agreements, copyright protection, production budgeting, marketing, professional contracts and sustainable revenue models.

This is why NAMA continues to emphasise that filmmaking must increasingly be approached as a business.

The ultimate objective should be to establish a creative economy that creates employment, generates wealth, supports entrepreneurship and contributes meaningfully to Zambia's Gross Domestic Product.

For projects such as Mandalena, the journey from launch to production, distribution and eventual monetisation will be important in demonstrating what provincial filmmakers can achieve.

NAMA WORKING TOWARDS A STRUCTURED INDUSTRY FRAMEWORK

While encouraging filmmakers to begin working immediately, NAMA has reaffirmed that industry leadership also has a responsibility to engage Government and relevant institutions on the practical implementation of the President's creative economy vision.

The Association recognises that presidential pronouncements must be supported by clear institutional arrangements, appropriate financing mechanisms, accessible programmes and measurable implementation plans.

NAMA is therefore committed to continued engagement with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, the National Arts Council of Zambia and other relevant stakeholders to understand how the announced priorities can be translated into operational programmes.

Among the important matters requiring attention are the development of a coordinated creative industry ecosystem, access to financing, professional training, distribution opportunities, stronger protection of intellectual property and the establishment of institutions capable of supporting industry growth.

NAMA has also continued to advocate for the expedited establishment and operationalisation of the proposed Zambian Film Commission.

The Association considers the Film Commission an important institution for facilitating productions, promoting Zambia as a filming destination, attracting investment and helping to create a more organised film industry.

Mbulo explained that the Association's immediate focus is to engage the appropriate authorities so that implementation priorities, responsibilities and realistic timelines can be clarified.

“As leaders, our responsibility is to work with the relevant authorities to ensure that the President's vision is translated into a practical framework. We want to understand the implementation process, the opportunities that will be created and the timelines within which these interventions can begin to benefit filmmakers.”

He cautioned that it would be premature to announce specific implementation timelines before they have been formally established by the responsible institutions.

Nevertheless, the Association remains optimistic that constructive engagement can help turn the renewed national commitment into tangible opportunities for creative professionals.

In the meantime, filmmakers should continue preparing their projects and strengthening their professional capabilities.

A MESSAGE TO NAMA PROVINCIAL STRUCTURES AND FILMMAKERS ACROSS ZAMBIA

The launch of Mandalena also provides an opportunity for NAMA to renew its call for greater activity within its provincial structures.

The Association encourages provincial coordinators and creative leaders to identify emerging filmmakers, promote collaboration, support local productions and help connect creative professionals with potential partners.

Provincial structures should become centres of mobilisation, information sharing, professional development and practical industry activity.

Rather than waiting for national events before becoming active, filmmakers should explore opportunities to organise local screenings, develop short productions, undertake training initiatives and engage businesses that may be interested in supporting creative projects.

The Association believes that a stronger national film industry must be built from active provincial communities.

Every province should be encouraged to develop its own production capacity while maintaining connections with the wider national industry.

Mbulo emphasised that the current period presents an important opportunity for filmmakers to demonstrate both their talent and their readiness to participate in a more structured creative economy.

“My message to every filmmaker in Zambia is simple: do not wait to be discovered before you begin working. Do not wait for a major budget before you start developing your story. Do not wait for the Film Commission to become operational before you begin preparing your production.”

“Start where you are. Use the resources available to you. Collaborate with others. Build your portfolio. Develop your skills. Above all, produce something. When opportunities arrive, let them find you already working.”

COMMENDING EDMOND CHISANGA FILMS, GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES AND NORTHERN PROVINCE

NAMA congratulates Edmond Chisanga Films and the entire team behind Mandalena for taking the initiative to introduce a new drama series from Kasama.

The Association also acknowledges the presence and participation of Government representatives, sponsors and officials from various institutions who attended the launch.

Special recognition goes to Mr. Crispin Ntalasha, Regional Arts Coordinator for Northern, Muchinga and Luapula Provinces, and Mr. Chanda Chipwepwe, NAMA Northern Province Coordinator, for their participation in this important occasion.

NAMA President Morgan Mbulo welcomed their involvement, noting that the development of provincial film industries requires cooperation between creative practitioners, Government structures, professional associations and the private sector.

The participation of the Regional Arts Coordinator was particularly significant because regional arts structures provide an important link between local practitioners and the institutions responsible for facilitating arts development.

For filmmakers operating outside the major production centres, access to institutional guidance, professional networks and information about development opportunities can be essential to their growth.

NAMA believes that stronger cooperation between regional arts offices and provincial creative associations can help identify emerging talent, strengthen local industry organisation and encourage more productions across Northern, Muchinga and Luapula Provinces.

The Association hopes that such collaboration will continue beyond individual launches and develop into sustained programmes that support training, production, professional development and access to markets.

The launch represents a promising beginning, and NAMA looks forward to following the project's development as the producers move towards production and eventual distribution.

The Association encourages the filmmakers to maintain strong professional standards, protect their creative work, build sustainable partnerships and explore opportunities for reaching audiences through television and digital platforms.

Importantly, NAMA hopes that Mandalena will inspire other filmmakers in Northern Province to develop their own productions and contribute to a growing local creative industry.

THE PRESIDENT HAS SET THE VISION. NOW THE INDUSTRY MUST RESPOND.

President Hakainde Hichilema's recognition of the creative economy has provided an important national policy signal that Zambia's artistic talent deserves structured support and a meaningful place in the country's economic development.

For NAMA, this recognition represents an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Government, creative professionals, investors and institutions responsible for industry development.

But the Association also believes that the success of this vision will depend on the willingness of artists and filmmakers to take responsibility for their own professional growth.

Government can establish policies, support institutions and create an enabling environment. Industry associations can advocate, coordinate and mobilise. Private businesses can invest and provide market opportunities.

Ultimately, however, filmmakers must create the stories, develop the projects and produce the content that will sustain the industry.

The launch of Mandalena in Kasama is therefore more than an announcement of a new drama series. It is an encouraging example of the initiative that NAMA wants to see replicated across Zambia.

From Northern Province to Muchinga, from Western Province to Eastern Province, and from the Copperbelt to Southern Province, the message must remain consistent.

Zambia's creative economy belongs to every province, every community and every talented citizen willing to participate in its development.

The President has outlined the vision. NAMA is engaging on the framework. Now filmmakers must demonstrate their readiness through action.

Work, work, work.

Because when opportunity finally comes knocking, it must find Zambia's filmmakers prepared, organised and already creating.

Chance favours the prepared mind.

By Morgan MbuloPresident, National Association of Media Arts (NAMA)Media Consultant

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