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Lights, Camera, Save Our Power: YAAV Short Film & Animation Competition 2026 is Here!

Published by iCemorgan | April 2026


Zambian storytellers, animators, and changemakers — this is your moment.

iCemorgan proudly announces the launch of the YAAV Short Film & Animation Competition 2026, a bold creative initiative that blends storytelling with social impact. This year, we are calling on visual creatives across Zambia to use their talent to address a pressing national issue: the vandalism of ZESCO installations.


⚡ Why This Competition Matters

Across Zambia, vandalism of electricity infrastructure continues to have devastating effects:

  • Hospitals lose critical power

  • Students are left in the dark

  • Businesses are forced to shut down

  • Communities are disrupted

Even more concerning, many of those involved are young people who may not fully understand the consequences of their actions.

The Youth Action Against Vandalism (YAAV) program believes in the power of storytelling to drive change. Through film and animation, we can educate, inspire, and transform mindsets—turning potential offenders into protectors of our national infrastructure.

“This competition is not just about winning prizes — it is about saving lives and livelihoods through storytelling.”— Moddy Muponisi, President of ZAAP

🏆 Competition Categories & Prizes

We are accepting entries in two categories:

Category

Duration

Grand Prize

Short Film

3 – 20 minutes

K25,000

Animation

2 – 20 minutes

K25,000

💰 Total Prize Pool: K50,000

Additional runner-up prizes and special recognition awards will also be announced.


🎯 Theme: Anti-Vandalism of ZESCO Installations

Your story should address one or more of the following:

  • The real-life impact of blackouts (hospitals, schools, homes, businesses)

  • The dangers of stealing copper wires and infrastructure

  • The role of communities in protecting public assets

  • Positive alternatives for youth energy and creativity

Tone: Your story should be impactful, educational, and solution-oriented.All genres are welcome — drama, documentary, animation, comedy, or fantasy — as long as the message is clear.


📋 Rules & Eligibility

  • Eligibility: Open to all Zambian citizens and residents

  • Originality: Entries must be created specifically for this competition

  • Language: English or local languages (English subtitles required)

  • Music: Must be royalty-free or properly licensed

  • Content: No hate speech, explicit violence, or obscenity

  • Submission Limit: One entry per category per individual or team

👥 Teams are welcome — there is no limit on team size.

🎓 Judging Criteria

All entries will be evaluated by the Zambia Arts Adjudicators Panel (ZAAP), ensuring fairness and professional standards.

Criterion

Weight

Relevance to theme (anti-vandalism)

30%

Storytelling & creativity

25%

Technical quality

20%

Emotional & educational impact

15%

Originality

10%

📤 How to Submit

Submission Deadline: 6th March 2026

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Prepare your film or animation in MP4 or MOV format (minimum 1080p)

  2. Upload your project to Google Drive or YouTube (unlisted)

  3. Complete the online submission form (link to be provided)

  4. Pay a non-refundable entry fee of K100

    • 🎓 Fee is waived for students with valid ID

📅 Key Dates

Event

Date

Submissions Open

1st April 2026

Submission Deadline

6th March 2026

Adjudication Period


Winners Announced


Public Screening & Awards Gala


🚀 Why You Should Enter

  • ✅ Win up to K50,000 in prize money

  • ✅ Gain national recognition

  • ✅ Get evaluated by professional adjudicators

  • ✅ Have your work publicly screened

  • ✅ Be part of a movement that protects Zambia’s future


💡 Need Inspiration?

Here are a few story ideas to spark your creativity:

  • “The Last Blackout” – A rural clinic faces a life-or-death situation after power is lost due to vandalism

  • “The Copper Curse” – An animated story about a young man tempted into illegal wire theft

  • “Guardians of the Grid” – A documentary highlighting real community heroes protecting infrastructure


🤝 Partners & Supporters

This initiative is proudly supported by:

  • Zambia Arts Adjudicators Panel (ZAAP)

  • ZESCO Limited

  • National Arts Council (NAC)

  • Zambia Women Writers Association (ZAWWA)

  • National Theatre Association of Zambia (NATAAZ)

  • Visual Arts Council (VAC)


📞 Contact & Inquiries

Have questions or need assistance?


🔥 Final Word

This is more than a competition.

It is a call to action.A platform for your voice.A chance to create impact through storytelling.

Lights. Camera. Change Zambia.

 
 
 

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