NAMA Embarks on Data Capture for Digital Film & Media Producers in Zambia

Published by Emmanuel Mwape - Film Magazine | April 2026

The National Association of Media Arts (NAMA) has officially launched a comprehensive data capture initiative aimed at documenting film producers, digital content creators, and media artists across Zambia. If you have noticed a form circulating in your creative circles, do not ignore it. This is NAMA calling on every producer, filmmaker, animator, and media practitioner to be counted.

"One of our biggest challenges remains data collection. Participation has been limited, partly due to low sensitization and a lack of structured reporting systems."

— Morgan Mbulo, NAMA President

The new inventory system is designed to address a long-standing gap: the absence of reliable, comprehensive data on Zambia's creative economy. Without accurate numbers, it is impossible to advocate effectively for funding, measure industry growth, or attract serious investment.

Why This Data Capture Matters

For years, the Zambian film and media industry has operated largely in the shadows. Productions happen. Talent emerges. Content gets made. But too little of it is formally documented. This makes it difficult to:

• Prove the industry's economic value to government and investors

• Secure structured financing from banks and development partners

• Track production trends across regions and genres

• Connect creatives with opportunities and partnerships

• Inform policy decisions that affect the creative sector

President Mbulo put it plainly: "Surveys have been conducted in the past, but participation has been limited. We are now working towards developing a more robust data capture mechanism that reflects the true scale of activity, including productions that may not yet be formally documented."

Who Should Fill the Form?

The data capture is open to all Zambian creatives working in:

Sector Examples

Film & Video Producers, directors, cinematographers, editors, screenwriters

Digital Media Content creators, YouTubers, podcasters, streamers

Animation 2D/3D animators, motion graphic designers, storyboard artists

Broadcast Media TV and radio producers, presenters, technicians

Music & Audio Music video producers, sound engineers, recording artists

Photography Commercial photographers, visual storytellers

If you create media content professionally or semi-professionally, NAMA wants to know who you are, where you work, and what you produce.

What the Form Captures

The inventory questionnaire collects essential information including:

• Personal details (name, location, contact information)

• Area of specialization (film, animation, digital media, etc.)

• Years of experience and professional qualifications

• Past productions and projects completed

• Current capacity (equipment, team size, production capabilities)

• Distribution platforms used (broadcast, streaming, social media)

• Challenges faced in accessing funding, training, or markets

All data will be handled confidentially and used solely for industry advocacy, policy development, and partnership facilitation.

Beyond Data: Key Issues NAMA Is Addressing

President Mbulo's interview with Consolidated Film Magazine revealed several interconnected challenges that the data capture initiative will help address.

Funding Remains the Single Biggest Constraint

"Most filmmakers continue to rely on personal resources or informal partnerships to bring their projects to life."

Without reliable data, it is impossible to quantify the funding gap or make a compelling case for structured financing. NAMA is actively advocating for film funds, investment incentives, and creative sector support mechanisms from government. One practical proposal involves redirecting a portion of the TV levy into a dedicated content fund.

Distribution Is the Weakest Link

"Distribution remains the weakest link in our value chain."

Even when films are made, getting them to audiences remains a struggle. While local digital platforms are emerging, sustainability around consistent payment for content acquisition remains an issue. Better data on production volumes and audience reach will help attract distribution partners.

The Business of Film Is the Critical Gap

"The most critical gap we have identified is not necessarily in creative ability, but in the business of film."

Many Zambian creatives have strong artistic skills but lack knowledge of how to plan, package, finance, and market their work effectively. NAMA sees capacity building in film business management as essential to unlocking growth across the value chain.

Policy Implementation Needs Strengthening

"While Zambia has policies in place, including the national arts policy and film policy, there is a need for stronger implementation, awareness, and alignment with industry realities."

Data-driven advocacy will help NAMA push for policies that incentivize investment, protect local content, and promote co-productions.

Encouraging Signs of Growth

Despite the challenges, President Mbulo remains optimistic. Over the past five years, Zambia has seen a steady increase in film production, alongside a noticeable rise in premieres and public screenings.

"What is particularly encouraging is the growth in digital consumption. Audiences are increasingly engaging with content via mobile platforms and social media, which has become a major driver of visibility and performance."

The digital space, he noted, is where the industry is seeing the most rapid expansion.

What NAMA Is Doing Next

With the data capture initiative underway, NAMA is simultaneously pursuing several strategic priorities:

1. Developing a robust data capture mechanism that reflects the true scale of industry activity

2. Advocating for structured financing systems, including film funds and investment incentives

3. Building stronger partnerships with regional platforms and distribution ecosystems

4. Promoting industry-driven training focused on the business of film

5. Engaging with government to strengthen policy implementation and alignment

"We are working to ensure that participation in festivals and industry platforms leads to real industry outcomes, whether through distribution deals, funding partnerships, or career advancement."

How to Get Captured

If you are a film producer, digital content creator, animator, or media artist in Zambia, here is what you need to do:

Step 1: Look out for the NAMA data capture form circulating on WhatsApp, email, and social media platforms.

Step 2: Fill in all required fields accurately and completely.

Step 3: Submit before the deadline (to be announced).

Step 4: Share the form with fellow creatives who may not have seen it.

Important: This is not just a survey. It is an opportunity to be seen, counted, and connected to future funding, training, and partnership opportunities.

A Word from NAMA President

In closing his interview, Morgan Mbulo offered this assessment:

"The Zambian film industry has demonstrated clear signs of growth, particularly in production and digital consumption. However, for this growth to translate into a sustainable and globally competitive industry, we must address key structural challenges — particularly in funding, distribution, capacity building, and policy implementation.

At NAMA, we remain committed to driving these conversations forward and working with all stakeholders to unlock the full potential of Zambia's creative sector."

Final Call to Action

NAMA's data capture initiative is a foundational step toward a professional, investable, and globally competitive creative industry. But it only works if you participate.

Fill the form Here>> https://forms.gle/YW8D244EvigPgVdt8 . Be counted. Help build the inventory.

For more information, contact NAMA directly or visit their official channels.

— Consolidated Film Magazine