ZAMBIA’S CREATIVE REVOLUTION BEGINS WITH A FILM COMMISSION

By Morgan Mbulo, President of the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA)

As Zambia joins the rest of the continent in commemorating African Freedom Day, one important conversation that cannot continue to be postponed is the urgent need for a Film Commission in Zambia.

For years, stakeholders within the creative industry have spoken about the need to properly structure the sector, but today, more than ever before, the urgency has become unavoidable. The President of the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA), Morgan Mbulo, has reiterated the importance of establishing a Film Commission, describing it as the missing backbone of Zambia’s creative ecosystem.

“I know this is something that government has already touched on through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and the National Arts Council. Relevant stakeholders have continued discussing this matter, but we are now at a point where we must push and ensure that this becomes a reality,” Mbulo said.

According to Mbulo, many creatives still do not fully understand what a Film Commission is or how it operates, largely because Zambia has never had a properly structured film ecosystem. However, after engaging with stakeholders from countries where Film Commissions are functioning effectively, he says the difference is clear.

“A Film Commission is not just an office or a title. It becomes the central structure that organizes and coordinates the entire industry. Everything streams from there, regulation, training, funding opportunities, international collaborations, festivals, guilds, incentives, monetization systems, and industry standards,” he explained.

Recently, Mbulo undertook engagements with several stakeholders and institutions in Kenya, one of Africa’s growing creative hubs, where he observed firsthand how a Film Commission can shape and support an entire industry.

“In Kenya, almost every major structure in the creative industry stems from the Kenya Film Commission. Whether it is guilds, content regulation, training programs, production support, digital monetization, or even festivals, everything is coordinated under one framework. That is what Zambia desperately needs,” he said.

Mbulo further stated that consultations have continued locally and internationally with respected industry stakeholders and advocates who understand the importance of establishing a Film Commission.

“I have personally been consulting and engaging various stakeholders who are well positioned to understand how Film Commissions work because they are operating in countries where these systems are already established and functioning successfully. I have had conversations with Kabinda and also Uncle Roland Thompson, who has consistently been one of the advocates pushing for the establishment of a Film Commission in Zambia,” he noted.

However, Mbulo has warned against creating structures without involving the very creatives who are expected to benefit from them. He says one of the biggest challenges Zambia has faced over the years is the exclusion of stakeholders from key decision making processes.

“What I do not want to see is a situation where important decisions are made without involving local stakeholders. That has been one of our biggest problems. People travel, they see systems working elsewhere, but when they come back and attempt to implement them here, they fail because locals were never involved from the beginning,” he said.

He stressed that creatives themselves must now rise and participate actively in shaping the future of the industry.

“Local creatives are the direct beneficiaries of a Film Commission. Therefore, they must be involved in the consultations, the planning, and the implementation process. This cannot only remain a government conversation. Artists themselves must get involved,” Mbulo added.

The NAMA President believes that the establishment of a Film Commission will open many opportunities for Zambia’s creative economy, including:

• Skills development

• International co productions

• Film funding and incentives

• Structured guild systems

• Improved regulation

• Equipment accessibility

• Content monetization

• Job creation

• Global visibility for Zambian stories

One area Mbulo insists cannot continue being ignored is content monetization.

“Our creatives are producing quality content every day, but many are still unable to monetize their works effectively. A proper Film Commission framework would help create structures that support monetization and sustainable revenue generation for artists and content creators,” he said.

As Zambia continues to seek economic diversification and youth empowerment opportunities, Mbulo says the creative industry remains one of the most underutilized sectors despite its enormous potential.

“The creative sector has the power to create jobs, empower young people, preserve culture, promote tourism, and generate national revenue. But without proper structures, we will continue operating below our potential,” he stated.

As the nation celebrates African Freedom Day, Mbulo says creatives must prepare themselves for what lies ahead.

“I can only urge fellow artists to brace themselves. The journey may be rough and challenging, but this is something we must achieve. Zambia needs a Film Commission, and this conversation can no longer be delayed,” he said.

He concluded by calling upon artists, filmmakers, producers, actors, writers, musicians, digital creators, and all stakeholders to unite behind the vision of building a structured and sustainable creative industry for future generations.

iCeMorgan Copyright 2026