Zambia’s Film Industry Is Rising Through International Collaboration

Zambia’s film and creative industry is steadily gaining momentum, with international collaborations now playing a key role in positioning the country as an emerging player on the global creative stage. As more foreign filmmakers, production houses, and regional partners begin engaging with Zambian creatives, industry stakeholders believe the country is entering a transformative era for film and media.

The increasing visibility of Zambia within international creative spaces is already beginning to yield positive results. Productions involving international actors and partnerships across Africa are helping showcase Zambia’s storytelling potential, talent base, and production capabilities.

According to National Association of Media Arts, NAMA, President Morgan Mbulo, the growing number of collaborations between Zambian filmmakers and international creatives demonstrates that the local industry is gaining recognition beyond the country’s borders.

“As an industry, we are beginning to position Zambia as a serious player on the global creative stage, and this momentum must be matched with professionalism, unity, and strategic investment,” said Mr. Mbulo.

He noted that Zambia’s participation in international productions, regional partnerships, and global film platforms reflects the country’s growing potential as a market ready and investment ready film destination.

Zambia’s Untapped Creative Potential

Zambia continues to offer enormous opportunities for filmmakers and investors alike. From breathtaking natural landscapes and diverse cultural heritage to a growing pool of talented creatives, the country possesses many of the ingredients needed to become a competitive filmmaking destination in Africa.

Mr. Mbulo emphasized the need for local creatives to take advantage of collaborations by focusing on skills transfer, knowledge exchange, and improving production standards.

“Zambia possesses immense potential, from our talented creatives to our rich cultural heritage and breathtaking filming locations across the country. We must continue improving the quality of our productions so that we can compete effectively at international standards and penetrate new markets across Africa and the world,” he said.

Film Policy and the Need for a Film Commission

Industry stakeholders have also welcomed the enactment of Zambia’s Film Policy, describing it as a progressive step toward strengthening the country’s creative sector. The policy is expected to support industry development, international partnerships, and local content growth.

However, stakeholders believe more needs to be done to ensure that the policy translates into tangible opportunities for creatives across the country.

“One of the key ways this can be achieved is through the establishment of a Film Commission. A Film Commission will open many doors for Zambian creatives by attracting investment, facilitating productions, creating employment opportunities, increasing international visibility, and positioning Zambia competitively within the global film industry,” Mr. Mbulo explained.

The establishment of a Film Commission is viewed as a critical step in enhancing Zambia’s visibility internationally while also creating a more structured and investor friendly environment for film production.

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

As part of efforts to build stronger continental collaborations, Mr. Mbulo recently returned from Kenya, where he engaged several stakeholders within the Kenyan film and creative industry.

The engagements included meetings with the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Film Commission, the Chairperson of the Kenya Film Commission, officials from the Kenya Film School, representatives from the Kenya Film Classification Board, and other key stakeholders in the creative sector.

The discussions focused on strengthening regional partnerships, skills development, knowledge exchange, and exploring collaborative opportunities between Zambia and Kenya’s film industries.

According to Mr. Mbulo, regional collaborations are essential in strengthening Africa’s creative ecosystem and creating more opportunities for filmmakers across the continent.

He further noted that Zambia is positioning itself to build stronger partnerships not only with Kenya and Nigeria, but with creatives and institutions across Africa and beyond in order to expand market access and increase international visibility for Zambian productions.

The Future of Zambia’s Creative Industry

As Zambia continues to gain recognition internationally, stakeholders believe that sustained investment, collaboration, policy support, and professionalism will be essential in transforming the creative sector into a significant contributor to national development.

The film industry has the potential to create employment opportunities for young people, promote tourism, stimulate local economies, and amplify Zambia’s cultural identity on the global stage.

With growing international interest, increasing regional partnerships, and supportive policy frameworks beginning to take shape, Zambia’s creative industry appears poised for a promising future.

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