NANCY SIAME, Lusaka
MINISTER of Information and Broadcasting Services Kampamba Mulenga has appealed to Chinese film-makers to partner with Zambian institutions to train trainers to improve the local film industry.
Ms Mulenga says China has over the years demonstrated that the film industry is economically viable even in a digital era where issues of illegal downloading and sale of counterfeit copies have emerged.
She said this in Lusaka yesterday when she officiated at the launch of the 2017 Beijing Television (TV) Dramas and Movies Broadcasting Season in Africa.
“Apart from the traditional martial arts or Kung fu action movies, we have seen China participate in the production of international blockbusters,” Ms Mulenga said.
Ms Mulenga said Government recognises the role the creative industry plays in promoting economic diversification while also preserving cultural heritage and shaping societal norms.
She said Government is committed to ensuring that Zambia’s new film policy meets aspirations of all stakeholders by not only creating jobs but also opportunities for commerce in service, fashion and music industries.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said his country’s television dramas and movies, with their increasing popularity in Zambia, have become an important new cultural bridge in building relations between the two countries.
Mr Yang said the launch of the Beijing TV Dramas and Movies Broadcasting Season in Africa will help China share its stories and bring the people of Zambia and those in the Asian nation closer.
“It’s my hope that more Chinese TV dramas and movies will be broadcast in Zambia to enrich the cultural life of the Zambian people,” he said.
And TopStar Communications chief executive officer Liao Lanfang said the company plans to include on its platform programmes in local languages to enhance cultural exchange between Zambia and China.
Mr Liao said TopStar also seeks to promote Chinese movies and dramas to Zambian viewers.
Beijing Municipal Bureau of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television deputy director Wang Yefei said during the broadcasting season, Zambian audiences will be able to watch eight popular Beijing dramas and movies on TopStar platform.
