PRISCILLA MWILA, Lusaka
MINISTER of Information and Broadcasting Services Kampamba Mulenga has challenged players in the film industry to be innovative and effectively contribute to national

development following the approval of the film-policy by Cabinet.
Ms Mulenga said film-makers should ensure the industry thrives in creating decent jobs and contributing to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
She said this when she opened the consultative meeting for the establishment of a film and television training and content production centre at the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM) yesterday.
“We have spent a lot of time discussing the need to develop our film industry. We [Government] have responded by approving the policy. Now it is up to the players to take up the challenge and ensure that the industry thrives,” she said.
Ms Mulenga said her ministry has developed a policy that will be a guide to growing the industry and promoting creative arts among young people.
She said with the right support, the film industry has enormous potential to grow and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
Ms Mulenga commended efforts being made by Zambian film-makers despite working under difficult conditions.
She said her ministry will continue supporting film makers to enable improve their skills and break into the international film industry.
Ms Mulenga said Government has resolved to decentralise broadcasting by creating state-of-the-art television studios in various provinces.
She has urged co-operating partners and other stakeholders to support the creation of a film and television training and content production centre to enhance the growth of the industry.
And ZAMCOM managing director Oliver Kanene commended Government for the support the institution has received in revamping its operations.
Mr Kanene said the institution will work hard to ensure it creates an enabling environment for skills development needed for the film industry to thrive.