By CHRISTINE MWAABA –
MOST often film making in Zambia is regarded as an unnecessary career which is indulged in by those who have failed in school or those who are not closely involved in everyday affairs of the nation.
This is a short sighted view which can easily be refuted by taking a glance at the history of the film industry in Zambia.
It is high time that a bigger picture of film is considered so that its potential could contribute to boosting the economy.
Film prospects should begin to be appreciated and its power to contribute to the growth of the economy realised.
One of Zambia’s giants in the comedy circles, Derrick Chalo Kondowe, alias Dangerous Jo’burg, recently took time to share his views and explained the value of the film industry to a country like Zambia.
Film is not only a piece of creative expression but a means that can add to the country’s economic growth.
The fledgling film industry in the country can be a major economic driver that has for a long time been overlooked.
While Zambia has been going back and forth about the potential that the movie industry can have, other countries like Nigeria recently released figures showing that the creative industry contributes 1.4 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the West African nation with Nollywood movies being the major contributor to that figure.
This figure represents job creation and increased business opportunities which the film industry has contributed to Nigeria.
The fact that the Government in Zambia recognised the importance of the art as a revenue earner is cause for celebration.
Zambia can learn from Nigeria, the comic was quick to say that film can be a driver of economic development and create opportunities to grow real prestige in the nation.
The audiences from all over the world can gain insight into Zambia’s culture which is not often presented in mainstream media.
Film production provides income-generating opportunities and has the ability to create employment even thought these benefits were not being seen at present owing to lack of investment.
Without a doubt, film enables social development by providing a safe, creative space for new voices and ideas.
Film production is a tool of communication that can also build awareness and bring about positive social change.
But what is needed is to create spaces for innovative, creative filmmaking while also recognising that resources and skills are limited.
The impact film can have on the nation must begin to be felt and understood otherwise Zambia is being robbed of a skill that could have major influence on economic development.
One film can travel across borders and be translated a number of languages so that it can sell even in other countries and earn Zambia foreign exchange.
In addition, films can contribute to positive social and political development.
Film producer and writer Paul Phiri urged various stakeholders to embrace film production in 2016 to help market the country.
Phiri said it was high time young people  used their talent to sustain themselves.
Filming is a rich field, when  managed well, it can earn a living for  one and make significant contributions to the national economy.
“Zambians must begin to think outside the box and not depend only on formal employment,” he said.
The industry is a powerful tool for disseminating vital information that could help the public make informed decisions.
Film can also be used as a platform to share knowledge as well as education.
“Zambia is very rich but there is so much that the world does not know about this country largely because we have neglected the film industry which can relate such information to the outside world,” Phiri said.
He said film could help to promote the country which in turn could stimulate investments even from foreign investors.
Celebrated Zambian actress Bridget Chewe-Malumba expressed concern with the lack of interest from local television stations in producing and televising of local content.
The Ngoma Award winning actress said Zambians were starved of local content which was one aspects of art.
Malumba said it was time to address the bottlenecks that hindered development of the film industry.
The actress who has featured in some of the major local film productions like Survive, Red Bag, and Kabanana, noted that the market was ripe for Zambia to create own films that relate to the day-to-day activities people go through in life as compared to international productions.
Malumba explained that it was time that actors, film makers and the Government worked jointly to improve the film industry.
“There is need to redefine the film industry and what role it can play to foster the country’s economic development. It is time to realise that film is a powerful tool to disseminate vital information and a platform to share knowledge,” she said.
National Arts Council (NAC) director, Adrian Chipindi said the fact that President Edgar Lungu acknowledged the Film Policy shows the effort Government was putting in ensuring that the film industry was boosted.
He said the policy frame work focused on the strategies that would greatly improve film production, distribution and consumption.
He noted the broadcasting of live soccer games on television and the introduction of Zambezi Magic could clearly show that local film production was steadily rising.
However, Mr Chipindi said even with the measures being put in place, there was need to support film production.
He said there was also need for the general public to stop piracy and demand for original Zambian movies.
“Film has the potential to contribute significantly to the economy and connecting all the necessary pieces is fundamental for Zambia today,” he said.
He said film industry was a vital component of any society’s progress.
Production and distribution of film can be one of the Zambia’s most valuable cultural and economic resource.
It is for this reason that harnessing the creativity and opportunities prevailing in the field of art should bring with it  wealth creation and lead to improved local talent which should be transformed into creative capital.
Zambia has a rich cultural traditions and a pool of creative talent which lead to the blossoming of locally grown creative enterprises.