Zambian filmmakers are increasingly combining entertainment with social commentary, using film as a tool to engage audiences while addressing pressing societal issues.
Lusaka-based filmmaker and director Owas Ray Mwape said audiences are primarily drawn to films for entertainment, but impactful messages often leave a lasting impression.
“Most people buy a ticket to be entertained first. If the story grabs them, the message sneaks in with it,” Mwape said in an interview.
He noted that emotionally engaging storytelling allows audiences to connect with characters, making it easier for deeper themes to resonate.
Mwape cited productions such as Mwansa the Great, Can You See Us, Strictly by Invitation, Chenda, Girls to Ladies, and Suwi as examples of local films that balance entertainment with themes of identity, social pressure, and personal choice.
However, he acknowledged that tackling sensitive issues presents challenges, including limited funding, distribution constraints, and resistance from audiences or stakeholders.
“There’s always a risk in addressing sensitive issues as a filmmaker. Speaking truth can cost you, but silence costs more in the long run,” he said.
Mwape added that filmmakers must adopt creative storytelling techniques to communicate complex messages without alienating viewers. He also emphasized the need for industry growth through mentorship, fair opportunities, and consistent production of authentic local content.
Meanwhile, actor and model Hicks Yamba stressed the importance of honesty and emotional depth in storytelling, describing acting as a form of “truth telling.”
“I do not approach acting as performance, I approach it as truth telling,” Yamba said.
He said his work focuses on portraying real-life experiences and highlighting issues such as gender-based violence, corruption, and human trafficking.
“Through silence, through expression, through the weight a character carries, I aim to make the audience feel what statistics cannot,” he said.
Yamba added that emotional connection is critical in driving social awareness and change, as audiences respond more strongly to stories that reflect lived realities.
He also noted the challenges of portraying sensitive topics, emphasizing the need for empathy and discipline, particularly in a resource-constrained industry.
Yamba said his upcoming film, Death at a Wedding, set to premiere on May 9, 2026, at NuMetro Cinemas, will focus on mental health awareness and the importance of recognizing early warning signs.
Both Mwape and Yamba emphasized that as Zambia’s film industry continues to grow, it must prioritize authentic storytelling that not only entertains but also promotes awareness and social change.