LUSAKA Upcoming filmmakers in Zambia are facing challenges including limited funding, inadequate equipment, and a lack of industry knowledge, stakeholders have said.
Filmmaker Owa Ray Mwape said one of the major setbacks in the sector is the failure by many entrants to understand filmmaking as a business.
“People do not understand that filmmakers go to school to learn,” he said.
Mwape, however, noted that access to equipment has improved in recent years, reducing what was once a major barrier to entry.
Meanwhile, upcoming actress Hattiness Sakala said funding remains a significant challenge, particularly for actors.
“Actors are not well funded compared to other countries, but it also depends on the product or industry one is working in,” she said.
Sakala added that while there is some level of government support, financial assistance remains limited.
“The government supports them, but when it comes to funding it is limited,” she said.
She further noted that access to equipment remains constrained within parts of the industry, despite improvements highlighted by filmmakers.
Industry players say addressing these challenges will be key to unlocking growth and improving the competitiveness of Zambia’s film sector.