Potential partners for funding

To access funding for training, production and distribution it will be appropriate to work with existing organisations that have a good record and catalogue of productions such as ZAMCOM, Vilole Images Productions and Yezi Arts.

Possible sources of funding: UN organisations (UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, ILO), embassies (Swedish, Finnish, Irish, American, etc.), private companies (mobile technologies, mines, banks such as Standard Chartered Bank, etc.) and parastatal companies (pension funds such as NAPS (National Pension Schemes), Finance Bank, etc.).

The national Film Policy is looking at establishing a film fund.

Recommendations

To propose themes of production that will interest funding organisations to be associated with.

Film schools, training programmes

• ZAMCOM: formerly a key governmental training organisation for journalists, it’s now a parastatal media school that is also offering a 6-month training on audiovisual production. Today, the organisation is going through a restructuring phase and new positioning process to face the fast-changing media landscape.
• Technical Vocational Training (TAVETA) offers 6 weeks training, Evelyn Hone College offers 6 months training and the University of Zambia (UNZA) offers a degree in Mass Communication but no focus on film. The training at Evelyn Hone College is the same as that of ZAMCOM. Students from UNZA do not have technical training.

Currently there is no institution that train filmmakers.

There is a lack of in-depth technical and practical training. There is also a need for specialisation in the industry.

There is a lack of coordination with organisations where students could be placed in internships.

Media stakeholders critque the low quality of media productions (TV reports, newspaper articles and internet content). This could be enhanced by better training.

Recommendations

After a six-month training period, ZAMCOM should ideally place students in internships in the workplace where they can receive mentorship from broadcast stations and production houses, and continue to learn.

The government could consider offering employers grants or tax benefits to incentive them to take on more students for internships.

There is a need for specialisation in various media sectors, to develop strategies for the future.

ZAMCOM can play a key role in training high-skilled professionals in the Southern African region.

• More in-depth technical training is required as well as management classes for the future professionals to be able to run their businesses
• Existing training programmes should be reviewed, technical skills should be developed from the beginning, and both individual as well as collaborative teamwork should be encouraged and developed.
• Schools should provide some training on professionalism and work
• There is a need to look at training programmes on business management, to develop a train-the- trainer programme and to have regional training because the exchange enriches experiences e.g. UNESCO

Business management, technical and journalism schools interested in being involved with this initiative

Zambia Institute of Management and Cavendish University could be approached to teach business management.

Festivals

There is no Zambian annual film/documentary festival.

Currently only Vilole Images Productions offers a film festival although this does not take place every year. This year it has organised a film festival in Livingstone, the Shungo Namutitima (Smoke that thunders) International Film Festival of Zambia (SNIFFoZ).

There is a EU film festival, which is held by the Alliance Française on an annual basis.

Recommendations

A film festival culture should be built in Zambia, showing auteur-driven documentaries, international and local documentaries rather than promotional films for NGOs and the private sector.

Professional, peer mentorship group: creative producers, line producers, directors, writers, editors

NAMA (National Association Media Arts) looks at the development of art. It represents filmmakers and has about 78 members. The organisation sits in the National Arts Council of Zambia (NACZ) and is also recognised by the Ministry of Information and Labour. It is involved in the development of the national Film Policy and conducts workshops in rural and urban areas.

The Society of Cinematographers regroups technicians and directors.

Recommendations

There is a need to create a platform where people can engage actively in the film industry to grow the industry. The association would focus on developing film and documentary makers.

To support the filmmakers the Film Policy should be implemented (awaiting sign off by the Ministry of Information and Labour).

The industry should ultimately come up with guilds e.g. one for editors to have a forum where they can share experiences.

Camera, computer hardware, software and other tech-related companies in film

Most TV stations have in-house production units.

The biggest facility house is Hickey Studios.

Most companies have their own equipment that do not hire out equipment. However, in rare cases, equipment is hired out on condition that a company representative or employee accompanies the equipment.

The main companies with equipment are:

• Viswa Productions,
• Loyola Studios
• Prime Time

Recommendations

More equipment houses for the purchase or rental of gear are needed.

Sales companies, distributors advisory group

• NONKAS is newly established, and they can distribute locally and
• SOUNDS is a retail outlet that sells music and
• ZNBC has the monopoly of distribution with national broadcasters and has international agreements in ZNBC is willing to use its platform to partner with others and is looking to develop and collect quality content.
• Distribution is a challenge in
• Players in distribution around Africa have started talking to each other, this is an encouraging development and links are being

Recommendations

Documentary makers should approach existing distributors such as NONKAS and SOUNDS. They should also engage with ZNBC to distribute their content.

Advocacy partners

• Transparency International Zambia
• MISA (Media Institute of Southern Africa): the organisation, set up in 11 countries, is comprised of representatives of the radio, print and TV media. They are involved in policy making and provide training Every year MISA gives a media award.
• ZAMCOM
• National Arts Council of Zambia (NACZ)
• Zambia and Information Technology (ZIT)

Recommendations

To set up a board that includes all the key stakeholders.

Existing documentary and news archives

• The Zambia National Information Service (ZNIC), which is under the Ministry of Information and Labour, is responsible for archiving state
• ZNBC also archives its own
• ZNIS is not properly equipped for

Recommendations

An archiving organisation that is not tied to the government is needed.

All forms of distribution, including: broadcast, theatrical, internet, mobile TV, telecoms/mobile phone, mobile cinema, film/video clubs, etc.

• ZNBC has a national reach including in urban and rural areas. A deputy minister has been recently appointed to spearhead television access in the rural areas.
• MOBI TV reaches Southern and Central Zambia (following the railway lines). The TV station is looking to go international thanks to its partnership with
• MUVI TV is also broadcast along the railway lines and has developed a sister channel, Africa Unit, that gives it African
• My TV is part of the cable
• Less than 2% of the Zambian population of 13 million has access to They have difficulties in accessing the internet and often do not have the capacity/knowledge to access the internet.
• The internet tariff is expensive, but public interest in the internet is growing
• The rise of social media is representing a challenge for traditional
• There are no documentary clubs in the
• The Zambia Information Services (ZANIS) has mobile vans (over 70) to cover the 73 districts in Zambia with projectors to broadcast audio and video

Recommendations

• ZANIS mobile vans could be used to show documentaries around the country on development
• Use the national channel for airing

Educational and non-profit distributors

NGOs distribute their productions to their constituencies and strive to use them for educational and advocacy purposes as well.

Legal frameworks including any censorship issues

Zambia has never had a Film Policy until recently. Currently, the Ministry of Information and Labour, NAMA and key stakeholdershave put together a draft Film Policy which has been given to the Cabinet for comment.

The Film Policy is covering the following issues: copyright, piracy and access to funding.

In developing the Film Policy, the team looked at other models e,g. Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Kenya.

The Ministry of Information has not yet implemented the Copyright Policy although it was approved by the Cabinet in 2010.

The Censorship Law has been repealed.

The Film Policy will have a Film Commission to look at issues that are sensitive such as age restrictions, etc.

Audience cultivation strategies including publicity/ PR strategy

The culture of documentaries is very limited as it stems from news pieces or marketing of a company or NGO.

There is no strategy on audience cultivation on documentaries.

Recommendations

• Audience outreach and engagement strategies need to be
• Local stories can potentially reach a wide
• Auteur-driven, perspectival documentaries are
• Basic training in media literacy and film theory and history, especially with respect to documentary is

Revenue strategies, including advertising, sponsorship, footage licensing, partnerships with news organisations

TV2 was created with the premise of airing documentaries, but this has not worked out financially and TV2 has gone back to the drawing board.

TV channels do pay for news footage. The payment depends on the content.

The size of the Zambian economy as well as the market is also limiting to the industry as it does not provide enough revenue for the film/documentary makers.

Recommendations

Good quality films are needed so that they will reach other markets in Africa and beyond, and increase the revenue base. Zambia shares cultures with neighboring countries, this should be possible.

TV stations should be encouraged to buy documentaries and have a slot for documentaries.

There should be a percentage of local content that is shown on TV but this should be looked at in a long- term process with the view of improving local content.

Study of rights issues for distribution both broadcast and online

The Ministry of Information and Labour has a department that looks at copyright issues, ZAMCOB. The organisation protects films.

Zambia does not yet have a fast reliable internet to use for online distribution.

Options and best practices for dealing with piracy

Piracy is commonplace and widespread in Zambia.

Recommendations

• Making sure that laws are
• Penalties should be
• Awareness of piracy and the problems it causes should be

Possible creation of an online film library and/or channel to distribute films supported by ADFF and others

Internet access is a challenge for accessing an online film library.

Zambia and Information Technology (ZIT) is looking at digital migration and establishing internet accessibility in the rural areas.

Social movements, civil society groups and other partners

Since the 90s, social movements have been emerging and growing in Zambia. But on a regional and international level, Zambia has to some extent lost the prominent role it used to play.

There is a rise in community radio stations and print media but the quality is low. Capacity needs to be reinforced in those sectors. Also, there is a need t for better business practices to run the media companies to ensure their sustainability.

The media is playing a key role in the fight against corruption. Every week the media are exposing cases of corruption. People are interested in seeing more news on innovation in the media. Civil society groups need to reinforce their capacity to deal with the media to have more exposure. Also, at the same time, the media has to take social responsibility to cover issues related to poverty reduction. The high level of illiteracy makes it difficult for many to access media.

Some key international NGOs: Water Aid, World Vision, Save the Children, Action for Enterprise and Habitat for Humanity.

Recommendations

• CAMFED deals with improving the life of rural The organisation does participatory work and has trained women in the rural areas on video production.

• ZAWIC (Zambian Women in Construction), YWCA and YMCA are other grassroots
• There is a need to work with cultural associations of various tribes in order to preserve culture, history and non-harmful

Political sensitivities

The economy in Zambia is developing and people want more information. Social media and new technologies are on the rise

Since the 90’s, Zambia has gone through a series of peaceful political transitions. The last elections in 2011 brought President Michael Sata to power on a platform dedicated to corruption-fighting.

There is a political will to back the Film Policy and the film sector is now getting organised. The growth of the industry will create employment for the youth and new entrants into the sector.

In this context of political stability, Zambia is attracting investors to come into the country. The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) was set up to engage with investors.

Historically, Zambia played a major role in mediating liberation struggles in neighboring countries and is considered a peacemaker. Bordering 8 different countries, Zambia is ideally geographically positioned. From the capital Lusaka there are easy connections to other African capitals and key air links.

All forms of distribution, including: broadcast, theatrical, internet, mobile TV, telecoms/mobile phone, mobile cinema, film/video clubs, etc.

• ZNBC has a national reach including in urban and rural areas. A deputy minister has been recently appointed to spearhead television access in the rural areas.
• MOBI TV reaches Southern and Central Zambia (following the railway lines). The TV station is looking to go international thanks to its partnership with
• MUVI TV is also broadcast along the railway lines and has developed a sister channel, Africa Unit, that gives it African
• My TV is part of the cable
• Less than 2% of the Zambian population of 13 million has access to They have difficulties in accessing the internet and often do not have the capacity/knowledge to access the internet.
• The internet tariff is expensive, but public interest in the internet is growing
• The rise of social media is representing a challenge for traditional
• There are no documentary clubs in the
• The Zambia Information Services (ZANIS) has mobile vans (over 70) to cover the 73 districts in Zambia with projectors to broadcast audio and video

Recommendations

• ZANIS mobile vans could be used to show documentaries around the country on development
• Use the national channel for airing

Educational and non-profit distributors

NGOs distribute their productions to their constituencies and strive to use them for educational and advocacy purposes as well.

Legal frameworks including any censorship issues

Zambia has never had a Film Policy until recently. Currently, the Ministry of Information and Labour, NAMA and key stakeholdershave put together a draft Film Policy which has been given to the Cabinet for comment.

The Film Policy is covering the following issues: copyright, piracy and access to funding.

In developing the Film Policy, the team looked at other models e,g. Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Kenya.

The Ministry of Information has not yet implemented the Copyright Policy although it was approved by the Cabinet in 2010.

The Censorship Law has been repealed.

The Film Policy will have a Film Commission to look at issues that are sensitive such as age restrictions, etc.

Audience cultivation strategies including publicity/ PR strategy

The culture of documentaries is very limited as it stems from news pieces or marketing of a company or NGO.

There is no strategy on audience cultivation on documentaries.

Recommendations

• Audience outreach and engagement strategies need to be
• Local stories can potentially reach a wide
• Auteur-driven, perspectival documentaries are
• Basic training in media literacy and film theory and history, especially with respect to documentary is

Revenue strategies, including advertising, sponsorship, footage licensing, partnerships with news organisations

TV2 was created with the premise of airing documentaries, but this has not worked out financially and TV2 has gone back to the drawing board.

TV channels do pay for news footage. The payment depends on the content.

The size of the Zambian economy as well as the market is also limiting to the industry as it does not provide enough revenue for the film/documentary makers.

Recommendations

Good quality films are needed so that they will reach other markets in Africa and beyond, and increase the revenue base. Zambia shares cultures with neighboring countries, this should be possible.

TV stations should be encouraged to buy documentaries and have a slot for documentaries.

There should be a percentage of local content that is shown on TV but this should be looked at in a long- term process with the view of improving local content.

Study of rights issues for distribution both broadcast and online

The Ministry of Information and Labour has a department that looks at copyright issues, ZAMCOB. The organisation protects films.

Zambia does not yet have a fast reliable internet to use for online distribution.

Options and best practices for dealing with piracy

Piracy is commonplace and widespread in Zambia.

Recommendations

• Making sure that laws are
• Penalties should be
• Awareness of piracy and the problems it causes should be

Possible creation of an online film library and/or channel to distribute films supported by ADFF and others

Internet access is a challenge for accessing an online film library.

Zambia and Information Technology (ZIT) is looking at digital migration and establishing internet accessibility in the rural areas.

Social movements, civil society groups and other partners

Since the 90s, social movements have been emerging and growing in Zambia. But on a regional and international level, Zambia has to some extent lost the prominent role it used to play.

There is a rise in community radio stations and print media but the quality is low. Capacity needs to be reinforced in those sectors. Also, there is a need t for better business practices to run the media companies to ensure their sustainability.

The media is playing a key role in the fight against corruption. Every week the media are exposing cases of corruption. People are interested in seeing more news on innovation in the media. Civil society groups need to reinforce their capacity to deal with the media to have more exposure. Also, at the same time, the media has to take social responsibility to cover issues related to poverty reduction. The high level of illiteracy makes it difficult for many to access media.

Some key international NGOs: Water Aid, World Vision, Save the Children, Action for Enterprise and Habitat for Humanity.

Recommendations

• CAMFED deals with improving the life of rural The organisation does participatory work and has trained women in the rural areas on video production.

• ZAWIC (Zambian Women in Construction), YWCA and YMCA are other grassroots
• There is a need to work with cultural associations of various tribes in order to preserve culture, history and non-harmful

Political sensitivities

The economy in Zambia is developing and people want more information. Social media and new technologies are on the rise

Since the 90’s, Zambia has gone through a series of peaceful political transitions. The last elections in 2011 brought President Michael Sata to power on a platform dedicated to corruption-fighting.

There is a political will to back the Film Policy and the film sector is now getting organised. The growth of the industry will create employment for the youth and new entrants into the sector.

In this context of political stability, Zambia is attracting investors to come into the country. The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) was set up to engage with investors.

Historically, Zambia played a major role in mediating liberation struggles in neighboring countries and is considered a peacemaker. Bordering 8 different countries, Zambia is ideally geographically positioned. From the capital Lusaka there are easy connections to other African capitals and key air links.