The Zambian Women in Film and the Zambian Short Film Festival have officially launched the Zambia Women’s Film Lab, a pioneering initiative designed to empower 25 female filmmakers with vital skills and training to successfully navigate the film industry.
At the launch event, Jessy Chissy, Founder of the Women’s Film Club, emphasized that the skills acquired through the lab will enable these women not only to thrive creatively but also to amplify their voices on critical issues affecting society. She highlighted that such empowerment will position women as influential contributors in policy-making spaces, ensuring their stories and perspectives drive meaningful change.
Supporting this vision, Mufaweli Mwambo, Vice President of the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA), remarked that the film lab’s training will encourage more women to take up leadership roles within the industry. Mwambo pointed out that the program is a crucial step toward addressing the persistent gender inequality in film production and leadership.
“This four-day intensive workshop will unearth untapped female talent, bringing fresh and diverse perspectives to the Zambian film industry,” said Mwambo, noting the importance of broadening the narrative landscape in film.
In addition to the film lab announcement, Adrian Chipindi, Director of the National Arts Council (NAC), shared updates on efforts to strengthen the country’s film sector. NAC is actively working towards establishing a National Film Commission aimed at restructuring the industry and ensuring the sustainability of Zambia’s creative talents.
Chipindi also revealed a significant partnership between NAC and the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA). Through a newly signed memorandum of understanding, artists—including filmmakers—will benefit from a pension scheme with a monthly contribution of K60. This initiative, effective from June, is designed to provide financial security for artists as they retire and includes provisions to support female artists on maternity leave.
The Zambia Women’s Film Lab and these supportive measures represent a major stride in nurturing female talent and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable Zambian film industry. With comprehensive training, leadership development, and social protection, women filmmakers are poised to reshape the narrative landscape and elevate Zambia’s presence in the global film arena.