ICONIC Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, widely known as Mama G, has delivered a strong message to Zambian filmmakers, encouraging them to take initiative and stop waiting for government support before producing major film projects. Speaking during her visit to Zambia for the filming of “The Family Affair,” she emphasized that growth in the film industry depends on bold action, creativity, and self-drive rather than reliance on public funding. Mama G, who has built a long and influential career in Nollywood, said she is in Zambia not only as an actress but also to contribute to the development of the local film industry. Her presence on set has attracted attention because of her experience and her role in shaping African cinema over the years. She believes that collaboration across African countries is key to strengthening the continent’s storytelling power.
The film “The Family Affair” is positioned as a major pan-African production, bringing together talent from Zambia, Nigeria, and Kenya in one project. Mama G is part of a diverse cast that includes Zambian actors such as Samantha Zulu, Kondwani Zulu, and Mwaka, alongside other regional performers. The production aims to highlight African stories through a shared cultural lens while showcasing the strength of cross-border collaboration in filmmaking. The involvement of established Nollywood talent is expected to elevate the project’s visibility and production quality. This blend of talent reflects a growing trend in African cinema where filmmakers are working beyond national boundaries to reach wider audiences.
One of the executive producers of the film, David Kazadi, has revealed that “The Family Affair” will undergo post-production across multiple international locations, including China, London, Spain, Zambia, and Nigeria. This global approach to post-production highlights the scale and ambition of the project, positioning it as more than a local film production. It also reflects an effort to meet international film standards in editing, sound design, and visual effects. By spreading post-production work across several countries, the producers aim to bring in different levels of expertise and advanced technical input. This strategy is intended to enhance the final product and make it competitive on global platforms.
The film is being executive produced by David Kazadi, Mary Bridget Van Der Steen, and Veronica Hachipuka, who also serves as the scriptwriter and producer. Their collaboration brings together different creative and managerial strengths that guide the project from concept to execution. Veronica Hachipuka’s dual role as writer and producer gives her direct influence over both the storytelling and production process, ensuring consistency in vision. The executive production team is focused on delivering a high-quality film that represents African storytelling with authenticity and professionalism. Their involvement reflects a growing investment in structured film production systems within Zambia’s creative industry.
Mama G’s advice to Zambian filmmakers highlights a broader challenge faced by many emerging film industries across Africa, which is the reliance on external support rather than internal initiative. Her message encourages creators to focus on resourcefulness, collaboration, and determination to bring projects to life. She pointed out that the success of Nollywood was built on persistence and consistent output, even with limited early support. Her experience in the Nigerian film industry gives weight to her perspective on how creative industries can grow organically through effort and consistency. She believes Zambian filmmakers have the talent needed to succeed but must take stronger ownership of production processes.
The involvement of international collaboration in “The Family Affair” also signals a shift in how African films are being produced and distributed. By engaging talent and post-production services from multiple countries, the project aims to reach a broader audience beyond national borders. This approach increases the chances of the film being showcased on international platforms and film festivals. It also opens opportunities for knowledge transfer between production teams in different regions. Such collaborations are becoming increasingly important in positioning African cinema within the global entertainment industry.
The production of “The Family Affair” represents more than just a film project, as it serves as a platform for cultural exchange and industry development. The participation of established actors like Mama G brings experience and mentorship to emerging talent within the Zambian film sector. Her involvement also helps raise the profile of the project, attracting attention from both local and international audiences. The film is expected to contribute to the growth of Zambia’s creative industry by demonstrating what is possible through collaboration and ambition. It also highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping cultural identity and industry recognition.
Patience Ozokwor’s visit to Zambia and her role in “The Family Affair” underline a powerful message of self-reliance and collaboration within the African film industry. Her advice to filmmakers encourages action, creativity, and independence as key drivers of success. The film itself stands as a symbol of pan-African cooperation, bringing together talent and expertise from multiple countries to create a shared cinematic experience. With its international post-production strategy and diverse cast, the project reflects the growing ambition of African storytelling. “The Family Affair” not only strengthens Zambia’s position in the creative industry but also highlights the potential of African cinema to thrive through unity and determination.