Absence of govt support hinders Zambia’s film industry growth —Wilo

Award-winning Zambian filmmaker, Paul Wilo, has expressed concerns over the lack of policies and funding for the country’s film industry, despite initiatives like the National Entertainment Festival.

Wilo highlighted the challenges faced by local filmmakers in competing on the international stage due to insufficient policies to support and safeguard the industry.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor in Lusaka on Thursday, Wilo stressed the absence of a dedicated film policy that mandated government funding for the industry.

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“It’s very difficult; there is no policy that states the government should fund the industry,” he said.

Wilo pointed out the lack of a film commission in Zambia, which could provide crucial support and guidance for the industry’s growth. “The film industry needs these commissions,” he noted.

He further emphasized the difficulties Zambian filmmakers face when trying to collaborate with international counterparts, as most foreign film industries operate under government-established policies.

“The absence of such policies in Zambia creates challenges in collaborations due to income generation imbalances. Foreign actors require proper procedures to obtain protection, which this government does not provide,” Wilo explained.

He also noted that this lack of support had hindered Zambia’s ability to develop actors who can achieve international success, both financially and in terms of fame.

“Zambia’s film industry is still young; we can’t compete with international lifestyles,” he said.

He urged consumers of entertainment not to impose unrealistic expectations on Zambian film celebrities, recognizing that the industry is still in its early stages.

“There should not be a lifestyle at this point; the industry is not ready. We should not put pressure on our celebrities. We have popular celebrities, but not famous ones,” Wilo said.

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