Zambias film industry needs more support and investment for it to be transformed into a powerhouse in the southern African region, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya has said. Ms Siliya said the industry can be supported through initiatives such as tax incentives on imported film equipment to help in the production of content.

She said the film industry has enormous potential to create jobs for the youth if well harnessed. Ms Siliya, who is Chief Government Spokesperson, said this yesterday when Namibian Minister of Information and Broadcast Technology Stanley Simaata paid a courtesy call on her ahead of the launch of the Multi-choice Film Academy.

“The film industry has been neglected. Governments in the region should start investing and supporting this sector,” Ms Siliya said. She also said Government is aware of concerns raised by the private sector concerning the ongoing implementation of digital migration. She said Government has invested a lot of money in digital infrastructure, and that southern African countries should collaborate more to effectively address the challenges affecting the technology and film industry.

Ms Siliya said convergence has come with a lot of challenges, which can be harnessed and turned into opportunities. She said digital migration has created competition in the provision of services. She said the film academy will produce content makers who will further contribute to the production of local content.

And Mr Simaata said the film industry has provided an opportunity to countries in the region to engage the youth to explore their talents in film production. Mr Simaata said there is also need to invest in skills development among the youth for them to contribute to the growth of the film industry.

He said skills development will also help in producing films with the right information and content for the right audience instead of relying on Western media which provides movies that do not speak to the needs of Africans.