Ministry of Tourism and Arts says Zambia’s dream to actualize and harness the benefits out of creative arts like film have advanced.

Ministry’s Director of Arts and Culture Patricia Muyamwa, however, noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed down some of the progress made to bring international filmmakers to the country.

Ms. Muyamwa said her department is working with the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC) and has two international film crews working with Nigerian filmmakers.

She stated that, “Zambia has beautiful natural tourism sites, and rich culture that if incorporated into international film productions can uplift the country’s tourism profile.”

Meanwhile, United States of America (US) based film actor called for tax incentives for international filmmakers for them to be attracted to make movies at Zambia’s tourism sites and help market the country.

Patrick Shumba said there is need to push for the development of film, as it is a greater employer in many developed countries including the US, adding that Zambia has beautiful tourism sites that can be used for best film production.

“Zambia missed an opportunity for the country to be advertised to whole world when Marvel Comics filmed some scenes of the Black Panther movie at the Victoria Falls.”

He said the filmmakers of the US$2 billion movie American superhero film felt no obligation to mention that Wakanda is in Zambia in the movie because they believed they paid all their way for the production.

The martial artistic actor also called on the need to form a union for actors and filmmakers that can be internationally recognized like US has Screen Actors Guild.