A Zambian Actress and Producer Cassie Kabwita has earned recognition for the best African International Female Actor.
The Achievement Award at this year’s 6th African Achievement Awards is being held in America.
Ms Kabwita has been awarded for her excellent contribution in film particularly in Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Kenya among other countries.
She is currently in Seattle, Washington to receive her award.
ZANIS reports that Ms Kabwita disclosed that the award is an indication and encouragement to the Zambian local film industry noting that the Zambian film industry is on the right track through international market recognition.
Ms Kabwita added that as much as local producers work hard for their content, the film industry is grappled with film distribution challenges that can help the industry to earn equivalent to their hard work that they put in.
“we have a lot of production houses that are producing quality content but we lack the right amount of funding we need as well as a stable distribution channel,” she said.
Ms Kabwita has appealed to the government to consider showcasing 50 percent of local content on local television channels adding that the film producers have so much content but no proper distribution channel that they can benefit from.
She has since urged her fellow film makers in Zambia as well as Africa, to continue telling their stories saying eventually the world will see them.
Another Zambian gospel musician by the name Abel Chungu was also recognised at the same awards in the music category.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with ZANIS National Arts Council (NAC) Assistant Director for Performing and Literary Arts, Mwiche Chikungu, noted that Ms Kabwita’s award is a great achievement for the Zambian film makers saying it should be an example for filmmakers to always go out and utilise their skills for international opportunities as artistic work is seasonal.
Ms Mwiche disclosed that the local film industry which is currently producing quality films has been supported by the government as well as the National Arts Council.
She says they are working closely to create an enabling environment for local film makers through policy reforms.
“We launched the National Film Policy and are now pushing for changes in legislation which are going to make it much easier for the filmmakers to earn a living as well as produce their work. We have been working very closely with all the collective management organisations to try to make an enabling environment for filmmakers in Zambia,” she noted.
Ms Mwiche further disclosed that the film policy will begin implementation next year noting that it will have a positive benefit in the film industry.