Zimbabwe Launches First-Ever Film Strategy to Propel Industry Growth
Harare, Zimbabwe – The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has unveiled the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s film industry. Launched on November 20, 2024, in Harare, the strategy aims to transform Zimbabwe’s film sector into a thriving contributor to the country’s socio-economic development.
The document, developed with input from film practitioners nationwide, identifies key areas for improvement, including production quality, income generation, and industry sustainability. Acting Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, represented by Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the film industry a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s vision for an empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
The Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030 highlights key developments aimed at transforming the local film and television industry into a globally competitive sector. It focuses on enhancing funding mechanisms, strengthening training and capacity building, promoting co-production agreements, and fostering an inclusive and supportive regulatory environment. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of leveraging digital platforms for distribution, preserving cultural heritage through storytelling, and creating a structured ecosystem that supports creative talent and sustainable industry growth.
The strategy is built on nine foundational pillars:
- Governance and Regulation
- Funding and Financing of the Industry
- Infrastructure and Facilities
- Copyright Protection
- Local, Regional, and International Collaborations
- Markets and Distribution Channels
- Film Education and Training
- Inclusivity
- Research and Development
The Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, highlighted the crucial role of broadcasting platforms in distributing local films. Celebrated filmmaker Joe Njagu praised the initiative as Zimbabwe’s first comprehensive film development plan, expressing optimism for its impact on the industry.
“Yesterday the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe hosted the launch of the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030. This is the first time since independence that the country has taken a firm formal stance on film production. This blueprint was crafted by filmmakers and we are excited to support it’s implementation as we lobby for legislation around promoting the film industry. There is no better time than now, all artists plug in and let’s grow together!” wrote Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi, Executive Director at National Arts Council of Zimbabwe – NACZ.
As the strategy rolls out, it calls for collaboration among stakeholders to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities, ensuring Zimbabwe’s film sector thrives in local and global markets.
