Spotlight: Cassie Kabwita, a dynamic Zambian actress, film producer, and passionate Rotarian, is making waves in the African film industry. With her roots in the Lunda tribe of Chief Kakoma in Mwinilunga District, North-Western Province, Cassie’s journey from Luanshya, Copperbelt Province, to international recognition is a testament to talent, resilience, and a love for storytelling.

Cassie’s acting career began in 2006 with theatre arts, where her natural flair for performance caught the attention of many. Her transition to film came in 2009 with roles in the Tanzanian horror Roho Sita and the Zambian film Sweet Revenge, where she also took on the mantle of producer.

In 2010, she showcased her versatility in Familia Yangu, playing dual roles: a mother of two and an old lady seeking work as a maid. Her breakthrough arrived in 2012 with the Zambian TV series Love Games, cementing her status as one of the country’s most talented actresses.

Cassie recently won the International Actor Award at the African Achievement Awards in Seattle, USA. Reflecting on the accolade, she shared, “The award I won at the African achievement awards in America as an international African actor means a lot to me as an actor, I have received a lot of accolades as an actor and producer but this is the the highest form of recognition I have ever received. This award affirms my talent, hard work, and the artistic choices I have made in the role.“

“It brings widespread public attention to my brand and and my work, it has positively elevated my career, it has opened doors to more prestigious roles, bigger budgets, and increased demand for my services. I can Proudly say that this award has solidified my position on the local and international film market making me more sought after by directors, producers, and casting directors in Africa. It has Increased my visibility and I am hoping for it to translate into higher salaries and more lucrative contracts in 2025 and going forward.”

The recognition solidifies her position as a sought-after creative force in Africa’s film industry, paving the way for larger budgets, more prominent roles, and a greater platform to amplify Zambian stories.

As the Ambassador for The African Film Festival in Dallas, Cassie represents the vibrant, burgeoning talent from Zambia and the continent at large. She passionately advocates for cultural relevance in filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of telling stories that reflect African experiences and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Cassie attributes the rise of Zambia’s film industry to factors such as passion-driven filmmakers, increased internet penetration, and government support. She notes that the shift toward culturally relevant content has built a loyal local audience eager for Zambian stories.

“The rise of the film industry in Zambia can be attributed to several factors and the number one is the love and passion Zambian filmmakers have, they are always positive that one day everything shall fall in place a d start paying. Some filmmakers make movies that they totally have no idea how they will recover their money back or how they will distribute their movies.

“These days Zambians are making cultural relevant content, the films often resonate with audiences by telling stories that reflect their culture, experiences, and social issues which has helped grow a local film Audience, the demand for locally produced content among Zambians has created a market for Zambian films, people are ready to pay for local content now.”

“The other aspect that has contributed to the growth is the Online Streaming Platforms like YouTube and social media, they have provided new avenues for filmmakers to distribute their work and reach wider audiences and I am very confident that Online platforms can help Zambian films gain international recognition and exposure as well. The increased internet penetration allows for easier access to information, collaboration, and distribution platforms,” she says.

Online platforms like YouTube and social media are also helping Zambian films gain global visibility. Competition within the industry, she adds, has fueled a drive for excellence, with every filmmaker aiming to put Zambia on the international map.

Cassie’s work transcends acting and production. As a Rotarian, she is committed to service, and as an ambassador for African cinema, she continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers to dream big.

Her career, rooted in a love for storytelling, remains an inspiring narrative of perseverance, creativity, and dedication. Cassie Kabwita is not just a star of Zambian cinema; she is a beacon of what the future of African storytelling holds.