Govt to promote films on local talent

—Information and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister, Mwansa Kapeya, says government wants to ensure that film production based on the promotion of local talent is promoted so as to create employment for youths in Zambia. Addressing students at the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) in Accra, Ghana today, Mr Kapeya said the Patriotic Front (PF) government is doing everything possible to promote film productions based on local talent. He noted that there is a lot of talent and opportunity for Zambia to become a leader in film production based on local culture and traditions. Mr Kapeya said his visit to Ghana has provided valuable knowledge and information on what Zambia needs to do in order to get the film industry become part of the much needed employment creation. The deputy minister expressed happiness to learn that the Ghanaian government had created an institution specifically to students in film production. And speaking at the same function, National Arts Council chairperson, Mulenga Kapwepwe, called for the reintroduction of exchange training programmes between Zambia and Ghana. Ms Kapwepwe said Ghana has advanced greatly in film production and that Zambia wants to benefit from the skill and talent involved in the production of internationally rated films. The National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), which is affiliated to the University of Ghana, was established by the Ghanaian government in 1978 to offer training in the major fields of film and television production such as film directing, television production, motion picture photography, editing, film sound recording, set design, graphics and animation. The institution offers short courses, diploma and a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.