LUSAKA, (Monday, 5th June, 2017) His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia has congratulated Zambia’s 35-year-old Rugano Nyoni, the Cast and Crew of the production “I am Not a Witch” for their positive showing in the Directors’ Fortnight category at the recently held 2017, 70th Cannes Film Festival in France.
The President says he is delighted especially that this film was directed by a female youth with the Star of the film Maggie Mulubwa only aged nine years old .
The President has commended the team for their hardwork and commitment to film-making and for positively representing the country at the highest level of the global film industry.
“We have no doubt that the performance of the production including the positive reviews in the international Press will bring benefits to the cast, crew and the country among them visibility, and open up opportunities for other films,” the President said
The President underscored the need for the country to seriously tap into youth talent and ingenuity in every aspect, if the country’s film industry is to develop, as the youth constitute the largest percentage of the population.
The President says Government is committed to changing the way local filmmaking and the film industry has been viewed in the country, in the past hence its decision to approve the National Film Policy aimed at promoting the industry and facilitating its growth and sustainability.
The President says this achievement should inspire would be filmmakers to venture into this industry.
“It is encouraging that due to the efforts of the a few filmmakers; the country has enjoyed positive reviews in the world media. It’s heartwarming to see the role arts play in contributing to Zambia’s positive image abroad,” the President said.
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Issued by:
AMOS CHANDA