Maravi

Govt to repeal theatres, cinematography Act

Govt to repeal theatres, cinematography Act
Written by Moses Kuwema
Monday, February 02, 2009 3:20:46 AM

INFORMATION and Broadcasting Services director of Press and Planning Juliana Mwila has said the ministry is in the process of repealing the theatres and cinematography Act.

In a speech read on behalf of information minister Ronnie Shikapwasha during the certificate giving ceremony and launch of the website for the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA) at the Lusaka Playhouse on Saturday, Mwila also said the ministry was considering amending the copyrights and performance Act.

She said once enacted, the pieces of legislation would protect the film industry and artistes from piracy.

Mwila said artistes needed to enjoy the fruits of their creativity, hence government's effort in fighting piracy and infringement of intellectual property.

She said film and audio visual media could play an important role in transforming society.

“The way we think and perceive ourselves has a direct impact on how we relate to ourselves and others,” she said.

Mwila said her ministry had provided for some funds in this year's budget to continue supporting film makers.

“Despite the meager allocation to the support of the film industry, we stand ready to support your efforts because it is the government's desire to have the Zambian film industry come up to the levels attained by other SADC countries,” she said.

Mwila further appealed to the corporate world to come forward and support the film industry.

She said in view of the job losses as a result of the global financial crisis, Zambians with skills could still be productively engaged in the film industry.

Mwila hoped that the launch of the NAMA website would sell Zambia to the outside world and promote tourism.

And Finish Ambassador to Zambia Sinikka Antila said Finland was committed to promoting and supporting the global strategy for world heritage.

Ambassador Antila said this in a speech read for her by programme officer at the Embassy of Finland Melissa Saila.

She said the embassy of Finland found it important to support projects strengthening the cultural identities and heritage of the Zambian culture.

Antila said the embassy had a local cooperation fund through which civil society development and projects dealing with culture were funded.

“At the moment, the embassy is funding projects by National Archives of Zambia, the international Association of Theatre for Children and young people in Zambia and National Association of Media Arts,” she said.

Antila said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland sponsored cultural exchanges between Finland and Zambia, and cited the film Suwilanji, which was a Zambia-Finnish co-production.

Meanwhile, outgoing NAMA chairperson Musola Catherine Kaseketi commended Finland for its continued support to her organization.

Kaseketi said NAMA had been to five provinces around the country to identify talent, saying it would soon produce films from the areas.

Labels: NAMA

posted by MrK @ 3:18 AM