NACZ spearheads National Film Strategy to bolster cultural and creative industries

In 2022, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) developed the National Music Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap comprising 10 pillars as a by-product of the National Cultural and Creative Industries Strategy (NCCIS).

This initiative, led by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, was designed to guide the development and growth of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).

Building on this foundation, the NACZ has now spearheaded the formulation of the National Film Strategy in Harare. With 2024 themed as ‘The Year of Film,’ the NACZ has expressed pride in the smooth progress of this critical formulation process.

In a press statement, the NACZ emphasised that the strategy development was inclusive and thorough.

“After a series of national consultations, the drafting process began on the 8th of August, incorporating input gathered at provincial levels. The response was overwhelming, with all 10 provinces participating and submitting their key areas of interest through the national drafting team. “More than 20 industry experts, along with a private strategy consultant, met on the 19th and 20th of August to validate and consolidate the major findings, ultimately identifying nine critical pillars that will drive the strategy document,” the statement read.

Speaking at the sidelines of the two-day Film Strategy Workshop, NACZ executive director Napoleon Nyanhi expressed his satisfaction with the process.

“We’re greatly encouraged by the enthusiastic participation of Film & Television practitioners from across the country. The response was overwhelming, and the two-day document formulation process was both robust and focused.

“We’re confident that the resulting strategy document will invigorate the sector and guide future policy,” Nyanhi said.

The sector is eagerly anticipating the finalisation of the strategy. Once the consolidation process is complete, the vision and plans for achieving success will be shared with stakeholders.

The NACZ also highlighted that this strategy aligns with the national vision of achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030, and it echoes President Mnangagwa’s commitment to “leaving no one and no place behind.”

This initiative marks a significant milestone, representing two years of dedicated work initiated by the former NACZ director, Mr Nicholas Moyo, who now serves as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu