Discoveries from Zambia World Cinema

Rejected by his father at birth, a boy with albinism navigates a childhood of bullying, tragedy and cautious hope.

The Swamp Pride is on its knees. Its mighty male was killed by poachers, leaving three mothers and their cubs defenseless in one of the toughest landscapes for a lion in Africa. Busanga Swamp is a quagmire, even in the dry season. Hunting in shoulder-deep water is all but impossible, and deadly hippos and crocodiles patrol the ever-present waters. Keeping cubs alive here is hard work, but for these lionesses it just got even harder: two massive young male lions are hunting them down. The males want to claim the Swamp Pride and its territory as their own, but to take over a pride they must kill its cubs. The mothers must fight tooth and claw to make sure that doesn't happen

Jon Snow comes out of retirement for one last investigation, travelling to Zambia to uncover a mining disaster being covered up by officials.

A young Zambian hustler pulls a scam on a local politician, but has he bitten off more than he can chew?

A 25 years old young man Luthando Kalusha Ndalumba trying to fight for justice after his father’s death and rescuing his people from the oppressor who is his brother, Simba.

Whilst most young women in her home town of Zambia were busy planning weddings, Esther Phiri had other ideas: to stay single, be a professional boxer and complete the high school education that she abandoned when her family fell on hard times. Her quick and meteoric rise to an undefeated world champion took not only the boxing world by surprise, but sent emotions fever pitch. But whilst the global press rushed to portray her as a strong and confident woman tagged »Zambia’s Million Dollar Baby», in private Esther slowly crumbled under the weight of her success. Adulation and celebrity had increased, but so had criticism, envy and expectations from her family and fans. In the pursuit of independence from a husband, her global success had made her a symbol of hope and empowerment, and a provider for her family and friends whose demands increased as Esther’s fortune grew.

This evocative Zambian anthology film weaves together three powerful tales of resilience and hope, exploring mental health and identity. Wongani, a young woman, finds solace in traditional dance to conquer depression. Wezi, a fearless freedom fighter, assumes a rebel leader's identity to seek justice for her community's denied mental health rights. Maya, a college student, confronts crippling anxiety following the loss of a dear friend. Through stunning visuals, original soundtrack and storytelling, Twaano sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit, celebrating the transformative power of tradition, culture, and community.

A young woman who is handicapped after an accident becomes attached to an AIDS orphan.

After a brief, silent encounter at a campus corner where neither speaks, a young man and woman are left haunted by each other’s presence. While the woman struggles to focus on her studies, the man speeds off to a class he is late for, yet both remain "frozen in time" by the memory of the other. Their paths cross again on a secluded bench after class. What begins as a nervous "hi" quickly evolves into a soulful conversation about beauty, destiny, and the strange warmth of a stranger's gaze.

A diverse group of travellers who face numerous challenges during a dramatic journey is at the centre of the narrative with a pregnant woman who emerges as a unifying force, leading the group toward unity despite their differences.

Justina sets up a cooperative centre that sells safer nicotine products but must face a local cigarette seller and a secret smoker who uses money to entice people to stop smoking instead of providing long lasting solutions to help people quit smoking completely.

A poor servant steals a red bag from a rich man's home later bag gets stolen by a driver and many chases the one after the bag.

In a world where women manifest the traits of their totems, Timba, an insecure, ungifted woman escapes from her husband, Chief Moto, after he attempts to use their daughter's powers for military advantage. But when other tribes learn of her child’s abilities and go after them, to have a shot at making it out alive, Timba will have to unlock the true source of power which she’ll learn lies within.

A man infiltrates a crime syndicate to avenge the death of his father, but falls in love with a police officer who is investigating a murder linked to the gang.

A group of Zambian conservationists battle to protect the most trafficked animal in the world.

After inheriting his father's church, Miracle and his friend Tobias venture into the gold delivery business, only to have the gold stolen. Desperate to repay the debt, they hatch a plan to use the church.

The film explores the complexities, repression, and criminalization of social movements fighting for land and ecological restitution in Eswatini (formally known as Swaziland), Mozambique, and Zambia.

Justina introduces e-cigarettes to the community smokers but must face a local cigarettes seller whose business is been affected by Justina's new move.

On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Lions to Nsumbu follows the ambitious mission to reintroduce lions to Zambia’s Nsumbu National Park—once the stronghold of the Tabwa people’s royal clan, known as the “Clan of the Lions.” With lions long absent, their return is vital for restoring the ecosystem and cultural identity. But can a community welcome back Africa’s top predator? This documentary explores the challenges of large-scale conservation, the role of cultural heritage in biodiversity restoration, and the deep ties between people and place in one of Africa’s most ecologically and culturally significant landscapes

When Thandiwe goes missing while uncovering a conspiracy, the only two people who can find her are her ex lover and current boyfriend. Will they work together with her life on the line?

A young lady facing deep contemplation of possibly being in a quasi path to self healing

Mercy, a girl aged 13 and raped by her step father rejects her pregnancy with the help of her mother through an illegal abortion. The child dumped in a pit latrine survives and finds a home at an orphanage center.

Aspiring writer and curious 16-year-old Buumba is a traditional follower of the Maria Kristu church. Since childhood, she has been taught that her place in this world as a woman is beside her husband. In her quest for freedom, Buumba must go against the norms and doctrine of the church, doing everything in her power to stop from sinking into a world of brainwash, misogyny and favouritism, as she fights to create a better place for both her and other young women. She comes to the harsh realisation that freedom comes at a price, and only those willing to stand up for themselves acquire it.

The painter is struggling to sell her work due to them not being 'African' enough. One morning, she discovers a painting in her house of a woman in full traditional Bemba attire with all the cultural trappings.