Tanzania-China collaboration set to lift local film industry to new heights

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's plan to strengthen collaboration with China in the film industry offers an array of opportunities that could elevate Tanzanian cinema to new heights, experts have said.

The government recently reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with China, particularly in the realm of cultural exchange, a move that holds immense potential for transforming the film industry into a vital cultural and economic asset.

The recent launch of the Kiswahili version of the Chinese-Tanzanian co-produced television series ‘Karibu Milele’ (Welcome to Milele) is a testament to the fruits of this collaboration.

This series, filmed in both Tanzania and China, portrays the experiences of a Chinese medical team in Africa and their interactions with local communities.

Tanzania’s Minister of Culture, Arts, and Sports, Dr Damas Ndumbaro, emphasised the importance of this collaboration during the series' launch in Dar es Salaam noting on August 23, 2024:

He recognised and reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen relations with China, particularly to boost the film industry.

“We want to strengthen these opportunities and encourage our filmmakers to seek partnerships with their counterparts in China,” he said.

The collaboration with China offers Tanzanian filmmakers access to the advanced technology, production techniques, and expertise that China’s film industry is renowned for.

According to film expert Mr Zabron Mnyeti, this partnership is a golden opportunity for Tanzanian filmmakers to learn and adopt these cutting-edge practices.

“By collaborating with China, our filmmakers can enhance the quality of their productions, leading to better storytelling, higher production values, and a more competitive industry on the global stage,” he noted.

One of the most significant advantages of this partnership is the potential for Tanzanian films to reach a much broader audience.

They believe China's vast market, with its millions of viewers, offers a new frontier for Tanzanian cinema.

“With the right partnerships, Tanzanian films could be distributed in China, providing a substantial boost to the industry’s revenue potential.

This is an opportunity that cannot be overlooked,” said an expert, Dr Margaret Thomson.

She said that the collaboration allows for a cultural exchange that enables Tanzanian stories to be told through a lens that resonates with both local and international audiences.

According to her, the cultural fusion resulting from this collaboration is likely to produce unique films that not only showcase Tanzania’s rich heritage but also incorporate global influences, making them appealing to a diverse audience.

“Beyond storytelling and market reach, the collaboration with China is a change to bring much-needed investment into Tanzania's film industry,” she noted, adding, “The investment could lead to the development of film schools, studios, and other infrastructure that supports the industry's growth.”

Training programs are another critical aspect of this partnership. Chinese collaborations could offer Tanzanian filmmakers the opportunity to hone their skills in various aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to post-production.

“Capacity building is essential for the sustainable growth of our industry,” Dr Thomson remarked. “With the right training, our local talent will be well-equipped to take the industry forward.”

Successful co-productions will always lead to increased recognition for Tanzanian filmmakers at international film festivals and in global markets.

This visibility is crucial for positioning Tanzania as a key player in the global film industry.

Furthermore, the ‘Karibu Milele’ series, with its Kiswahili version, is set to spread the Swahili language and Tanzanian culture to a global audience.

According to Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian, the series has already been well-received in China, where it has helped Chinese audiences learn about the profound friendship between the two nations and appreciate Tanzania's natural and cultural beauty.

“As the series airs in Kiswahili, it is expected to resonate with Tanzanian viewers and further promote Kiswahili on the global stage,” she noted.

With access to Chinese expertise, technology, and market reach, Tanzanian filmmakers have an unprecedented opportunity to tell their stories to a global audience.

“This is a moment to be seized, a chance to transform Tanzania’s film industry into a cornerstone of cultural and economic development,” said Dr Thomson.