The creative industry has welcomed its recognition as a priority area under the 8th administration, saying it's the first time they are appreciated and recognised.
However, they are now calling for coordinated efforts and a deeper understanding of the industry.
NBC News sat down with filmmaker Joel Haikali, founder of Joe Vision Production, who has been in the industry for more than a decade.
He has collaborated on international productions and produced award-winning films such as My Father's Son, the recent Marelize film, and the documentary Netumbo: A Leader Beyond Politics.
Haikali said initiatives by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, such as the proposed film city, should address existing challenges, create support structures, and strengthen policies and incentives to boost the industry.
"Therefore, if the intention is to empower and strengthen the industry, you should not start from scratch; instead, assess your current position and determine how we can assist you. For film, it's the same. The goal is to examine the value chain and ecosystem of the film industry, particularly focusing on current challenges such as infrastructure. The limited skill, to a certain extent, was accessing the market. Therefore, the proposed intervention is to consolidate this data to develop a suitable and targeted approach."
The filmmaker also raised concerns over the lack of a clear plan or direct pathway to fully capitalise on the creative industry, which has enormous potential to contribute to the country's economic growth.
Haikali said creativity goes beyond the final product, whether it's music, film, design, or visual arts.
He emphasised the need to strengthen the entire value chain by investing in skill development, mentoring, and equipment.
This, he added, will ensure sustainability and reduce reliance on importing skills and resources.
Joel Haikali highlighted the importance of collaboration, having fully dedicated his career to filmmaking and found a working model.
He pointed to Marelize, a Namibia-South Africa co-production, which earned over a million at the box office in a week.