The creative industry in the Zambezi Region has welcomed the NBC leadership's engagement, saying greater access to the corporation could create more opportunities for talent and strengthen them.
The engagement provided a platform for direct engagement and information sharing on opportunities and services available within the creative industry.
Discussions included Mukorob Phase Three, which provides opportunities for scriptwriters and other creatives to have their work considered for commissioning.
NBC Drama Chrisjan Appolus explained.
"We go into scriptwriting, directing, producing, and production design-you know, the whole value chain. That's what we are doing. But when you apply, you can also state what you are interested in, and we can include you in the programme."
Participants said increased access to NBC services could help creatives develop their skills and actively participate in the industry.
"A lot of people will be given an opportunity to learn about the film industry and to also be capacitated with knowledge. It's a very good thing that NBC has brought for us. It shows they haven't left us out when it comes to decentralization," stressed the Chairperson of the Zambezi Film Association, Eric Muuba.
"This engagement was so important because it explained the channels and processes on how to access funding to produce, shoot, and make productions," noted a member of the Zambezi Film Association, Brenda Malambo.
While acknowledging the importance of producing content that reflects the region, NBC's Director General Menesia Muinjo stressed that such content must also appeal to the audience.
Muinjo said local creatives are well positioned to tell stories from their communities, but the content must meet audience expectations in terms of quality, relevance, and presentation.
"Young people want to watch what they want to watch, so it will have to come from them. When they see their work there, they know that, okay, Zambezi is featuring maybe this day or so, at this slot. That's how we can really start to entice them, and then you own what you do."
Creatives said the engagement signals a move towards greater inclusion and collaboration with the national broadcaster.
"I just want to say thanks to NBC and the NBC Drama School for coming to us in the Zambezi Region. It was like we were left behind, but for now, it's a step forward," noted Ivan Tendekule.
"Back in the days, you could only be on NBC if you went to Windhoek, but right now, you can be on NBC while you are in the Zambezi Region or any other region in Namibia. So, it's a very big step," added Belle Markasoh.