16 May 2007, by Chamilesu Kapaipi Lusaka. 'Black Mor"s Island" premiered at the Lusaka Playhouse at the weekend during the opening of the seventh European Film Festival that is running through to May 20. Black Mor"s Island is about 15 year old hard labour, Kid. Kid steals a map leading to the treasure of notorious pirate Black Mor. Together with his crew of misfits; he sets on an adventure of a life time aboard his vessel and sets to sea.
"The festival allows one an opportunity to catch a glimpse into another reality and diverse worlds of the countries that have films representative of their country" said an audience member. Speaking at the opening of the festival Minister of Community Development and Social Services commended the EU for providing an opportunity for interaction and creating an avenue for showcasing the European culture.
She said, "This is an opportunity for the Zambian film makers to learn methods of film script writing, cinematography, directing and producing since we are lagging behind not only in the technical aspect, but most importantly the film industry as a vehicle in the reinforcement of culture and the showcasing the unique Zambian identity. "As such more need to be done to produce films, documentaries, soap operas and other genres which are inspired from our roots, perception and experiences in relation to the world around us", she added.
The minister also appealed for support from the EU towards the arts and cultural sector in order the safeguard the countries cultural heritage and provision of employment for the youth. Through the Cultural Sector Support Programme (CSSP), EU has however, been an active supporter of cultural development in Zambia which has led to the promotion and development of various cultural activities including traditional ceremonies, dance, music, and theatre and film production.
Other film productions also slated for the course of the festival are 'Immediate Boarding" – Sweden, Black Mar"s Island – France, Shouf Shouf Abibi – Netherlands, Chinaman – Denmark, Inside I"m dancing, Good Hands – Latvia, The Crocodile of the Wandaogo Family – Germany, By the Prickling of my thumbs, A city is beautiful at night – European Union (EU), Upswing – Finland, Long Live the Queen – Finland and the famed and much renowned United Kingdom production of Narnia: The Lion, the Wardrobe and the Witch.
 
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