Musola Cathrine Kaseketi: A Quiet Force Shaping Zambia’s Film Narrative

Musola Cathrine Kaseketi

In a film landscape where volume often overshadows intention, Musola Cathrine Kaseketi has carved out a reputation for doing the opposite. Her work is measured, thoughtful and deeply human — less concerned with spectacle than with how people move through the world, and what society allows them to carry quietly.

In the evolving story of African cinema, Musola Cathrine Kaseketi stands out not just as a filmmaker, but as a trailblazer, advocate and educator. Born in October 1968 in Solwezi, Zambia, Kaseketi overcame personal adversity — including mobility challenges caused by a childhood medical error — to become the first professional female film director in her country. Her journey from theatre student in Zimbabwe to honours graduate of the Newtown Film and Television School in South Africa reflects both grit and a pioneering spirit that has reshaped Zambia’s film landscape.

Kaseketi’s filmography bridges narrative drama and social reflection. Her breakthrough project, Suwi (“Faith”), released in 2009 and co-directed with Sandie Banda, tells a poignant story of a young woman adjusting to life after an accident — a narrative born from Kaseketi’s belief in resilience and dignity, and shot with a lean, resourceful production model that maximised impact without excess.

She followed with Dreams of Forgotten Youth (2012) and Broken Hill Man (2013), expanding her thematic range while keeping character and community at the centre of her work. Beyond feature films, Kaseketi has directed episodes of Zambia’s long-running soap opera Kabanana and a number of documentaries, using every format she touches to amplify voices that often go unheard.

Her work earned international recognition, including the Her Abilities Award in Arts, Culture and Sports, which celebrated her contributions as an artist with a disability and a leader in global cinema dialogue. Despite limited funding and infrastructure in her home industry, Kaseketi’s films have screened across Africa and Europe, proving that strong storytelling and purpose can carry a film farther than budget lines ever do.

Kaseketi often frames her career not as a solo climb but as part of a larger mission: to open doors for others. She mentors emerging creatives, champions disability equality through cinema, and speaks about filmmaking as a vehicle for social change. For filmmakers everywhere — especially those working with limited resources — her journey offers a powerful lesson: clarity of vision, cultural rootedness and commitment to craft can transcend obstacles and help African cinema claim its place on global stages.