After achieving independence in the late 1960's, Zambia appeared poised to inherit the wind. However, civil war, and the diminished value of natural resources made Zambia one of the most debt-ridden nations in the world. Nevertheless, this year we saw a birth in Zambia; and birthday's are always cause for celebration. The 1st Annual International Film Festival of Zambia, which wrapped in mid-November 2006, had one purpose: to present "(f)ilms that celebrate our day-to-day experience, the past and culture." Simple and straight to the point-just like the truth. This surely was not the biggest or most prestigious film festival in the world, but the fact that it was the first means that we've seen a major change occur right in front of us.