Private Project

Clearing the Smoke

Clearing the Smoke explores the deep-rooted relationship between tobacco farming and the lives it sustains. Veteran farmers reflect on their decades-long journey in the industry—one that has provided financial stability but also carries significant risks. While tobacco remains the primary source of income for their village, its cultivation comes with health hazards, economic uncertainties, and an increasingly uncertain future as global policies shift.

Beyond the fields, the film also delves into the lives of tobacco consumers—smokers who, over time, face severe health consequences. Through powerful testimonies, we witness their struggles with addiction, the toll on their well-being, and the stark warnings from medical professionals urging them to quit. As some farmers begin to question the sustainability of their trade, smokers, too, confront the reality of their choices.

With livelihoods at stake and health concerns on the rise, Clearing the Smoke presents a compelling narrative of survival, dependence, and the urgent need for change in communities caught between economic necessity, public health concerns and tobacco control.

  • Emmanuel Mwape
    Director
    saving chalo, Helping Chalo, Silverling, Man of Gold
  • Emmanuel Mwape
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 49 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 30, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    Zambia
  • Country of Filming:
    Malawi, Poland, Zambia
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Emmanuel Mwape

Emmanuel Mwape “Chungu” (Born March 18, 1991) is a highly acclaimed Zambian filmmaker and a MultiChoice Talent Factory Alumni, known for his exceptional ability to produce both fiction and non-fiction films. Raised in the Misisi compound, his challenging upbringing fueled his passion for storytelling, leading him to pursue his secondary education at Kamwala Secondary School before enrolling in the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where he quickly made a name for himself.

Emmanuel has an impressive portfolio that includes the feature film "SAUL" and award-winning short films such as "Confession" and "Zambian Cab," which won five Best Short Documentary awards at various festivals, including the Moja Italia Festival in Italy. His short film "Sex" became Zambia’s most widely traveled film at international festivals. He also contributed as Director of Photography for the comedy-drama series "Uncle Limbani."
In addition to filmmaking, Emmanuel is a kevin molloy fellow of the Tobacco Harm Reduction program, a project funded by Knowledge Action Change (KAC), which focuses on harm reduction as a key public health strategy. His films "Saving Chalo" and "Helping Chalo," centered on tobacco harm reduction, won him various awards worldwide.
His recent works include "The Painting," nominated at the prestigious AMVCA Awards, and his award-winning film "Silver Lining," which earned a nomination for Best Southern African Film at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) and is set to premiere on Roku TV and Tubi in September 2024.

Passionate about advocacy, Emmanuel’s films explore urban crimes, social issues, and cultural beliefs, using the power of storytelling to challenge perspectives and spark meaningful conversations. Through his work, he has firmly established himself as a prominent figure in the Zambian film industry, captivating audiences both locally and internationally.

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Director Statement

Clearing the Smoke - Explores the relationship between tobacco farming, smoking, and health. The film tells the stories of farmers who have depended on tobacco for many years. While it gives them financial stability, it also brings serious health risks. As global policies change and health concerns grow, these farmers are starting to question whether tobacco farming is sustainable.

The film also looks at the problems faced by smokers, showing the health damage caused by addiction. It highlights the need for tobacco harm reduction strategies. Through the stories of both farmers and smokers, "Clearing the Smoke" calls for change. It promotes healthier alternatives and aims to address the economic dependence on tobacco while reducing its health impact. The film hopes to show a future where harm reduction helps both farmers and smokers.