Jessie Chisi

Jessie Chisi is a passionate and self-driven filmmaker from Zambia. Born and raised in the country. In 2021, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Development Studies, adding depth to her (...) understanding of social issues that often inform her work. She holds a Diploma in Film from Finland. She is a director and writer with a strong commitment to telling Africa's untold stories. Jessie's journey in the film industry began in 2009 she, she was an alumna of the Durban Talent Campus. The following year, in 2010, she participated in the Berlinale Talent Campus. In 2014, Jessie made her directorial debut with the feature documentary "Between Rings," a Finnish/Zambian co-production that followed the story of Esther Phiri, Zambia's first female boxer. The film garnered international acclaim, earning Jessie a Certificate of Merit award at the Tempere Film Festival and the film went on to be premiered at the CPH docs. In 2015 She wrote and directed "Imagination," a fantasy short film about life beyond the walls of poverty, which won Best African Film at the Belgium Film Festival. From 2017 to 2020, Jessie took on an ambitious project “Zuba” that would leave a lasting mark on Zambian television. She co-pioneered and directed two seasons of Zambia's first telenovela, bringing local stories and talent to the forefront of national entertainment. In 2018, MultiChoice listed Jessie among the most promising female filmmakers in Southern Africa, further cementing her status in the industry. In 2022, Jessie collaborated on "Year Zero," a three-part documentary series featuring ten directors, which premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival.