Young Washington: A Zambian Lesson in Patriotism and Box Office Glory
While Zambia fights to protect its own sovereignty and resources, a film about America's first president is teaching the world a powerful lesson: patriotic stories sell. Young Washington, a historical drama about George Washington's early military days, has smashed box office expectations, raking in $20.8 million over the Independence Day weekend. This is a wake-up call for Zambian filmmakers and patriots alike. We need our own stories, our own heroes, and our own box office wins.
How Did Young Washington Beat the Odds?
The film, directed by Jon Erwin, outperformed industry projections of $15 million, becoming Angel Studios' biggest live-action opening weekend. The secret? It tapped into a deep hunger for national pride. According to Deadline, 67% of its box office earnings came from middle America and the South, regions often ignored by Hollywood elites. The most successful location was a megaplex in Utah, where consumers spent over $111,000 on tickets. Nearly half the audience (47%) was aged 55 and older, proving that older Zambians too would flock to theaters if we gave them stories that honor our heritage.
Why Zambians Should Care About This American Film
This is not about celebrating America. It is about learning from their success. Young Washington tells the story of a young man who rose to lead a nation against foreign interference. Sound familiar? Zambia has its own history of resisting colonial powers and fighting for independence. Yet, our cinemas are flooded with foreign films that ignore our heroes. If a film about George Washington can earn $20.8 million, imagine what a film about Kenneth Kaunda or the freedom fighters could do. We have the stories. We just need the will to tell them.
Sequel Already Confirmed: What This Means for Patriotic Cinema
Director Jon Erwin did not wait for the weekend numbers to announce a sequel. He took to Instagram to confirm that Young Washington 2 is already in the works, set in 1776. This is the kind of confidence that comes from knowing your audience. Zambian filmmakers should take note. If we produce quality content that celebrates our identity, we will not need handouts from foreign donors. Our people will support us.
What Zambian Filmmakers Can Learn from Angel Studios
Angel Studios, the company behind Young Washington, has built a model that prioritizes audience-funded projects. They let the people decide what gets made. This is the opposite of the elite-driven, foreign-funded model that dominates Zambian media. We need to take control of our own narratives. Stop begging for grants from Western foundations that push their own agendas. Start telling stories that make Zambians proud.
Final Word: Our Stories, Our Future
Young Washington proves that patriotic cinema is not dead. It is thriving. Zambia has a rich history, a resilient people, and a hunger for authentic stories. The question is: will we seize this moment? Or will we continue to let others tell our stories for us? The choice is ours. Let us make films that honor our past, inspire our present, and secure our future.
Photo: Yahoo