The inaugural Malawi Film Festival provided the perfect platform to tell the Malawian story and celebrate the country’s filmmakers.

The two-day event, hosted at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe from Friday, showed how film lovers had been craving for an opportunity to sample Malawian films. Patrons thronged the venue to appreciate what the country’s film industry has to offer.

Film producer Brenda Mselu (C) makes an address during the festival

The festival’s special guest Mutale Monde, who plays Nguzu in the popular Zambian soapie Mpali, was another glorifying sight. Also in attendance were other actors from Ghana. The Zambian was also part of the jury during the awards.

Monde commended the efforts that Malawian filmmakers are making to ensure that the film industry is elevated. He urged the government to respond to the challenges the arts sector is facing.

“The government should consider investing in infrastructure that will facilitate the growth of the industry. There is huge potential in the entertainment industry. If it can be well managed, it can contribute in offering job opportunities to many people,” he said.

Among other things that took place during the event was a panel discussion which centred on the challenges that the film industry is facing.

During the panel discussion, MultiChoice Malawi corporate affairs manager Zena Makunje said Malawi should not compare its film industry to the other African film industries because Malawi is not yet mature in terms of supportive arts infrastructures and standard quality.

Dream Media Production manager Thoko Tembo said Malawian filmmakers should be given the platform to showcase their talents on international channels.

He said: “Most people do not understand the power of film. For people who are talking about standards, quality is something that comes after nurturing talents and dedication then quality appears.”

During the awards, Ashukile Mwakisulu’s movie All We Have Is Us won as the best feature film and best script. Mwai Simbota and Mwakisulu won the best actress and actor awards, respectively for their roles in the movie.

Best winning actress Mwai Simbota said she is looking forward to what the future holds.

She said: “It is amazing. This being my first award and it’s here at home, that is just a blessing.”

Tsanzo, a short film by Beautus Ble Ble won the Best Short Film Award, Year of Our Lord won the Best Soundtrack Award while The Last Roadblock got the Best Cinematography Award. Joyce Chavula, Charles Shemu Joyah and Ezaius Mkandawire were given the achievers award.

Fama founder Chrispine Viyazi posthumously received a special award from Fama.

One of the patrons, Tamanda Kalembera said the festival is a good initiative as it exposes Malawi’s potential in movie production.

She said: “The number of people that attended the festival just shows how much Malawians have interest in the local film productions. The films that were showcased were very impressive. There is huge potential in the industry.”

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