Local filmmakers have expressed excitement at the opportunity MultiChoice Malawi is offering them to air their productions on its One Zed Channel both on DStv and GOtv.

A statement from MultiChoice Malawi says through an expansion programme called Project Pamodzi, they want to engage local creatives for content.

“This project seeks to empower Malawi’s film’s and TV industry,” reads the statement in part.

Sukali: We have the content that they are looking for

According to One Zed Channel head Mosibudi Pheeha, they are looking for filmmakers with unique, fresh and truly Malawian stories to tell to submit their proposals for comedy or drama series that reflect authentic Malawian stories with an outstanding storyline.

“This investment into Malawi’s film and television industry displays our commitment to telling pan-African stories that resonate with diverse audiences,” he said.

In reaction, filmmakers in Malawi have welcomed the development saying it has been long time coming.

In an interview on Monday, Filmmakers Association of Malawi president Gift Sukez Sukali said this is an opportunity that local creatives have been looking for all along.

“We have beautiful Malawian stories to tell and we have been looking for such a platform. We have been watching on the sidelines as our friends from neighbouring countries told their stories on DStv,” he said.

Sukali said for a long time, people have been complaining that they do not have access to local movies and productions, but with this opportunity Malawian stories will be on a big platform which is DStv and GOtv channels.

Sukali assured Malawians that local filmmakers have what it takes to produce high quality drama series that can stand competition on the DStv platform.

“We are looking forward to having our own Zuba or Mpali which can be appreciated across Africa. We have the content that they are looking for,” said the Fatsani movie director.

On her part movie producer and actress, Cathreen Mlenga said the development is encouraging.

“In the past, we tried without luck to submit our content to MultiChoice, but then there was no space. We even tried to advocate for a channel for Malawian drama content. They would say they could not buy content from Malawi. Finally, they have started recognising us,” she said

Mlenga said as filmmakers, they are glad with the opportunity since they have been having trouble to get their productions on local television stations.

“They may want to air our productions, but payment and commissioning them is a challenge. And you know producing these things needs resources,” she said.

The post Local filmmakers excited with DStv platform offer appeared first on The Nation Online.