When Film Association of Malawi (Fama) was established in 2011, its mission was to unite and coordinate individuals and groups involved in film production and promotion in the country.
For many years, this vision has remained more aspirational and stayed real, but with challenges such as limited resources and finances.
This year, the association once again underwent a leadership transition that ushered in a new executive committee. Leadership changes have been a recurring pattern over the years, each bringing its own goals and approaches.
From January to April 2025, the new executive led by Dorothy Kingston and her deputy Gilbert Moyo has made notable strides toward advancing the association’s objectives.
The committee celebrated 100 days in office by opening Fama secretariat offices in Area 3, Lilongwe.
During the ceremony, Moyo highlighted some of the achievements the team has made 100 days in office.
Moyo said the team has established sub-committees to decentralise responsibilities and regional desks to improve outreach.
Regional leaders were selected to manage local projects, sit on the social welfare committee and ensure that the concerns of local filmmakers feed directly into national decision-making.
“These structures mean we are no longer operating from top-down. Everyone has a voice and will be engaged through these committees,” he said.
Six subcommittees focusing on resource mobilisation, marketing, public relations, discipline, welfare and proposal development have been created so far.
Another of Fama’s achievements is its legal registration. According to Moyo, the team put much emphasis on the urgency of the association registering under the Trustee Act.
“Fama has managed to register under the Trustees Act and the process is near completion. This is to ensure that the association gains legal recognition and credibility,” he said.
At the centre of the transformation is a deliberate emphasis on unity which, according to Kingston, is vital in achieving tangible results in the industry.
“We came in with one goal to improve the film industry and promote local filmmakers,”
“When you have unity, you have strength. That strength is what has made these achievements in one month. This is because together, we can achieve great things,” she said.
With a K40 million donation from Prophet Shepherd Bushiri Foundation, Fama secured a place and has opened a secretariat office which Kingston described as a home for the entire industry.
“This is not just an office, but also a home for film in Malawi. It is a place where filmmakers can walk in and feel represented. They don’t have to rely on forums to report issues that affect them since we now have an office,” she said.
This marks the first time an art association has its own offices.
Fama will also develop a new website with an .mw domain which is expected to go live this week and will serve as a central platform for industry news, membership tools and promotional activities.
Beyond internal development, Fama has made strategic moves to build partnerships that align with its broader goals.
It has forged relationships with Copyright Association of Malawi (Cosoma), Old Mutual Malawi Limited, MultiChoice Malawi, Standard Bank plc, the Department of Arts and Malawi Tourism Council (MTC)
The agreement with MTC will see filmmakers produce documentaries and films that will sell Malawi as a tourist destination.
During the signing ceremony, MTC executive director Memory Mumba said the council wants to leverage on local films’ missed opportunity to reflect the country’s beauty and unique tourist attractions.
Despite these successes, challenges such as funding gaps and industry fragmentation still pose risks to long-term sustainability.
Yet there is a palpable sense of optimism among Fama members and leaders.
“We are just getting started and we need more filmmakers to get involved. This is the time to stand together. Divisions won’t take us anywhere. If we want this industry to work, unity should not be optional, but essential,” she said.
Going forward, Kingston explained that they are exploring more ways on how Fama can generate revenue to continue supporting local filmakers so that they start to leap the benefits of belonging to the association.
