The Road to Sunrise X-rated

Charles Shemu Joyah’s new movie, The Road to Sunrise, is rated 18 for containing graphic sexual content and obscene language.

In an interview, Joyah who is managing director, of First Dawn Arts, said the Malawi Classification Board rated the movie before it was screened in Lilongwe and Blantyre recently.

He said: “The movie is rated 18. We called the censorship board to have a look at the movie and they rated it 18. Actually, I almost rated it not for people under the age of 32. But then I thought I am joking.”

The multi-talented film producer, director and screenplay writer said despite the rating, he anticipated that some quarters of society will have reservations on the movie.

“I have no problem with the rating. I had anticipated such a rating because I am addressing issues of prostitution which can’t be discussed with those under age.

“But I know that somebody who is 32, 40 or 70 will be annoyed with the film. That’s a different issue altogether. It’s either they take it or leave it. Even in Hollywood, movies are rated depending on content and it’s up to people to make choices,” he said.

Meanwhile, Joyah said he plans to take the movie to various theatres in Blantyre and Lilongwe for screening.

He said they have put in place strict measures to ensure that only those above the age of 18 watch the movie.

“All our tickets and adverts, even on our Facebook page, the emphasis is on the age limit. We don’t want those underage to come into our cinemas,” he said.

The new movie talks about exploitation of women through sex industry, gender-based violence, mob justice and women self-empowerment.

Joyah also produced award-winning movies The Last Fishing Boat and Seasons of a Life.