AFA graduates 150

Africa Film Academy (AFA) last week graduated and awarded certificates to 150 students trained in screenwriting, directing and cinematography at the Nanzikambe Arts Cafe in Blantyre.

The trainees were drilled by AFA representatives and some local film makers such as Shemu Joyah, Thoko Tembo, Chimwemwe Chikwana, Thom Chibambo, Chipiliro  Khonje and Tawonga Taddja Nkhonjera.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Culture, assistant Chief Curator, Yohane Nyirenda, said film is a powerful mode of communication and has a huge potential to generate revenue for the country apart from promoting the tourism sector through scenes cast in films.

“Government is happy that it has professional filmmakers now and we are not stopping here. We will continue supporting AFA to ensure Malawi’s film industry grows to the standards of Nollywood and Hollywood. However, we are asking the corporate world to recognise the business potential in the film industry, and invest in the entertainment and creative enterprises for sustainable socio-economic development of Malawi,” he said tipping the trainees to strive for better productions.

Marketing and Communication consultant for Flip recruitment, a company working hand in hand with the AFA Manota Mphande said despite that many artists have been trained, there is still need for more training and workshops for filmmakers to influence artists to strive for quality productions.

Meanwhile, Samsung which sponsored the graduating event has challenged all trainees of AFA to come up with attractive short films to compete for a K100 000 cash prize.