Another award for The Last Fishing Boat

Shemu Joyah’s The Last Fishing Boat movie continues to gain international recognition as his 2012 drama has been awarded the Best Narrative Feature Film Award at the just ended Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF).

Joyah continued from where he left off with his debut feature Seasons of a Life, as this is the second international recognition the film has received after winning the Best Soundtrack at the Africa Movie Academy Awards 2013, where it had five nominations.

“I am happy with the award and honestly, it has come as a surprise.It has been a while since the movie has been screened at a festival.

“After the success of the first film, people were wondering whether it was a shot in the dark. So this win is an assurance that we are on the right track,” said Joyah in an interview.

He said this is a good development for the budding Malawi film industry.

“It is good for Malawian industry as this shows it is being recognised. I am hopeful my winning will inspire other film makers to do award winning movies,” he explained.

The filmmaker who will receive a certificate for the award, was also hopeful that the award will assist in getting finances for future projects.

The festival took place in Silicon Valley, California, USA, from 11 to 13 October 2013, judges screen all films and categorised them before awarding deserving ones. Over 30 films from over 15 African countries were screened this year at the SVAFF.

The

Last Fishing Boat explores the collision between African traditional culture and modernisation, and its impact on a simple Malawian family caught in the middle.

Directed, written and produced by Joyah, it revolves on the acting talents of Hope Chisanu, Robert Loughlin, Flora Suya, Robert Kalua, Tereza Mirovicová and Ashukile Mwakisulu.

The 110 minute drama, set on the shores of Mangochi, traces the life of once successful fisherman on Lake Malawi who is now struggling due to the depletion of fish in the lake, while his cultural values are being threatened by the expanding tourist industry.

The Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) is described as a showcase of Africa’s seasoned and emerging filmmakers whose works reflect the true stories, hopes and dreams of Africa.