Bushiri urges filmmakers to produce winning scripts
Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG)—The Jesus Nation founder Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has challenged the country’s filmmakers to produce award-winning scripts which can compete on the international stage.
He made the remarks in Lilongwe on Saturday when he donated K40 million to Filmmakers Association of Malawi (Fama).
“I believe in the potential of Malawian talent and stories that is why I have made this donation. This time around, I want Malawian filmmakers to export their talent. I challenge them to produce scripts that collaborate with other Africans to take Malawi film industry to the global stage,” said Bushiri.

The ECG leader also said it is high time Malawian filmmakers told untold stories to attract corporate support and international collaborations.
“It is in line with this agreement that I committed myself to support the development of the Malawi film industry by facilitating collaborative projects with other African filmmakers.
I believe Malawian actors can do this because I have seen quite a number of impressive films done by local filmmakers,” said Bushiri.
In February last year, Shepherd Bushiri Foundation signed a movie production contract with Nigeria’s actor Nkemo Owo, popularly known as Ukwa, to expose Malawi to the world.
On her part, Fama president Dorothy Kingston said the donation will support the institution to procure materials such as cameras.
“Fama is thankful to ECG and Shepherd Bushiri Foundation leader for the donation which will go a long way to supporting its activities. We are going to procure materials and construct our own office complex,” she said.
Kingston urged the corporate world to emulate Bushiri’s gesture, saying the local film industry has potential to become the next big thing.
One of the filmmakers, Brazio Kanyong’o, expressed optimism that the country’s film industry stands to achieve great strides for the next three years if the vision and innovative strategies spelled out by the new leadership are anything to go by.
“I am impressed with the initial steps which our president has taken to bring filmmakers closer to the corporate world. This is what we were expecting,” he said.
The Malawi film industry has registered some strides for the past years, proving its potential. For example, it has released powerful movies such as the Last Finshing Boat, Seasons of a Life and John Chilembwe (Strike a Blow and Die) by veteran film director Charles Shemu Joyah, School Days by Kendall Kamwendo, All We Have Is Us by Ashukile Mwakisulu and Justice by Brazio Matias Kanyong’o.
For the past three years, the local film industry has also introduced Malawi Annual Film Festival which recognises contributions of the local filmmakers.
Some of the award-winning actors include Flora Suya, Mphatso Machira, Bong’a Bester Kauwa and Shemu Joyah