Call to artistic legislators to lead push for Nahec

The country’s drama and film sector has experienced significant transformation for the past two decades. However, slow progress being registered in the industry is attributed to lack of political will to enact arts and culture related policies such as the National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec) to ensure steady flow of government funding towards arts and culture programmes. Our correspondent HOWARD MLOZI speaks to veteran film actor and director Ian Chisekula to appreciate the situation. Excerprts:

Q

: You have been in the film industry for many years. What is your assessment of the industry’s progress this far?

A

: The situation is pathetic right now. And this is the sad reality on the ground. We now do not see much of the performing arts as was the case in the past.

Q

: Why do you think so?

A

: We have so many challenges now facing the art of acting in Malawi. For example, venues are a setback. Blantyre Cultural Centre, formerly French Cultural Centre, for instance, is not working anymore and most venues are either unavailable now or very expensive for artists to afford. This has even made most theatre groups not to organise performances frequently as they used to do. For example, the Association for the Teaching of English in Malawi (Atem) drama which used to be a nursery for actors in Malawi comes erratically and not yearly as was the case in the past. Additionally, the resources, including the prize money for Atem drama competition are usually meagre. Due to lack of funding, the National Theatre Association of Malawi (Ntam) is also struggling to pull strings together and come up with theatre festivals as was the case in the past. I have a strong feeling that a major contributing factor to all these challenges is the government itself which has distanced itself from the arts. For example, we do not have the arts council in the first place to anchor the meaningful development of the arts. Countries that surround us have the Arts Councils and pieces of legislation and recurring national budgets that support arts.

Q

: What specific support does the acting industry lack?

A

: For many years, artists have been engaging government and advocating for the establishment of Nahec. So, we want this to be passed into law so that we have well-funded and sustainable arts and culture programmes in the country. We need the Nahec to be passed into law to facilitate a lot of things in the arts and culture sectors in Malawi. Its operations shall be like those of the Sports Council.

Q

: Do you think the government, including politicians who are artists, are doing enough to support the Nahec?

A

: No, I do not subscribe to the fact that politicians and the government are giving the arts a helping hand. It is always our prayer that they start looking at the arts positively. The arts fraternity has in the past been organising demonstrations to force the government to consider enacting the Nahec Bill in Parliament, but nothing has happened. What we are given are excuses despite many efforts to engage the government. It is my appeal, therefore, that the government should give us an ear. What pains me most is that this time around we have more artists who are members of Parliament who can push for private members’ motion on arts. But, unfortunately, artists keep on being rebuffed every time there is a sitting. As we are talking, there are so many youths with certificates, diplomas and degrees who are just idle at home due to lack of employment opportunities. There is little progress to show on the arts and cultural activities as compared to other sectors of development. But in spite of all these challenges, there are abundant opportunities in the arts industry in Malawi. And the future looks bright. For example, the arts industry is an automatic employer. All acting or cultural groups that you see in the country are made of actors and directors who are self-employed in the arts. This industry just needs a little push and I believe it can be transformed in a second.

Q

: Any success stories that you can point at?

A

: There are several success stories to point at to demonstrate to our leaders that arts and culture industries are a source of employment. For example, Flora Suya is one of the Malawian actresses who have been featured in Zambian series. We also have Lilly Banda who has appeared in a Hollywood series. At the moment, Malawi has dared the international spotlight on DStv. For example, Channels 172 and GOtv channel are showcasing Malawian talents. Apart from that, young actors are producing good films. But this needs a good environment to be nurtured.

Q

: In the past, Malawi used to host international actors like Desmond Elliot and Patience Ozowkor from Nigeria. How was this possible?

A

: Hahaha! Those were entirely personal efforts made by our outfit Rising Choreos because of nothing else other than the love of acting. And so, in short, our passion brought them in the country. In 2010, we brought Desmond Elliot and even if we felt the pain in terms of costs, we did not stop there, we brought Patience Ozokwor again in 2012 out of zeal and love for acting.

Q

: Why is the country no longer working with actors from other countries like Nigeria?

A

: I look at this as a far-fetched question. If the government is not able to facilitate an actor at home, I do not see it having the passion to work with an actor from across the borders.

Q

:  In terms of the way forward, what should be done to reclaim the lost glory of acting in Malawi?

A

: The government should open up, that is number one. The corporate world should continue to support us. I know some are doing this and we remain grateful. The only strong proposal that I may put forward for now is that the government and the creative industry should work hand in hand for things to move. We, as artists, are showing our zeal and this country is a witness. We have released and premiered many movies within a short time with hard-to-find resources. In conclusion, I would like to appeal to my fellow artists in the government to leave a legacy by pushing our agendas in the Parliament. The time is now or never.