Filmmakers set to sharpen skills
Malawi’s tender film industry is set to get a boost thanks to an acting clinic scheduled for Blantyre in September.
Probably the first of its kind, the clinic is expected to run from September 7 to 9 and will tackle different areas of acting and production to build the industry.
Organised by Gosm Production and Smart Business and Innovation, the clinic will be facilitated by some of the big names in Malawi’s fledgling industry such as award-winning producers and filmmakers Shemu Joyah and Joyce Chavula-Mhango.
According to one of the organisers, Isaac Misoya, the facilitators will train professional actors and offer guidance on finding unique choices of material when presenting it to casting directors.
“With professional facilitators, we will bring change in the film industry and achieve more by having professional films and actors in the country. There are a number of things to be covered, including communicating with the audience without speaking, the relationship between the director and actors on set, understanding the acting world, ” he said.
The clinic is for actors and production teams like directors and filmmakers as well as all those with a passion for acting.
“The facilitators were identified through what they do and have achieved.
Shemu Joyah and Joyce Mhango-Chavula are award-winning Malawian directors, Rodrick Mulonya is a television station owner while Yankho Seunda is an established actor who will also share their experiences in the industry, according to organisers.
In a separate interview, Mhango-Chavula hailed the development, saying it is a step in the right direction in as far developing the film industry in Malawi is concerned.
“For the industry to grow, we need well-trained practitioners. We can’t talk of progress without skills development. I commend Gosm Production for this initiative and I am sure this will be one among many film clinics to come.
“It is crucial to have some skills, upgrade from time to time in this field. Things keep changing and as an actor you need to be well equipped with all the techniques.
“So, it is a great honour to be one of the facilitators of this acting clinic. I am a trained arts trainer and an acting coach so I am ready to share knowledge with fellow actors,” she said.
Other acting clinics are scheduled for Lilongwe early October and later Zomba and Mzuzu.
