Goshen City, which until this week was a partners with the Film Association of Malawi (Fama), has played down any rift between the two parties.
On Wednesday, Goshen City announced that it has ended its collaboration with Fama following an internal review of the partnership and a reflection on a strategic realignment to allow each organisation pursue its objectives independently.
Goshen City said in a statement that the decision does not reflect negatively on Fama or its contribution to Malawi’s film industry.
“Goshen City remains committed to supporting the growth of the creative and cultural sectors in Malawi and is open to future collaborations that align with its values and governance standards,” reads the statement in part.
The announcement sparked a lot of speculations on social media.
But in an interview yesterday, Goshen City director of communications Aubrey Kusakala played down a possible fallout with Fama leadership, insisting that they retain a cordial relationship with the association.
“All talk about money being misappropriated and all that is not true. It is just a shift in focus as we want to concentrate on our charity work this year,” he said.
Kusakala said their partnership with Fama is perceived as meaningful, which aided in boosting Malawi’s film industry by providing resources, enhancing events, expanding audience reach and encouraging further investment.
He said: “It has helped raise the industry’s profile and given local filmmakers critical support at a time resources are limited.”
On its part, Fama said they are yet to receive official communication from Goshen City on the matter; hence, they have not made any formal response.
In an interview yesterday, the association’s general secretary Ignatius Kaphinde said the partnership they had with Goshen City was guided per a particular activity they were undertaking, and not open-ended, as such, stressed that it is hard for them to make a clear stance on the announcement.
“Until we get official communication, that is when we will be well aligned with their decision,” said Kaphinde.
Meanwhile, Fama has released a statement appreciating all organisations and individuals who assisted them during their recent Malawi Film Festival and Gala Night event which was held last December in Lilongwe.
In the statement, Fama has made a special mention to Goshen City, who were the main sponsor of the event, for helping them with K28 million. Other sponsors were Lab20 Innovations, MultiChoice Malawi, Malawian Airlines, Moving Minds, Zodiak Broadcasting Station and Department of Arts.
