Hundreds show up for ‘School Days’

As the hype around local movie School Days continues to grow, the production team organised screening session that attracted an impressive audience on Sunday night at the Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc) in Lilongwe.

 The Bicc foyer came alive with laughter, gasps and cheers of movie lovers who immersed themselves in the narrative that unfolded on the big screen.

 Before the screening of the movie, patrons had the privilege to watch Where My Heart Belongs, another movie produced by the same production company 4Kaya Films, released in 2021 and whose cast is featured in School Days.

 The event was spiced up with a live solo performance by renowned musician Lulu, who skillfully played  guitar while delivering fascinating vocals which added a musical touch to the movie night.

 Following the screening, the venue seamlessly transitioned into a lively meet and greet session, allowing interactions between individuals or families and the movie’s stars.

 In an interview, School Days production manager Daud Shaib Malawi outlined that the event was organised because people wanted to interact with actors.

 “People wanted to meet the actors and that is why we were so confident that organising the event would still invite an audience,” he said.

Shaib Malawi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and interest the audience had shown.

“We had a good turn up on the night and because of the overwhelming reactions we have been getting it shows people are ready to support, right now our directors and scriptwriters are working together so that we produce another movie which will be announced in February,” he said.

Shaib Malawi further asked the government and the corporate world to support the movie industry so that actors and all players in the industry can start benefiting from the movies financially as they envision to grow their craft.

Kendal Kamwendo, one of the actors and co-producers of the movie, said there is need for support to grow the movie industry grows, saying some actors in School Days were not paid due to lack of funds.

“Some of our actors have not been paid till this day, but any support from the corporate world and individuals would help us settle such issues,” he said.

 One of the actors, Tumpe Nigel Mtaya, who played the role of Phwedo in School Days, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to inspire, saying it motivated him as an actor.

 “Knowing a lot of people had already watched the movie but still turning up in large numbers shows that the people have loved our work and this has motivated not just me but all of us as a team to deliver more,” he said

 Efrida Mbendela, one of the patrons who travelled from Rumphi District to see the movie, applauded the production of the movie saying everything about the event is a lifetime experience, but further expressed dismay that the movie is available on YouTube for free.

“The movie is a masterpiece. Everything about it is great, it is just sad that as Malawians we are happy with accessing the movie for free, it should not be like that. Instead let us help our actors and stop liking free things,” she said.

 Another movie lover, Yvonne Chipeta praised the movie screening event and admired the stars.

 “The event was on point, the actors are really friendly and I am happy I got a chance to interact with some of them,” she said.