‘Is The President Dead’ movie set for premiere

The long-awaited film Is The President Dead is finally set to hit the big screen with a premiere on December 1 at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

The Gosm Films production, written and directed by actor-cum-film producer Isaac Misoya, revolves around a character called Thandie, who is working as a principal secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Public Works.

She rises to her position with the help of the line minister, Dr Frank, whom she has a romantic affair. Through their union, Dr Frank uses his partner to indulge in corrupt deals which include awarding contracts to Thandie’s boyfriend Steve in exchange for kickbacks.

Later, things get complicated when Steve walks away on the two accomplices. Suddenly, Thandie finds herself running for her life.

In an interview yesterday, Misoya said the storyline was inspired by some events that have taken place on the social-political scene in Malawi. The producer said those stories are about the circumstances surrounding the death of former President Bingu wa Mutharika in April 2012.

He said: “First of all, it has to be understood that this is a work of fiction minus all elements that inspired the story. I created a separate story and I told it from that understanding. The narrative is not just about entertainment, but to allow people to learn from it as well.”

The film features some of the prominent names in the country’s film industry such as Hope Chisanu, Edwin Chonde, Joyce Mhango-Chavula, Shalom Machilika, Flora Suya and Kelvin Ng’oma.

Initially, the production cost of the film, which took 10 months to shoot, was pegged at K65 million, but it was later revised down to K45 million, according to Misoya.

From Lilongwe, the movie will also be screened in other areas such as Blantyre, Zomba, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, Salima, Mangochi and Thyolo.

“We are bringing the movie to the people for them to watch it. We are inviting all the stakeholders to come and be part of this event,” said Misoya.