European Union (EU)Ambassador Rune Skinnebach says Malawi’s film industry has potential and deserves support to grow into a viable cultural and economic sector.
Speaking during the seventh edition of Euro Film Festival (EFF) at his residence in Lilongwe on Friday, he said creativity and culture play a critical role in shaping national identity and building inclusive development.
“The Malawian film industry has an admirable creativity, resilience and potential,” said the envoy.
Skinnebach acknowledged that the sector faces limitations that hinder its full development. He, however, said collaboration is key in helping to build the industry.
“The Malawi market today is characterised by some degree of hardship and that makes it very difficult for the industry to penetrate the market. That is why resilience and support are needed,” he said.
Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture Principal Secretary Esmie Kainja said the festival’s continued growth is a sign of progress within the local creative space.
“It reflects how far we have come. It also highlights the important collaboration between Malawi and Europe. The EU has played a major role in supporting film production, building capacity among filmmakers and providing platforms for artists to showcase their creativity,” she said.
Film Association of Malawi (Fama) president Dorothy Kingston said the festival is crucial in promoting cross-cultural collaboration and skill sharing among filmmakers.
“It signifies growth and opportunity for our local film industry. It has created a platform that exposes local filmmakers to new skills, techniques and partnerships. We need more platforms like these to deepen cultural exchange and grow the industry,” she said.
Lake of Stars and Dusty Orange Projects et al organised the festival to promote the local film industry and enhance exposure of local artists.
The event featured screenings of acclaimed European features alongside Malawian short and feature films.
Some of the films screened Malawian filmsincluded The Gunless Soldier and Misnomer while European films The Scare, Fathers and Mothers and The wave were also screeneed during the event.
The screening continued at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe on Saturday and Salama Africa Hall at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa on Sunday.
This year’s edition saw visiting filmmakers from France collaborating with Malawian creatives on a film project aimed at enhancing cultural exchange.
