Malawi to host first ever film festival

The Film Association of Malawi (Fama) has organised the inaugural Malawi Film Festival slated for November 25 and 26 at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe. The two-day event will showcase a total of 35 locally produced films in form of documentaries, feature films and short films. The event will happen under the theme ‘Film making for social economic growth and cultural preservation’. Our Staff Reporter BRIAN ITAI caught up with Fama president Gift ‘Sukez’ Sukali to hear more about the event. Excerpts.  

Q

: Take us through what is in store for this film festival?

A

: This is the first ever film festival to happen in Malawi under the Film Association of Malawi. First of all, we are looking at the uniqueness of the concept in that we are only working with local movies. We will only showcase local films. We will have 11 feature films and thirteen short films. These productions will be split across two days starting from November 24 to 25. We will have different partners who are coming in such as National Planning Commission, MultiChoice Malawi, Department of Arts, just to mention a few. We have also engaged other partners to help us in marketing and promoting the event. Over the two days of the screening, there will also be panel discussions, producers talk and awards. We will have a jury of six people who will choose the best film, actor, actresses and producers in all the productions which we will showcase.

Q

:Who is behind the organisation of the festival in terms of the logistics?

A

: The organisation of this event is by Fama and MultiChoice Malawi who have helped us to bring a guest from Zambia. Apart from that, other individuals are helping with services. As of now nobody has come in with any financial support. 

Q

: What are the critical areas that the festival will focus on in terms of development of film production in Malawi?

A

: First of all, we want to create awareness that the film industry is there in Malawi. People need to come to a point where they have accepted that we have a film industry in Malawi so that when we call out for help they should be able to assist. We want to engage the private sector so that we can start having conversations on how they can come in. So, during the event, filmmakers and actors will be able to have that sort of engagement and interaction. We want to try to make this an annual event. After the festival we will proceed to trainings, awareness campaigns until the next festival.  

Q

: As an association, are you happy with the current state of theatre in Malawi?

A

: I can say we are satisfied with the status quo. But we can do better. We are trying but I know we can do better. There has not been much investment in the sector. Everyone seems to be doing things their own way. There is no proper coordination when one wants to shoot a movie, find venues for screenings because there is no line of funding for such activities. This is despite that the film industry in Malawi can be used as a tool to promote our culture and tourism as well as address issues of public interest such as gender and corruption. The industry is still in infant stage and as we are growing, we will be able to become vibrant.    

Q

: What are some of the outstanding challenges that the industry is facing?

A

: The biggest problem that the industry is facing is lack of funding. Again there is no supporting infrastructure. As you are aware, there are no cinemas in the country. This has made the cinema culture to completely die. That is something that we need to look into. There is also a deficiency in professional knowledge since we don’t have institutions that specialise in trainings on film. The filmmakers we have rely on the tips on Internet to learn new things. We need that kind of education. That is why as an association we have been conducting workshops to fill that knowledge gap.  

Q

: Do you think the initiative is sustainable given the financial demands that are there?

A

: First, we are trying to find partners to be able to help us sustain the festival so that it becomes an annual event. This will depend on our financial stand. So, that is why we want to find partners. Let Malawians come and support the festival. Just buying a ticket is enough. They will enjoy Malawian films. n