Mzuzu lagging behind in film production—Fama

Mzuzu is lagging behind in film production compared to other cities in the country, Film Association of Malawi (Fama) has said.

 Fama president Gift ‘Sukez’ Sukali this should not be the case considering that the region has unique sceneries ideal for film production.

To address the issue, the association conducted a five-day masterclass training in acting and film-making which attracted 15 participants from Mzuzu from June 26 to 30.

 Sukali said: “In recent years, we haven’t seen films from Mzuzu apart from Alufeyo done at Mzuzu University. We have seen more releases from other cities such as Blantyre and Lilongwe.

 “We are saying that this should not be the case because the Northern Region harbours a lot of unique venues that can enable actors to come up with very good productions. That is why we have equipped 15 in Mzuzu in film production so that we can have films produced in the region.”

He said throughout the training, the participants showed commitment which demonstrates that artists in Mzuzu are passionate about  filming-making and ready to tell stories from the region.

 “From what we have seen during the training, the talent and passion is there and what was lacking is the skill. We have given them the required skills and we expect to see films being released in Mzuzu showcasing our culture and beauty,” said Sukali.

 But commenting on the Fama president’s observation, Alufeyo filmmaker Misheck Banda, who is also a Mzuzu University lecturer, said the Northern Region has not really lagged behind in film production, but their activities are not being documented.

 “I would not say we have lagged behind in terms of film production. I have seen plenty of film activities being done in the region, but the challenge is that the work has not been documented.

“We have not utilised the new platforms such as social media to display the creativity from Mzuzu and surrounding areas. For instance, we can come up with a one-minute video and present our potential in film production,” he said.

 Banda said the film industry, if given the needed support, can boost Malawi’s economic development and wealth creation through job creation, foreign exchange generation and putting Malawi on the map. He said countries that are using culture to promote their tourism are successfully growing their economies.

 One of the participants during the training, Thokozani Chisale said the workshop was an eye-opener and that they have been empowered and motivated to do more in film production.

“The training has motivated us to do more on film production. We vow to practically use the skills gained,” he said.

The modules covered in the training included film producing, acting, script writing and cinematography, among others.