School Days gain traction in Malawi

Producers of the movie  School Days say they have released it on YouTube to demonstrate what Malawian film makers are capable of.

In an interview with The Nation on Wednesday, 4Kaya Films production manager Daudi Shaibu Malawi said they uploaded the movie on YouTube to give many Malawians access to it.

“We are aware that not many Malawians have access to local movies since producers hold on to them waiting for a way of selling and making money,” he said.

Malawi said 4Kaya Films is looking at the bigger picture which is to reach out to Malawians to appreciate local talent.

“We also want our viewers to appreciate the stories and lessons conveyed therein. During our time in school, teasing and bullying was part of the school culture and now we still have pockets of those,” he said.

Malawi said the movie tells the story of how a school culture can affect students’ performance and life in general.

He said: “We know by putting it up on YouTube, we have gambled in terms of money. But we want to sell our brand and capabilities. We have also sold our breakout stars such as Mphwedo [real name Tumpe Mtaya] who was not really known in the past. This movie will be our reference in future when we look for opportunities.”

After four days on YouTube, the movie had over 240 000 views on Wednesday afternoon, evidence that scores of Malawians watched it.

Writing on his Facebook page, musician Phyzix,  praised the movie’s relatable themes and great acting.

He wrote: “The scenes were nice and short. To the point, but powerful and representative of a lot of people’s reality during their school days. It is a movie packed with lessons and re-enactments during their school days.”

Random reactions on social media indicate that Malawians are happy to have watched a local  Chichewa movie with relatable topic.

However, concerns still lingered as to how the local industry can monetise their art.

Wrote Kas Mdoka: “I am just glad that we have a movie we have enjoyed. We have not had that in a longtime. But Malawians, let us not get used to free things.”

School Days was produced by Lawrence Nyale and Kendall Kamwendo under 4Kaya Films. It premiered last year, but it is now available to the general population since being uploaded on YouTube.