Film Production firm, 4Kaya Film Inc says shooting for upcoming film State of the Nation Address (Sona) is expected to begin next month with its release scheduled for December.
The film producers said this in Lilongwe on Saturday where 45 actors officially signed contracts after being recruited following auditions that attracted over 300 actors from across the country.
Film production manager Daud Shaibu said the cast selection was a highly competitive process.
“It was not an easy task to pick 45 out of the 300 who auditioned for the movie. We had people with great talent and we took time to scrutinise each one individually. We are happy that we have selected those who will be part of this journey and others have already signed their contracts,” he said.
Shaibu said the production team is working on tight timelines to ensure the film is completed and released within the year.
“We have announced the movie and we want it out in the same year so that we do not keep people waiting for too long or end up stacking projects,” he said.
Shaibu also said the production has introduced contractual measures aimed at protecting the value of the project and its talent, including agreements that regulate how actors’ rising profiles will be managed after the film’s release.
The film, he said, will build on the success of previous productions, including School Days and Welcome to Maula Prison, which establish the company’s reputation in the local film industry.
“People should expect a good story, one that is even stronger than what we have done before,” he said.
One of the selected actresses Neria Chikhosi said she was excited to be part of the cast, saying every actor dreams about this moment especially after an audition.
“As an actor, this is what you always look forward to when you audition. I am happy that I have been selected. We will give it our best and bring the story to life,” she said in an interview.
Part of the cast includes from five young men from Area 48 Mtaya Dumpsite in Lilongwe, whose selection was highlighted. Others are content creator Che Mandota, musician Anne Matumbi, actors Emmanuel Simpokolwe and Amos Filisa.
The film’s budget is K250 million. While no major sponsor has been confirmed yet, the production team says it will begin with available resources and remain open to partnerships as filming progresses.
Member of Parliament for Ndolera Constituency, Dowa (Independent) Kendall Kamwendo and his colleague Lawrence Nyale are the producers of the movie.
The two have been instrumental in the local film industry, building on the positive reception of School Days in 2024 and Welcome to Maula Prison in 2025, among other productions.
