Suya shortlisted for international film festival

Malawian actress-cum-filmmaker Flora Suya has been shortlisted to make an appearance at the inaugural King Moshoeshoe Film Festival set for Lesotho and South Africa.

She was selected for the festival, which is slated for March 27 to April 2 2023, following a two-year engagement with its organisers.

Suya will participate in master classes and workshops as well as make appearances in the movie screenings of productions that she has featured in.

The festival’s director Aubrey Silinyana said the festival will create a platform where they can engage younger filmmakers by sharing with them experiences in the field.

“Since 2018, Flora Suya was among the talented people that we wanted to contact, because to a larger degree, the festival wants to motivate the youth and give them the skill to participate in the film industry,” he said. 

Silinyana described the festival as not just for the people of Lesotho, but for the whole of Africa since it harnesses the aspirations of all African filmmakers. He said it is for that reason that they target young filmmakers that are making their mark in their respective countries

He said: “We work to contribute to the film industry development and one of the projects that are part of that strategy is the King Moshoeshoe Film Festival which is named after the legendary Basutu king who lived from 1776 to 1870.”

In her reaction, Suya said her selection for the event is evidence that her work as a filmmaker and actress is making an impact, not just in Malawi but the whole of Africa. She said she is encouraged by her recognition given the challenges that the local industry faces.

“Being a filmmaker in Malawi is never easy. There are times that I wake up and think that maybe I should try something else. When I get such recognition, I get encouraged,” she said.

The start of the festival was held back due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. The film festival will have awards, master classes, panel discussions, screenings and a cultural pageant called Mr and Miss Culture Lesotho.