Malawian drama series The Trap is expected to return to the screen with its second season after a seven-month break with producers promising audiences a more mature and deeper storyline.
The show’s second season premiered on Sunday in Lilongwe where the cast and fans gathered to witness the production’s return.
Dorothy Kingstone. | Wantwa Mwamlima
The series’ four episodes were screened during the premiere but the audience demanded for more as the event came to an end. However, time was not on the organisers’ side to continue with the screening.
The Trap follows the lives of different characters, including Yankho, Yusuf, Samantha and Takondwa, whose lives become entangled in deception, crime, broken relationships, addiction, poverty and difficult life choices.
In an interview, the series’ director and scriptwriter Ignatious Scot Kaphinde said the event was a success and that the response from the audience demonstrated the anticipation surrounding the series.
“We had a great time and the turnout was good. We could see from the reactions that they were eagerly waiting for the series,” he said.
Kaphinde said the production team plans to hold another premiere in Blantyre in September before starting television and YouTube broadcasts.
He said episodes will be released weekly, giving audiences a regular opportunity to follow the unfolding story.
Kaphinde, however, said the team currently has no plans to monetise the series as it targets to make the production available to a wider audience.
“We will start broadcasting on television and YouTube soon after the Blantyre premiere. We plan to broadcast the series with no monetisation plans so far,” he said.
Seven months ago, the production of the series was suspended after the release of episode 10 of season one, due to financial challenges.
However, production resumed after the team received funding from the Copyright Fund and Elvolve Marketing Consultancy.
The second season has retained most members of the cast from the first season.
One of the new faces is actor Isaac Pangson, who is making his on-screen debut after mainly performing on stage.
He said he was excited to be part of the production and honoured that the team had recognised his talent.
“I feel great and excited to be part of the team in the second season,” said Pangson.
Film Association of Malawi president Dorothy Kingston, who attended the event, congratulated the team for the successful premiere, saying the achievement defies the odds facing Malawi’s film industry.
