By Sheminah Nkhoma
The Urban Music People (UMP) has organized the Cape Maclear International Film Festival (CMIFF) to showcase local and international talents as one way of advancing film industry in the country.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday UMP Public Relations Officer Marie Thom, said the festival aims to provide a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work to global audiences, which will promote Malawi’s film industry and cultural identity worldwide.
Thom said CMIFF plays a critical role in positioning Malawi’s film industry on the global stage as it will provide a platform for emerging filmmakers and to expose local talent to producers, distributors and investors by opening doors to both regional and international markets.
“The festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences to showcase films that inspire conversations and foster connections between nature, culture, and humanity,” she said.
She highlighted that the festival will create opportunities for capacity building through training sessions, masterclasses and mentorship from industry professionals.
According to Thom, categories outlined for the festival include feature films, short films, documentaries, animations, student films, and international entries.
“The goal is to ensure diversity and inclusivity highlighting works that push artistic boundaries and reflect social, cultural and environmental issues relevant to today’s world,” said Thom.
President for Film Association of Malawi (FAMA), Dorothy Kingston, said the festival will provide a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work, gain exposure and connect with international film professionals.She said Malawi experiences challenges that hinder the growth of film industry as such the festival will help elevate the quality and diversity of the country’s films and increase their appeal to local and international audiences.
“This will help promote Malawi’s film industry, attract investment and create opportunities for local filmmakers to grow and develop their craft. The festival will also help to promote Malawi’s cultural identity and storytelling both locally and internationally,” said Kingston.
The festival is scheduled to take place at the UMP Festival from October 21 to 27, 2025 at Cape Maclear in Mangochi.
