By Beverly Kachule
Malawi’s film industry is experiencing significant growth with industry players citing increased audience support, rising production standards and growing commercial success as signs that the sector is evolving into a viable creative economy.
Renowned filmmaker Kendall Kamwendo, who has been active in the industry since 2008, said in an interview on Tuesday that local productions have moved from struggling to attract audiences to generating substantial revenue.
“We have moved from struggling to attract audiences to producing films that can fill cinemas and generate significant revenue,” Kamwendo said.
He cited the success of Welcome to Maula Prison, whose premieres generated more than K70 million, with sold-out screenings in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu and Johannesburg.
Kamwendo also attributed the growth to corporate investment from institutions such as National Bank of Malawi (NBM), Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Hi-Fi and Acronyx, as well as new revenue opportunities through digital platforms such as Onse.
Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) Secretary General Ignitious Kaphinde said the growing number of people entering the sector and the increasing volume of productions demonstrate how far the industry has come.
“We have seen a good number of people joining the film industry and we have also seen the release of a number of films and television/online series that can compete even on the international market,” Kaphinde said.
He described the development as evidence that the industry has gained momentum and reached a new level of growth.
“We are seeing more people joining the industry and support from initiatives such as the Copyright Fund; but the available funding cannot cater for the growing number of filmmakers,” he said.
Meanwhile, economic expert Milward Tobias said the sector’s potential is strengthened by Malawi’s predominantly youthful population, which provides both a market and workforce for the industry.
“The youthful population offers both a present and future for the film industry, and the sector is already creating employment opportunities for many young people,” Tobias said.
He further said the industry’s contribution to employment and income generation demonstrates its growing economic significance.
“The film industry has the potential to create wealth and generate foreign exchange; but this will require adequate government support and stronger protection of intellectual property rights,” he said.
Some of the local series enjoying massive engagement online include Usauver, Mfumukazi, Mdyangu Comedy Series, LA 40, The Trap Series and Pabwalo Comedy Series. Among the top television and broadcast series include Matatalazi, Apongozi and Kombolela.
Apart from the Welcome to Maula Prison, major feature film productions that have captured national attention include Royal Dilema directed by Alinafe Trywell Mwambira and My Best Friend, My Enemy directed by Clara Ngulube.
