By: Lloyd M’bwana
Malawian movie industry made history on March 5, 2016 following Joyce Chavula-Mhango’s winning the Best Southern Africa movie award during this year’s Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) for the movie titled “Lilongwe”.
Chavula-Mhango is the first Malawian movie maker attaining such an international accolade presented by Multchoice through an inaugural ceremony which was held in Lagos, Nigeria a week ago.
AMVCA is an annual event Multchoice organizes to recognize outstanding achievements of movies in television whereby the general public cast votes for the best movie cast of the year across Africa in various categories including region, language among others.
The movie maker Chavula Mhango received a heroic welcome back home in Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in the capital Lilongwe after awarded for the Best Southern Africa Movie.
The Maravi Post readers on its official Facebook account sought more information regarding to the movie titled “Lilongwe” on how they could access it as it was not readily available on the market for the general public to appreciate the talent.
In this regard, The Maravi Post’s (MP) Reporter, Lloyd M’bwana in the capital Lilongwe over the weekend caught up with the female Malawian movie Joyce Chavula-Mhango (JCM) on secret behind her achievements, challenges and how can the general public access the movie for their entertainment pleasure. Excerpts:
MP: Congratulation, Joyce for making Malawians proud of you on this award. How do you feel?
JCM: Thank you. Honestly, I feel motivated. And above everything I feel blessed. I thank Malawians for making me feel like a star, the State President congratulatory message, the airport welcome team, the road show, the overwhelming love and great support from the media.
MP: What does it mean to your career in the movie industry in Malawi and beyond?
JCM: This award means hope that yes there is something in this career that is worth fighting for. The award has placed me in a spot where I can be spotted. It is a big push for me.
MP: What inspired you to take part in this awards bearing in mind thatit’s dominated by Nigerians and Ghanaians who are far much better than Malawians actors and actress?
JCM: I entered my film to challenge myself and see where I stand. It worked! The only gap between Malawi and the West African industries is that they have been in existence for so long whilst we are just starting to build our industry. I will be quick to say that there is so much talent in Malawi that just lacks the platforms and opportunities to shine.
MP: What was secret behind the winning Southern African Movie Award?
JCM: Gods time is the best. It was nothing but I was just in the right place for His grace. I can’t say I saw this coming but it was always calm and not bothered about everything. Looking at the names I was up against, these are big people in the film industry not only in South Africa but on the continent as well. But I had to ask myself as to why I was nominated alongside them? It means there’s something in the movie.
MP: Your movie, titled, “Lilongwe”, is unknown to most Malawians and was surprised to learn that it made big at AMVCA. Why is that so?
JCM: Lilongwe was premiered in October 2015 in Lilongwe. It’s not yet released maybe that’s why most people haven’t seen it. My first film titled, “No more tears”, was highly pirated when I released it. So I wanted to make some good noise for “Lilongwe movie” first before releasing it.
MP: What other strategy have you put in place for Malawians to access the movie? Where can they buy it and how much?
JCM: Am planning a re-launch for people to view it and later on in the year I will release it for the market.
MP: What is making Malawian Movie industry not to go far than their counterpart in Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Nigeria?
JCM: As, I earlier pointed out, we are just starting, it’s a slow pace but we will get there. There are many factors contributing to the slow growth like lack of skills and lack of proper infrastructures but we are on the right path. Am sure that’s how the other big industries started too.
MP: After this achievement what next for you?
JCM: Malawians should expect more films and movies. I want to make better films and discover new actors.
MP: Our readers might be interested to know how you started the movie industry. How has been journey like? Who has been behind your success?
JCM: I started my professional journey in 2009. After working with Nollywood actors I got inspired to try film making because I was just doing theatre before then. The journey has been exciting, with challenges here and there but here I am. It’s all been worth it. God is the reason for my success, He has been faithful.
MP: Can you tell us about your marital status? Are you married? How many children if you have?
JCM: Wow, very interesting! I am married woman with an eight-year old daughter.
MP: What is your last word you are leaving us and readers?
JCM: I want to thank everyone who voted for this award to come home. I also want to encourage my fellow actors and film makers to work hard and stay focused. There are no shortcuts to success.
MP: Thanks, Joyce for giving our readers chance to know you a little bit better. We are wishing you well in your movie adventures that you make Malawi shine on the international scene.
JCM: Lloyd, thank you, Lloyd and the entire Maravi Post team for giving me a space on your media house that the general public must know what’s stalk for them in the movie industry. I am hoping to engage you more on my future projects. I say thank you, Malawi for your cordial support.
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