LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi film industry needs serious investment from government and private sector.
The industry has potential to create employment opportunities among youth whom most of them are jobless.
The observation was made on Friday in the capital Lilongwe during European Film Festival Malawi at Crossroads Hotel.
The European Festival was graced by EU Ambassador, Sandra Paesen, Ambassador EU Nigeria and Director of Arts Humphrey, Mponda Minga.
President of Film Association of Malawi, Ezauis Mkandawire noted that the biggest challenge the industry was facing was financing.
Mkandawire disclosed that the association was lacking funds to finance some of its activities to boost the industry like some countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana.
He added that countries like South Africa, Nigeria and America have big film industries because their governments have invested a lot in the industry and our plea to the government to invest in film industry.
“A lot of Malawians are creating documentaries, recording weddings videos if this people can have proper training and good equipment Malawi can not be the same and this can help to create jobs to thousands of youths.
“Its sad that the whole country, we don’t have cinema where people can go and watch the movie with their families and friends this can help to boost the film industry so gain it’s a plea to us if they can build a cinema for us,” he said.
EU Ambassador to Malawi, Sandra Paesen said through film festival nations celebrate cultural diversity and commitment to immerse themselves in things that matters most in peoples lives.
“Culture is critical for any nation to thrive and I’am happy to see so much Malawian talent represented at this festival alongside established European movies hence the need for serious investment in the film industry,” urges Paesen.
Elso Kambulu, one of Malawian filmmakers who had an opportunity to show case his film called Going to South Africa said Malawian film industry have the potential to do well if the government could invest more in film industry.
Going to South Africa is the movie that is telling about a journey of a Malawian young man who was traveling to south for a greener pasture and later on he died on xenophobia
“The Movie that you have just watched I shoot using one camera that I have and most of the roles in this film I have done myself and wife due to lack of funds, had it been the funds are available many people could have a chance to rescue a job,” he said.
South African Actress, Connie Chiume has been featured in different soap like Rhyme City and Black Panther said the film industry is now growing and there is a need for governments to put more effort because film industry is one way of boasting economy in every country.
The Euro Film Festival in Lilongwe ran from Friday, 4 to October 5 while Blantyre will host the event on October 12.
