4kaya Films Inc, a Malawian film company, has recently unveiled a trailer for its upcoming feature film titled "School Days". The film focuses on the issue of teasing and bullying in schools, with the intention of reminding viewers about their own school days. According to Kendall Kamwendo, one of the producers and also a musician, many people have forgotten about their experiences in school and this film aims to evoke those memories.
The premiere of "School Days" is scheduled for May 5, 2022, at the BICC Auditorium in Lilongwe. The production process has been finalized, and the film is now in the promotion stage. Kamwendo believes that Malawi has the capacity to break into the international market with film production, starting with this movie. The filmmakers have enlisted experts in various areas of the film production process to ensure the quality of the final product.
Despite the potential of the film industry to improve the country's economy, Kamwendo notes that sponsorship remains a significant challenge in the film production process. He urges companies to consider sponsoring the movie industry, as Malawi is growing in terms of film production.
Since the release of the trailer on February 17, 2023, "School Days" has received positive feedback from the public. With the premiere fast approaching, the film is generating buzz and anticipation among viewers.
A journey of the Malawi film industry
Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, has a relatively young film industry, with its first feature-length film, "Seasons of a Life," released in 2008. However, Malawi has a rich cultural heritage, which has provided a source of inspiration for the country's filmmakers.
In the early years, local filmmakers produced mostly documentaries and short films. The first notable Malawian documentary film was "Sorrow and Joy," which was released in 1994. The film, which tells the story of a family affected by AIDS, was produced by the Malawi Film and Video Workshop, a non-profit organization that promotes filmmaking in the country.
The Malawi Film and Video Workshop has played a crucial role in the development of the country's film industry. Since its inception in 1988, the organization has trained hundreds of young Malawians in filmmaking, and it has produced several notable films. One of the most successful films produced by the Malawi Film and Video Workshop is "The Last Fishing Boat," which was released in 2003. The film tells the story of a fisherman who struggles to make ends meet in a changing world.
In recent years, Malawian filmmakers have started to produce more feature-length films. One of the most successful Malawian films of all time is "Lilongwe," which was released in 2017. The film tells the story of a young woman who moves to the capital city of Lilongwe to pursue her dreams of becoming a musician. The film was directed by Joyce Mhango Chavula, one of Malawi's most prominent filmmakers.
Other notable Malawian films include "B'ella," which was released in 2014 and tells the story of a young girl who is forced to become a child bride, and "Nyasa Love," which was released in 2020 and is a romantic comedy set in Malawi.
Despite the challenges of funding and distribution, Malawian filmmakers continue to produce films that tell the stories of their country and their people. The industry is still young, but with the support of organizations like the Malawi Film and Video Workshop and the dedication of local filmmakers, the future looks bright for Malawian cinema.