Film industry in solid progression

**By Jimmy Chazama: **

The film industry in the country continues to make steady steps with a number of developments on the ground including production of Sona: State of the Nation Address film set for premiere later this month.

Ahead of the premiere on November 27 2026 at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, the K250 million budget film has advanced in its shooting, nearing 100 percent.

The movie’s director Ezaius Mkandawire revealed that they had a shooting of one of the scenes in the film recently.

“We scouted one of the villages because it is aligned to the scene in terms of storyline,” Mkandawire said.

He added: “Our goal is to produce a film that portrays reality”.

Other scenes for the film have been shot at Parliament.

The film is being produced by 4Kaya Filmz, makers of award winning movies *Welcome to Maula Prison *and School Day.

Some of the actors starring in the film include comedian Che Mandota, musician Anne Matumbi, Neria Chikhosi, legislator Khadijah Chunga and photojournalist Emmanuel Simpokolwe.

After the premiere in Lilongwe on November 27, the film will go to Mzuzu on November 28 with Blantyre to follow later.

Another movie on the cards is *Anemwe *(Crying Mountains) to screen later this year.

With a budget of K85 million, the film tells the story of a man released from prison and is determined to rescue his brother and other vulnerable youth from the grip of crime and exclusion.

The story reflects the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, which displaced families and pushed many young people into the streets.

The film has a cast of 21 actors and they include Arthur Chokhotho, Isaac Bonongwe, Ellastus Msiska, Stanley Kadzuwa and Yankho Seunda.

One of the actors, Patrick Kavina, previously known for his role as Tadeyo in Story Workshop’s Zimachitika play said he was happy to be part of the film.

“This film tells our story, it shows pain, resilience and hope,” Kavina said.

Chokhotho who is the director of the film said the film reflects the country’s identity.

Kingston in Nigeria

“Anemwe comes from wanting to make a film that is honest to our people, places and struggles,” he said.

He said the film will have screenings across the country inspired by the approach used by Wakhumbata Ensemble Theatre and Kwathu Drama Group.

Meanwhile, Film Association of Malawi (Fama) President Dorothy Kingston is in Nigeria where she is engaging players in Nollywood as part of building blocks for the film industry in the country.

Courtesy of Copyright Fund support, Kingston wrote on her Facebook page that last year they brought South Africa to Malawi through Zolisa and that this year, they are bringing Nollywood.

“ *Ikenga *will premiere in Malawi on November 26th in Lilongwe during Malawi Film Awards and Gala,” she said.

The Fama leader said they are building international bridges and creating opportunities for the film industry to grow beyond borders.