Sona brings Malawians’ experiences to screen

4Kaya Films says its upcoming movie Sona is expected to do more than entertain as the production company seeks to use everyday experiences to encourage public discussion on issues affecting society.

The production team on Friday released the movie’s official trailer ahead of its premiere later this month in Lilongwe, Mzuzu and Blantyre.

Namachotsa: We are talking about advocacy. | Wantwa Mwamlima

The trailer features scenes of people queuing to purchase sugar, vehicles stuck in long queues seeking fuel and street demonstrations, reflecting some of the everyday challenges Malawians face.

The movie was shot in different settings, including the Malawi Parliament Building and government offices as well as local and urban locations.

4Kaya Films public relations officer Desiree Namachotsa said the film depicts different experiences of ordinary people to help audiences understand challenges beyond their immediate surroundings.

She was speaking in Lilongwe during a press briefing where the company released the trailer.

Namachotsa said the company considers the impact of a story before turning it into a production, arguing that films should leave audiences with something to think about beyond entertainment.

“It is easy for us to dream up fictional stories just to entertain people, but at the end of the day, we ask ourselves: What next? The stories we tell are people’s daily experiences, not only to help others relate, but also to help those who have not experienced them understand what is happening,” she said.

Namachotsa said the company hopes the film will encourage people to speak about issues affecting them and seek answers from those responsible for addressing them.

She said: “If we do nothing and say nothing, nothing is going to happen. For 4Kaya, film is a mouthpiece to say what is actually happening. We do not just want people to experience these things; we also want them to start talking about them.

“At the end of the day, we are talking about advocacy and asking the actual questions that need to be answered. An ordinary Malawian may not have the opportunity to sit down with someone in a position to answer those questions, but the movie provides that platform.”

In a separate interview, production manager Daudi Shaibu said the production is almost done and they are looking forward to the premiere with a good turnout.

Last year, 4Kaya Films was caught off guard by the huge turnout at the premiere of its production Welcome to Maula Prison, with the number of people who showed up exceeding the team’s expectations.

However, Daudi said last year was a learning process and the team is better prepared for the premiere of Sona, with measures in place to manage the anticipated audience.

The title Sona is drawn from the State of the Nation Address, which the President delivers in Parliament to outline the country’s situation and government priorities.

The film is scheduled to premiere at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe on November 27, followed by screenings in Blantyre on November 28 and Mzuzu on November 29.

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