Malawi filmmakers undergo training, FAMA elect regional chapter
The Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) over the weekend conducted a two-day training workshop for film makers in Mzuzu City to bring them together and share with them the basics in film production.
Speaking after the workshop, FAMA acting President Ezaius Mkandawire said the three-year old association had never found its way to the Northern Region despite the region having produced a number of high profile films, such as the recently released ‘Honey Moon’ by Focus Muyaba.
“This is the first time we are having this kind of meeting here in the North even though it is one of the regions where the film industry is booming.
“For the years we have existed as an association, we have been operating on national level only and we took advantage of the workshop to establish a regional chapter,” said Mkandawire, adding that meetings like that which was held create a platform where both, veterans and upcoming film makers, interact and share knowledge.
Commenting on the challenges the industry is facing, Mkandawire said the association is planning to engage government to the review of the Censorship Act which he said is outdated.
“The Constitution calls for freedom of expression but at the same time the Act calls for the review of any film or play by the Censorship Board before production is done.
“Times have changed and a lot more people possess gadgets such as camera for personal use, hence the need for proper documentation to marry the two,” he said.
Joel Mkandawire, one of the participants and the newly elected President for the region’s chapter, applauded the association for coming up with the training which he said was a timely intervention.
“It is trainings such as these that can enhance quality production because various film makers come together and work as one entity,” he said.
The workshop, which took place at the Livingstonia Synod’s William Coy Guest House on Friday and Saturday, drew representatives of filmmakers from different parts of the region.
FAMA organized the workshop with funding from Norwegian Embassy through Copy Right Association of Malawi (COSOMA).
The Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) was founded in 2010 and has since been operating as a national entity without regional chapters.
The northern region chapter is the first chapter ever since the birth of the national association.
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