Malawi leader nominated for Custodian of African Culture awards
President Joyce Banda has been nominated as a recipient for the ‘Custodian of African Culture’ in the special recognition award category in the African Film Development Awards (AFDA) 2013 which will take place in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
AFDA’s main aim is to recognise excellent individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves in their contribution to the growth and development of African Cinema.
An African Film Development Foundation statement says AFDA decided to honour the Malawi leader following her achievement in advancing the entertainment industry in Malawi.
“AFDA decided to invite and honor, Dr. Joyce Banda because of her achievements towards the development and advancement of the Malawian entertainment industry. This award is a major achievement for Malawi because it shows how Malawians are sentimental about embracing and promoting film.
“It also shows that the industry in Malawi has been recognised around Africa and its fast growing. This event is an opportunity and platform for the President to socialise with the film makers and producers to promote our film and arts industry,” reads the statement in part.
The statement further says Malawi’s arts and film industry is up coming and has the potential to grow with the right connections which the event has brought forth in one room.
Before the award ceremony, there will be a lecture on ‘The African Cinema’ on 30th August. The lecture will seek to discuss issues affecting the development of African Film industry.
AFDA in the spirit of Africa re-awakens Africa’s sensitive film making and cinema identity.
This year’s award, which is a maiden edition with nominations from over 30 African countries, will take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on August 13.
Nominees are film makers, heads of government, corporate organisations, film promoters, distributors, media and film journalist.
