African Movie Academy to train Malawi’s filmmakers
Malawi is reaping from the fruits of hosting the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nomination gala on March 15, and will hold the first intensive film training courses championed by the academy from March 7 to 21.
Dubbed ‘Film in a Box’, AMAA organisers have joined hands with a local firm, Shuwa Mobile, in promoting the training. The courses will be held in Banjul in Gambia, Johannesburg in South Africa, Lilongwe in Malawi and Lagos in Nigeria.
“Students pre-produce, shoot, edit, and work on the marketing and distribution of a real film intended for theatrical release. The programme provides master classes and professional supervision to ensure the artistic and professional quality of the film.
“Classes, which begin on March 7 to 21, are aimed at addressing the specific needs of the film. Students complete the programme in 14 days, knowing all aspects of film industry, from pre-production to distribution, and, most importantly, each team leaves with a film that exhibits the talents and professions learnt during Film in a Box,” reads part of the information on the http://www.africafilmacademy.org website.
Shuwa Mobile has confirmed working hand in hand with AMAA organisers in holding film production training.
“In collaboration with the Africa Movie Academy Awards, Shuwa Mobile is doing the registration of the training for young and aspiring film makers.
“Our modules will be taught across the nation, in Lilongwe, Blantyre and possibly Mzuzu, hosted by the team from the Africa Movie Academy Awards over a period of 14 days of intensive training. The exact details will be made available in the media and our Facebook page,” said one of the firm’s officials Karen Chinkwita Phiri.
“The curriculum covers the core modules of; screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, acting and sound production management. It’s an all-round film 14 day intensive training course. All those interested need to do is send an SMS with details like name, age, city, address, to 50505 to be registered for the event,” she explained.
“Already, there has been an overwhelming response, as Malawi has a lot of naturally talented entertainers, who could use the technical know-how. The technical expertise to be imparted will help these youth learn how to harness their skills to create an industry that cannot only create entertainment but wealth for our country,” she added.
Chinkwita Phiri said the local film industry, through the Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) and Blantyre Arts Festival, are very much involved. Local and Nollywood trainers will take part.
FAMA described the move as necessary and beneficial both to individuals and the country.
“FAMA is involved because it is the right holder association in the country responsible for film. The association will be responsible for mobilisation, publicity and management of the training project,” said FAMA acting President Ezaius Mkandawire in an interview.
He was, however, sceptical about the registration system of using SMSs or email.
“You are aware of the connectivity issues that we have in the country which results in low level compliance on the net. For instance, some college students do not have emails,” he said.
The AMAA nomination gala night will pool together the best from Africa’s film industry at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe on March 15. President Joyce Banda has confirmed attendance.
