Unlimited Youth Organisation (UYO), Mzuzu-based organisation focusing on arts and film production, is shooting a movie titled The Pursuit of Justice which exposes challenges people face in search for justice.
The action-packed movie is an adaptation of a stage play The Dark Cloud written by former Mzuzu University lecturer Mapopa Sanga who is now based in the United States of America.
Speaking in an interview, UYO executive director Chimwemwe Mkandawire said the shooting is the culmination of training in film making the organisation had with over 100 youths in Mzuzu.
“The reason we are shooting this movie is because we have been training up-and-coming filmmakers in film production. These needed to have a platform where they can showcase skills learnt.
“And we decided to come up with this project so that it gives them hands-on experience on how to shoot a movie, editing, script writing, directing, marketing and other processes in movie production,” she said.
Mkandawire said some of the trained youths are part of the cast whereas others have been roped in through open auditions UYO conducted.
The movie centres on Frank who was arrested for murder, a crime he did not commit. After being granted bail, Frank embarked on an investigation to trace the real culprits.
The movie is being shot by Chakuso Media House and Star Media, both based in Mzuzu.
Star Media director Dan Soko, who is also director of photography for the movie, said funding is a major setback for the film industry in Malawi as the corporate world usually neglects arts.
“The corporate world has not opened up to accommodate the film industry, but maybe we are the problem because we haven’t delivered the required quality to attract their attention. But they need to trust us and support the industry, and quality will improve,” he said.
