Time to get it done—Sukez

The new leadership at Film Association of Malawi (Fama) has unveiled plans aimed at steering the group to greater heights.

This follows the election of filmmaker and producer Gift ‘Sukez’ Sukali as the president after beating off competition from Ashukile Mwakisulu after getting 94 votes against 38.

The elections that took place on Saturday in Lilongwe also saw award-winning actress and filmmaker Flora Suya being elected vice-president.

James Kitchen and Levison Charles were elected as secretary and deputy secretary while Horace Boti got the position of treasurer unopposed with Daudi Shaibu as his vice.

Branzio Kanyong’o, Philimon Kuipa, Cathreen Mlenga and Thokozani Ziloweleza are the new executive committee members.

In his acceptance speech, Sukez said ‘time to get it done’ has come to improve the association.

“We are achievers and we are going to do more,” he said in an interview.

Sukez said he has a number of both short and long term plans in the next three years.

“What I am bringing to Fama is change. We want to make sure that we are supported. This is the dream we all have so let us change the industry for the better,” he said.

While in office Sukez said his first task is to rebrand the association.

“We are looking at establishing a website, revamping the Facebook page and everything to do with visibility will be looked into,” he said.

In an effort to revamp the industry further, Sukez said he plans to bring back the cinema culture in Malawi.

“I will facilitate the establishment of cinema in Malawi and watching centres so that people can appreciate local talent.

“I will also make sure that we have platforms where people can buy local films as currently it is hard to find Malawian productions,” said Sukez.

He said he will aspire to introduce local film festivals. 

“Just like with music, we want to have a film festival where people can come together and appreciate local talent and stories,” said Sukez.

In the long term, Sukez said he wants to see the establishment of Fama offices.

On her part, Suya said she is bringing the spirit of hardwork and teamwork to Fama.

“I believe that as artists, we have the potential to make things happen, but we need to work together,” she said in a separate interview.

She also said she would like to see more artists being empowered.