US Embassy gives Fama a boost

Film Association of Malawi-Fama has called the United States Embassy “a genuine partner” in promoting the country’s budding film industry. Fama acting president Ezaius Mkandawire made the remarks last week in Lilongwe when the embassy, through its public affairs section donated video equipment worth over K3.5m (about $833).

The equipment–two cameras and some of their accessories including PD 170 lens–follows a pledge made last September by some American film experts during a training workshop they organised for local film industry players in the country. The film experts who included renowned director Alan Baker and producer Lisa Keelan were impressed with the enthusiasm local film players showed during the workshop. But they were appalled by the lack of efficient equipment hence the pledge.

However, Mkandawire was upbeat for the donation: “We feel humbled. This is an achievement for Fama. It clearly speaks volumes of how much the international film industry is appreciating our efforts in promoting the industry which can rightly be said to be in its infancy in the country. As an arts industry, we will continue to cherish the partnership we have with the American people.”