Written by: Sam Banda Jnr, Malawi
Malawi’s film industry received a boost as its 1997 film, Seasons Of A Life scooped two awards – The Verona Jury Award for Best African Film and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) Chairman Golden Dhow Award at Zanzibar’s film festival this year.
The ZIFF festival, now in its 12th year, took place from 27 June to 4 July showcasing over a 100 films from 30 countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Senegal, USA, United Kingdom, France, India, Germany and Brazil. The festival’s aim is to promote African films internationally and to develop cultural industries as tools for social and economic growth in the Dhow region. It is a unique initiative for the sustained preservation and development of the region’s rich cultural heritage and the work of contemporary artists.
The ZIFF festival was the fourth international film festival Seasons Of A Life took part in. It was also screened at the Kenya International Film Festival, Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt and The Pan African Film Festival (FESPACO) in Burkina Faso. Seasons Of A Life is a story of hope that centres on a journey of an orphan who rises above all odds to reclaim what is rightfully hers. A childless couple, Kondani Kalira (Benni Musuku) and Thoko Kalira (Neria Chikosi) adopt a child and employ another orphan, Sungisa Malango, to look after their child. As the story progresses Singusa gets sexually abused and falls pregnant. This is a moving story about sexual abuse and the rights of women and features about 15 well-crafted traditional soundtracks from Malawian musician Overton Chimombo.
“I am very happy and excited for FirstDawn Arts because Seasons Of A Life won two awards. This wasn’t an easy achievement as there were several good films and the fact that we won shows that Malawi is progressing in the film industry,” says Seasons Of A Life director, Shume Joyah. He added that this was a special moment and that history had been made as this was the first time a Malawian film does well at a festival.
Actress Neria Chinkhosi was overjoyed at the news that the film won two awards. “I am happy the film has scooped these awards, it will motivate us to work harder in upcoming productions,” says Chinkhosi. Another actor, Bennie Msuku concurs saying Seasons Of A Life’s triumph is proof that Malawi’s film industry has potential to make it to the top.
After years of contemplating whether to release the film on DVD, Seasons Of A Life will finally be available on DVD in two months.
Share Your Views: