Keeping the screens active: Suya excels in male-dominated arena

Filmmaker and actor Flora Suya has been on track leading television drama series that the country has followed with keen interest. The list includes Mdyangu and Mfumukazi that air on Times Television. In her grind, she keeps on pushing the strides with an aim of putting Malawi on the global stage. SAM BANDA JNR caught up with her in this interview

You have grown your base in the production of television drama series, feeding a number of television stations. What do you have on your plate to this far?

I have ‘Mdyangu’ and ‘Mfumukazi’ that air on Times Television and then ‘Inside Diaries’ which is on MBCTV2.

What inspired ‘Mdyangu’?

I never used to be a fan of comedy until I watched ‘Two and A half Man’ on DStv. What made this comedy appeal to me is how the humour is never forced, but the characters and stories are naturally funny. I told myself that one day I would produce comedy and I will find someone who could write very well. The day came when unexpectedly, I met a friend at Times Television, and he asked me if I had already submitted samples for the comedy that The Times Group was looking for. I did not think I was ready, so I consulted my brother and two friends, and we started brainstorming and came up with a concept of the landlord and his tenants and Mdyangu’s name fit perfectly because of a late uncle who called everyone Mdyangu, meaning my friend and people also called him by the same name. He was a funny character, hence the adoption of that name, and I can confidently say I got the inspiration from the way he lived his life. May his soul rest in peace.

What about ‘Mfumukazi’ and ‘Inside Diaries’?

As for ‘Mfumukazi’, it was inspired by Times Group Managing Director, Mr Leonnard Chikadya. He asked me to cast Nanyoni (Enifa Chiwaya) in Mdyangu and when I thought of Nanyoni’s energy, I decided to create a totally different comedy that would feature her as the main character and that is how ‘Mfumukazi’ was born. For ‘Inside Diaries’, when I was in the United States of America in 2017, I had plenty of free time because the play I was in was rehearsed from 6pm to 9pm and I found myself watching a lot of series, especially, ‘Orange is the new black’. It is set in prison and I thought that having my own Malawi version would be great and that is how I conceived it.

What has been the response since you started these drama series taking into consideration that you were into making movies?

I was amazed at how people reacted to the teasers I produced before the actual series. People called, and they said they could not wait for the production. It made me nervous, but when we started airing them in 2020, I felt at ease because it was evident that ‘Mdyangu’ stole people’s hearts quicker than I expected.

How much has changed in your creative work since you started driving these series?

A lot has changed. Art was a by the way thing, temporary, something to keep me busy while I searched for something that would make sense, but now it is the main dish for me. It is what keeps me going, and I cannot imagine quitting or switching careers. I dedicate my time, energy and skills to make sure that I produce quality productions for the viewers.

Looking back to where you are coming from, would you say we are going in the right direction in the movie industry?

I can say that as an industry, doors are opening, and there is recognition from the government and to top it all, the long awaited National Arts and Heritage Act was assented to by President Lazarus Chakwera; now establishment of National Arts and Heritage Council is taking its course and we are very hopeful for a brighter future. This has come as a wake-up call to us that it is time to pull up our socks and get to work because sooner than later, we will be singing a different story. I have seen my fellow filmmakers investing in quality productions and that is the way to go.

What is involved in producing drama series, and how demanding are they?

Producing films is hard, and with the series, it is even harder. Television series production is a daily job, especially when you have more than one. From writing, location scouting, casting, production, and postproduction. They are time-consuming not only for the crew but for the actors as well. Almost all actors have jobs, and to spare time for the series becomes challenging sometimes because they all prioritise where they get their everyday bread and butter. I cannot wait for the day when acting alone will be able to provide enough income for actors.

As you have indicated, it is no mean achievement working on more drama series. How do you juggle them? And how do they complement?

I have a team of dedicated crew and actors, and they make my life easier. Of course, I lead in writing all of them, but when it is time for shooting, my directors Mada Kamwendo and Frank Mbewe and my assistant producer Prestar Namacha do a tremendous job. Over the years, I have learnt that I do not have to do everything myself and that gives me enough time to clear my head and manage to create time to write all the series and still have time for my family and a glass of wine. All series have different themes, but sometimes I entwine ‘Mdyangu’ and ‘Mfumukazi’ and I find it fascinating.

What have been the challenges?

The money I make as a producer does not really give me joy. My actors put in a lot of work but what they receive as talent fees is peanuts.

What would you love changed?

I wish the corporate world would consider working with the creatives in the film industry to help grow it. Some television stations are trying but they need partners to make enough money which will spill over to us and put smiles on our faces and food on our tables.

What do you think we are doing better?

The locals have really embraced the Malawian productions compared to the early 2000s when all you could hear were Nigerian films and series. I remember ‘Super Story’ which everybody looked forward to watching but now we have our own comedies that are entertaining Malawians. That makes me happy.

Lastly, any other comments you can make.

I would like to thank Times Television for giving us the platform to showcase our talents. Some actors have benefited a lot from the opportunities that come because of the names Times Television has helped to nature. It is my prayer that more corporate companies will come in to work with us. A special mention should go to our former sponsor Premier Bet and our current sponsors, Credit Data and Old Mutual.