By Jimmy Chazama
Actor and filmmaker Joyce Mhango Chavula on Friday engraved another history in the film industry when she premiered The Gunless Soldier at Golden Peacock in Lilongwe.
The new film, which received praise on the night, adds to Mhango’s movie wardrobe, which includes Lilongwe, a movie that won her an award in the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs) in 2016. From the storyline to the sound, pictures and action, the film kept the audience focused from start to finish.
“I would like to thank people for showing up for the premiere which, to me, has been a success. The film has been well received and the positive feedback has motivated us to keep going,” Mhango, a former Film Association of Malawi (Fama) vice president, said after the premiere.
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She said the premiere marked the beginning of more screenings across the country. “We also hope to have the film starting its festival journey soon,” Mhango Chavula said.
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Ashukile Mwakisulu, who plays one of the lead roles in the film, said he was happy that the movie had been premiered. “It was challenging to take up a lead role but I worked hard and, together with the rest of the cast, we succeeded,” Mwakisulu, who is also a filmmaker, said.
The K23 million budget film received K7 million support from Copyright Society of Malawi through the Copyright Fund. Copyright Fund Manager Blessings Botha applauded Mhango and team for producing what he described as a good film.
“We, as Copyright Fund, commend the team for using the funds well, which is what we demand from those who have benefitted from the fund,” Botha said.
Inspired by recurring events such as mob justice, where people take the law in their hands, the film delves into the story of a young girl whose mother was murdered. She later joins a group of selfacclaimed soldiers with the hope of finding her mother’s murderer and seeking revenge.
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With a cast of 50, some of the actors that star in the film include Edwin Chonde, Kelvin Ngoma, Mwakisulu, Mphatso Chikuni and Lilian Sangano. The red-carpet event was spiced up by songs from musician Malita.
