By Jimmy Chazama
Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) has called on filmmakers in the country to register their work for copyright protection as well as benefit from royalties such as blank media levy.
The development comes as the copyright body has been on an awareness drive to reach out to the creative sector to have their works registered.
Cosoma spokesperson Catherine Mitungwi Chiumia said it was important that producers benefit from their creations, citing royalties from blank media levy— which rewards creatives whose works are found on storage devices such as flash disks.
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“It is important that we have all creatives on our ladder. Let them come forward with their work and register. This does not only apply to musicians but all creatives, including filmmakers,” Chiumia said.
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He said they were encouraged that more filmmakers were coming forward to register their movies. Meanwhile, 4 Kaya Filmz has registered their recently released film Welcome to Maula Prison. The film, which tells the story of prison life, has had premieres in the country and South Africa.
Desire Namachotsa, who is 4 Kaya Filmz spokesperson and part of the Welcome to Maula Prison cast, said they decided to register the film to maximise their financial base.
“We, as filmmakers, invest so much in our productions. Protecting our work through Cosoma helps us gain from it and safeguard its value,” Namachotsa said.
Last year, 4Kaya Filmz’s received K17 million from blank media levy from School Days movie.
