A film by United States of America (USA) based filmmaker Chaz and produced by Khumbo Munthali, Brenda Mselu and Zofuna Banda, titled Misnomer, finally screened in the country starting off at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Friday and then Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre on Saturday.
At both venues, people showed up for the film that tells a powerful story of abductions and killings of persons with albinism.
The film, which has a budding and experienced cast which includes persons with albinism, Ian Simbota and Chikondi Kanjadza, opens with a scene where a young lady with albinism is abducted and killed and, later, spates of other incidences follow.
The developments compel a team to embark on a mission of tracking down the killers.
The audiences in Lilongwe and Blantyre keenly followed the movie that is boxed with action, romance, humour and suspense.
Veteran award-winning filmmaker Shemu Joyah, who was part of the audience, could not hide his excitement after watching the film.
“I liked it because there are so many elements to it; it has humour, suspense and the story is beautiful. It is a well-crafted film. It means a lot to Malawi and it takes us to another level.
“This is the kind of quality that we should be proud of,” Joyah, who has a number of award winning movies to his acclaim including Seasons of A Life, said.
Kanjadza, a one-time Miss Albinism, was happy that they pulled the job off in what she described as her debut film.
“This is a very good way of bringing forth the message about the killing and abductions of persons with albinism. The film is entertaining but it is all about raising awareness,” she said.
Simbota, who is a broadcaster and plays a lead role, said it was not easy for him but he was excited that people can now get the message and be the message of change.
Chaz, real name Chawezi Munthali, who was embraced by the audience after the screening, said they are creating awareness on the killing and abductions of persons with albinism while offering entertainment.
“There have been so many documentaries and movies made about the issue but sometimes you have to do it differently,” Chaz said.
Shot in Malawi, other actors starring in the film include Grace Rumsey from Zambia, musicians Tay Grin and Bucci, Victor Kamwendo, who is based in USA, Gordon Kumbatira, Mwai Simbota, Hope Chisanu, Joyce Mhango Chavula, Wapona Kita and Dipo Katimba.
The screening was spiced up by a short performance from Piksy.
