By Chikondi Mitchaya
A film by musician-cum filmmaker Kendall Kamwendo of the Symon and Kendall eminence, and directed by Bester Kauwa, finally premiered at Golden Peacock in Blantyre on Friday.
Based on a true story, the film, which is dedicated to all families that lost their relatives due to teasing and bullying, received mixed assessments after its run, with some lauding the producers for what they described as “a great and educative movie” whereas others felt there were fissures.
“I am impressed and have enjoyed the film. The beauty of it is that the story resonates with what many of us experienced in secondary school. For me, everything was on point, from the picture and sound,” Favour Kuyenda, a resident of Chilomoni, said.
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He praised the actors for their creativity in the film and further said that the plot of the story was well done.
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However, another movie fanatic Gilbert Zgambo, while describing School Days as a beautiful story, felt the storytelling lacked.
“There was a need for stability in storytelling and there are scenes I felt they could have done away with; otherwise, we are going in the right path in terms of film,” Zgambo said.
Another movie fan Kiswell Tembo, while applauding the crew for the investment in the film, pointed out that some of the scenes are fragmented and needed proper organisation.
“There are loose ends that needed to be tightened but it is a well-directed movie.
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Apart from that, organisers need to be prompt with time,” Tembo said.
The film, that recollects the harsh experiences that most secondary school students used to undergo at the hands of senior students, screened in Blantyre, having premiered in Lilongwe.
Kauwa said they were happy that they had screened the film in Blantyre despite experiencing a number of challenges.
“Seeing this movie today makes me happy and this is proof that the Malawi movie industry can do better. We are thankful for the feedback and this, will keep us going,” he said.
He thanked people for patronising the screening of School Days.
Apart from Kendall, some of the actors starring in the film include Rudo Mkukupa Chakwera, Tumpe Mtaya, Yvonne Chanache, Amos Filisa and Blessed Chimombo.
