By Jimmy Chazama:
A movie titled Sona: State of the Nation Address is set for a premiere on November 27 this year in Lilongwe.
The film, a making of 4Kaya Filmz, producers of award-winning movies – Welcome to Maula Prison and School Days has made progress with its shooting now at 80 percent.
The movies’ director Ezaius Mkandawire said on Tuesday at Parliament during a shoot that they have been on the ground since June this year.
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“We will deliver a film that will raise the bar even higher,” Mkandawire said.
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He also said that the production has been a learning process, building on lessons from their earlier films.
Mkandawire acknowledged challenges in mobilising resources, especially when filming large scenes such as at Parliament where they had 200 participants “We are thankful to the government for support which also includes access to the chamber,” he said.
He added that the future of Malawi’s film industry looks bright, with more productions emerging and opportunities for growth through corporate investment and collaboration with public institutions.
Seasoned actress Neria Chikhosi said they have made headway and that she was looking forward to the film hitting the market.
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“People will love this film, the cast has upped the game,” Chikhosi said.
Other actors starring in the K250 million budget film include comedian Che Mandota, musician Anne Matumbi, legislator Khadijah Chunga, photojournalist Emmanuel Simpokolwe and Amos Filisa.
The film follows a story of a well educated man who helps his village but clashes with government authorities.
Meanwhile, as the country prepares for the new cinematic address with Sona, Nollywood’s iconic actor Olu Jacobs, who has inspired several local actors has taken his final bow at 84-years old.
The BBC reported Wednesday that veteran actress Joke Silva announced her husband’s death and asked for privacy as the family mourns.
Silva described Jacobs as ‘The Lion of Lufodo, saying his life was “well lived and fought”.
Born in July 1942, some of the films he starred in include Greatness, League of Gentlemen and Sacred Lies.
