Malawian movie wins Africa Magic award

“Lilongwe”, a local film by director Joyce Mhango Chavula , has grabbed the golden horn in the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs) for best Southern African movie.

The 2015 production is the first ever local movie to claim an Africa Magic award. To get the award, the movie beat stiff competition from “Ayanda”, a movie by South African director Sara Blecher and “tell me sweet something” by Nigeria’s Akin Omotoso.

In reaction to the victory, Chavula, who is also an actress and producer, had a very brief but powerful combination of alphabet letters to deliver.

She said: “This is a first AMVCA for Malawi, thanks to all for voting. We dedicate this to Malawians.”

Mhango’s movie is about a 13 year-old girl who later grows into a beautiful young lady but is still haunted by her past

Saturday’s awards ceremony was only the fourth edition of Africa’s prestigious film festival as it started in 2013. It took place at Eko and Suites Hotel, Victoria Island in Lagos Nigeria. The event was among others decorated by music performances.

Ayanda was the biggest winner among the three movies having received two awards for best make up and best writer. It also went ahead of its opponents in the best Southern African movie category in as far as nominations are concerned.

Omotosi’s brainchild also refused to go empty handed as it triumphed in the best cinematography category. The movie was also nominated in the best sound editor group along with “Ayanda” but they both missed out.