In the vast landscape of African cinema, few names resonate with as much reverence in their home country as that of Charles Shemu Joyah in Malawi. More than just a filmmaker, Joyah is a pioneer, a visionary whose artistry and determination have helped to redefine the cinematic voice of a nation. Though he was not the first to make a film in Malawi, his works stand as watershed moments in the country’s artistic evolution. His three landmark films—”Seasons of a Life” (2008), “The Last Fishing Boat” (2012), and “The Road to Sunrise” (2017)—did more than tell stories; they elevated the craft of filmmaking in Malawi and served as a powerful cultural mirror for the nation and the continent.
Born in Zimbabwe in 1959 to Malawian parents, Joyah would later return to Malawi to begin his academic journey, studying Mathematics and Physics at the University of Malawi, Chancellor College. His intellectual rigour and curiosity eventually took him to the United Kingdom, where he earned a BSc Honours in Surveying and Mapping Sciences from the University of East London. Though his professional career led him into land science and real estate consultancy, it is through film that Joyah would eventually carve his legacy. Interestingly, his consultancy earnings would become a key financial source for his artistic ventures—a testament to his dedication to telling important stories even in the face of limited industry support.
Joyah’s debut film, “Seasons of a Life“, remains a landmark not only for its subject matter but also for its technical accomplishment. Written, shot, edited, and directed by Joyah himself, the film tackles the harrowing experience of a domestic worker who faces sexual abuse at the hands of her employer. It’s a courtroom drama that blends powerful performances with a compelling narrative, making it one of the earliest Malawian films to gain significant international acclaim.It won seven international awards and was nominated at prestigious festivals including those in Kenya, Cairo, and Zanzibar.Moreover, it earned eight nominations at the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Original Soundtrack, with actress Tapiwa Gwaza winning a Nollywood award for Best Supporting Actress. In both story and execution, “Seasons of a Life” set a high bar, showcasing how African cinema can address sensitive social issues while remaining artistically accomplished.
His second film, “The Last Fishing Boat“, further solidified his reputation as a storyteller deeply invested in the soul of his country. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Malawi, the film is a poignant reflection on the clash between tradition and modernity. It explores the life of a fisherman whose livelihood is threatened by the incursion of tourism and foreign influence, illustrating the fragile balance between heritage and progress.With this film, Joyah offered not just another well-crafted narrative, but an intimate ethnographic gaze into a way of life that was slowly disappearing. The cinematography, scripting, and cultural depth were a bold statement that Malawian cinema could be both visually captivating and thematically profound.
But it was “The Road to Sunrise“, Joyah’s third feature, that etched his name into Malawian film history forever. Selected as Malawi’s first official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 91st Academy Awards, the film was a milestone not only for Joyah but for the entire country. Though it did not secure a nomination, the submission itself symbolized Malawi’s formal entry into the global cinematic conversation. The film follows two sex workers in the slums of Blantyre as they struggle for liberation and dignity. It’s an unflinching look at the intersection of poverty, gender, and resilience, showcasing Joyah’s commitment to telling stories that matter.
Together, these three films form more than just a filmography—they form a trilogy of cinematic foundation upon which newer Malawian filmmakers continue to build. The quality of storytelling, the daring choice of themes, the technical finesse, and the emotional depth that define Joyah’s films have set a standard that aspiring filmmakers now aspire to match or exceed. In a landscape where the infrastructure for filmmaking remains underdeveloped, Joyah proved that excellence is still attainable through determination, resourcefulness, and authenticity.
Moreover, Joyah’s influence is not confined to the past. He remains an active force in Malawi’s creative scene. Most recently, he has been working on a storybook that is already generating anticipation. A teaser has been released, hinting at yet another layer to Joyah’s storytelling prowess. For a man who has already contributed so much to the identity of Malawian cinema, this new literary endeavour is a promise that his creative spirit remains undimmed.
Charles Shemu Joyah is not just a filmmaker—he is the heartbeat of Malawian cinema. Through the lens of his camera and the weight of his pen, he has helped the nation discover its cinematic voice. His legacy is not simply in the awards or accolades but in the generations of filmmakers he continues to inspire. In telling Malawi’s stories with honesty, beauty, and courage, Joyah has not only redefined what Malawian cinema can be—he has given it a soul.
