On Saturday, the 26th of April 2025, a quiet but powerful revolution unfolded in Lilongwe. The Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) officially opened its first-ever office — a seemingly simple event, but one that holds monumental significance for the future of Malawi’s film industry. Beyond the ceremony and photographs, this development is a bold statement: Malawian filmmakers are ready to organize, to professionalize, and to claim their rightful place on the national and continental stage.
For decades, Malawi’s filmmakers have operated without a formal backbone — scattered efforts, bursts of brilliance, and resilient passion often weighed down by the absence of a unified structure. The establishment of a physical office is not just a logistical convenience; it is a symbolic home for the collective dreams of the industry. It is an acknowledgment that the creative economy matters, that film is an essential part of national identity, cultural preservation, and economic growth.
The presence of this office marks a pivotal shift from informality to institution-building. It promises to enhance coordination among practitioners, offer a legitimate platform for advocacy, foster professional development, and unlock funding opportunities that were previously out of reach. In an era where the creative industries are recognized as powerful drivers of GDP growth across Africa, Malawi is now positioning itself not to be left behind.
One must pause here to commend the visionary leadership of the current FAMA President and his executive team. It is easy to forget that such progress does not happen by default. It requires leaders who understand that an industry cannot thrive on passion alone; it needs structures, policies, training programs, and strategic partnerships. The courage, perseverance, and foresight displayed by this team deserve more than casual applause — they merit standing ovations. They have demonstrated that leadership in the creative sector must be about service, sacrifice, and the collective good, rather than personal aggrandizement.
Of course, the road ahead is long. The opening of an office is not the destination but the beginning of a more structured journey. Expectations are high: to lobby for a national film fund, to establish clear professional standards, to engage the government on policy and legal frameworks, and to foster regional and international collaborations. The industry now demands sustainable action plans, measurable impacts, and a renewed culture of professionalism.
Yet, for today, let us fully appreciate this historic step. The launch of FAMA’s office in Lilongwe is not just the cutting of a ribbon; it is the opening of a new chapter for an industry long yearning for structure and recognition. It signals that Malawi’s filmmakers now have a central home from which to organize, advocate, and inspire. It is a rallying point for all practitioners — filmmakers, storytellers, producers, screenwriters, cinematographers, and actors — to come together under one roof of shared vision and renewed ambition.
For too long, the Malawian film industry has been described with the hesitant term “emerging,” as though its existence were still a question mark. With this bold move, the industry is no longer simply emerging; it is announcing itself, boldly and unapologetically. The establishment of this office transforms that hesitant promise into an active presence. And with the caliber of leadership currently driving FAMA — leaders who have blended vision with action — the future of Malawian cinema is not just hopeful; it is inevitable and full of promise.
