As the lights dimmed and the first frame flickered on screen, the 2025 edition of the European Film Festival Malawi began not just as an international celebration of cinema, but as a quiet declaration of intent for the future of Malawian film. Hosted in Lilongwe with a tripartite venues: EU Residence, Crossroad Hotel and Salama Hall Africa Dzaleka Refugee Camp, the festival moved beyond its traditional diplomatic charm to become a space of genuine cultural investment—one that didn’t just showcase cinema, but helped sculpt the contours of Malawi’s evolving film industry.
At the heart of this year’s edition, as the other years, was a bold curatorial decision: to present Malawian films not as openers or cultural fillers, but as integral parts of the official lineup. “The Scale” by Faith Msole, “The Gunless Soldier” by Joyce Chavula, “The Liberator”, and “Misnomer” by Chaz Munthali stood shoulder to shoulder with critically acclaimed European films, allowing audiences and industry stakeholders to experience a rich, cross-continental cinematic dialogue. The symbolism here was powerful—Malawi was not merely watching; it was being watched, critiqued, and celebrated.
This inclusive programming, steered by Dusty Orange Projects Et Al (DOPE) in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Malawi, brought visibility to emerging Malawian storytellers and gave them the kind of platform often denied within conventional distribution channels. The presence of these films in a festival of this scale not only elevated their individual visibility but also lent weight to the idea that Malawian cinema is ready to hold its place in the global conversation.
For local filmmakers, the screenings offered a unique opportunity to see their work in professional settings alongside polished international films. This juxtaposition provided both inspiration and a point of comparison—inviting reflection on cinematic techniques, narrative pacing, production quality, and thematic depth. In an industry still working to define its identity, access to these kinds of reference points is invaluable. European films, known for their artistic risk-taking and depth of character, became informal masterclasses in form and storytelling.
Yet the significance of the European Film Festival Malawi is not confined to the screen. It exists in the spaces between screenings—where impromptu debates, networking conversations, and mentorship moments take root. In these quiet exchanges, a new generation of filmmakers finds its footing. From university film students to self-trained directors and producers, the festival is becoming an annual pilgrimage that offers not just visibility but growth.
Equally vital is the way the festival is slowly influencing how Malawian films are valued—both culturally and institutionally. When a Malawian film like “The Gunless Soldier” is applauded on the same stage as a European feature, it signals to policymakers, funders, and distributors that local films are not simply community projects, but artistic and economic assets. It reframes the narrative from one of deficit to one of potential.
In recent years, Malawi’s film industry has taken bold steps forward, yet it remains fragile—constrained by limited funding, scarce infrastructure, and uneven technical training. But festivals like this one act as accelerators. They offer an essential ecosystem for critique, discovery, and development. They expose local creators to global possibilities while reinforcing the local value of storytelling. They function as cultural diplomacy, yes, but more crucially, they function as industry scaffolding.
As this year’s edition has drawn to a close, what lingers is the growing belief that Malawi is at the edge of a cinematic renaissance. Thus, it therefore behooves local filmmakers to seize platforms like this—not just for exposure, but for learning, connection, and elevation. The future of the industry will be shaped by those who show up and stay engaged. Opportunities like these do not merely open doors; they sharpen vision, build networks, and signal to the world that Malawian stories are ready for global attention.
