Malawian filmmaker Brian Magombo continues to raise the nation’s flag high as he has earned two international recognitions, cementing Malawi’s place on the global storytelling map. Magombo, the founder of Tribe Vision Productions and director of the popular drama series Pa Mango Lodge on Zambezi Magic, did not only complete a rigorous MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) training programme but he also earned the prestigious title of Top Graduate of the Class of 2023.
As the top student, Magombo secured the coveted prize of an intensive, eight-week internship at the renowned New York Film Academy (NYFA) in the United States.
“My journey into filmmaking is rooted in a deep love for storytelling. I have always been fascinated by how visual narratives can influence culture, provoke thought, and inspire positive changes,” he says, recalling his childhood days spent watching his father work as a videographer.
He credits the MTF Academy for sharpening his creative discipline, saying the year-long programme exposed him to hands-on production, mentorship, and collaboration.
His top student award took him to NYFA, where he underwent an intense eight-week training experience, but said the transition was smooth because MTF had already prepared him for high-pressure creative environments.
“MTF’s focus on teamwork, discipline, and handson production prepared me perfectly. I often joked with my peers that NYFA felt like “’MTF Part Two!’,” he notes.
At NYFA, he also deepened his technical skill set by working with tools such as Avid Media Composer and ARRI lighting, and emphasized that great filmmaking is not just about raw creativity, it is about preparation and respecting every role on set.
Now back home, Magombo is focused on developing more Malawian and African stories, while expanding his production company. He also hopes to lift others as he rises.
“I want to create films that intentionally bridge worlds. I am also growing my production company into a stronger creative hub for film, television, and documentaries across Malawi. In the long term, I see myself directing feature films and, critically, mentoring emerging filmmakers back home,” he added.
Further underscoring how his work is elevating Malawi’s creative footprint, his acclaimed series Pa Mango Lodge has also earned a nomination for Best Film Series at the MASO Awards 2025.
