Month: May 2025 Posts

When a Prison Story Hits Home…: A Review of “Welcome to Maula Prison”

May 05, 2025 Solomon Idyo 0 &

Last weekend, Malawian cinema experienced a defining moment with the premiere of “Welcome to Maula Prison”—a bold, unapologetic film that captivated audiences across the country. From Lilongwe on May 2nd, Blantyre on the 3rd, to… ...

Ahead of the Premiere: An Intriguing Conversation about “Welcome to Maula Prison”—The Film Everyone’s Waiting For

Apr 23, 2025 Solomon Idyo 0 &

Intro As the countdown begins to the highly anticipated premiere of “Welcome to Maula Prison”, excitement is building for a film that dares to tell a gripping, homegrown story set against the haunting backdrop of… ...

The Trilogy That Lit the Flame: How Shemu Joyah’s Films Redefined Malawian Cinema

Apr 16, 2025 Solomon Idyo 0 &

Malawian cinema, once on the periphery of the continent’s creative explosion, found a definitive voice through the pioneering works of Charles Shemu Joyah. At a time when the nation’s film industry was grappling with infrastructural… ...

Meet Solomon Idyo: The “Malawian Reel Views” Columnist

Apr 14, 2025 Solomon Idyo 0 &

Solomon Idyo is a lecturer and researcher in Film Production at the University of Malawi, Zomba, dedicated to training future African filmmakers. He specializes in screenwriting, directing, acting, etc. Idyo is currently pursuing a PhD… ...

Charles Shemu Joyah: The Pioneer Who Scripted the Soul of Malawian Cinema

Apr 14, 2025 Solomon Idyo 0 &

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,… ...

Film Review: The Gunless Soldier – A Bold and Hopeful Vision for Malawian Cinema

Apr 08, 2025 Solomon Idyo 0 &

The award-winning Malawian filmmaker, Joyce Mhango Chavula, known for her other films such as No More Tears (2013), Lilongwe (2015), and Nyasaland (2016); delivers yet another thought-provoking and visually striking drama in "The Gunless Soldier",… ...

Introducing “Malawi Reel Views”: A Fresh Look at Our Growing Film Industry

Apr 07, 2025 Solomon Idyo 0 &

Indeed, Malawi’s film industry is beginning to experience some appreciable levels of growth and development—and with it comes the need for conversation, critique, and celebration. This is why I’m thrilled to introduce Malawi Reel Views,… ...