By Sam Banda Jnr & Jimmy Chazama:
The annual European Film Festival returns to the fold for its fourth edition.
It will see movies being screened in countries that include Malawi, where they will be screened at four venues from October 24 to November 2 2024.
A press statement from organisers says they are excited to bring film lovers the 2024 Euro Film Festival, with screenings scheduled to take place in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Dowa on four dates at four venues.
The statement further indicates that the official launch reception would be held on October 24 2024 at the EU Residence in Lilongwe.
“A selection of two short films from Malawi and Zambia and two films from Finland and Morocco will be watched outdoors under the canopy of evening stars,” the statement reads.
The organisers further say this year’s festival promises to be another diverse and enchanting film experience of storytelling – drama, epic action, romance, thrilling adventure and true life documentaries.
One of the films that will be screened is My Grandfathers Demons, a feature animated film from Spain, Portugal and France and from Malawi are psychological thrillers True or False and Daniel da Trindade’s Kamdothi based on a folktale.
Crossroads Hotel Cinema in Lilongwe will host the Euro Film Festival from October 25 to 26, when patrons will enjoy an array of three films featuring works from acclaimed European (Finland, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and France) creatives as well as films from Malawi, Zambia and Morocco.
Students from Catholic University of Malawi in Chiradzulu will be recipients of an exclusive screening on campus on October 30.
On offer at the campus will be documentaries from France and Malawi plus a special music guest performance.
The free-of-charge Tumaini Festival at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa will host the final movie spree on November 2 for the community and festival attendees to enjoy a variety of international and Malawi films.
Lake of Stars Festival spokesperson Zilanie Gondwe yesterday described films as another exciting part of entertainment.
She said they [films] have a unique ability to transport people to different worlds, evoke emotions and challenge their perspectives.
“Films from around the world offer a glimpse into different cultures and perspectives,” Gondwe said.
She said filmmakers in the country were making exciting films, observing that the biggest genre is documentaries.
“Previous editions have taken on capacity building workshops and, this year, the festival is screening a film from a previous workshop participant Daniel da Trindade. This is the second time he is showcasing a film at the festival,” Gondwe said.
On his part, Film Association of Malawi Vice President Ashukile Mwakisulu welcomed the festival.
“All platforms that come through to push our industry forward are very commendable. This is part of exposure,” Mwakisulu said.
Other Malawian short films that have screened at the festival include Going South by Elson Kambalu.
EU Malawi hosted the first European Film Festival in 2019.
