By Sam Banda Jnr, Jimmy Chazama & Emmanuel Simpokolwe
Renowned filmmaker Ashukile Mwakisulu has entered into an K18 million deal with the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) through the Universal Service Fund (USF).
The agreement will see Mwakisulu produce a drama series titled Enduring Happiness.
Mwakisulu, who is also the brains behind the Choices drama series and Mitekete, which airs on Times Television, said Enduring Happiness follows the story of a young girl named Happiness, who is a skilled footballer.
He explained that the story is inspired by the lives of the Chawinga sisters – Temwa and Tabitha, who are pursuing their careers overseas.
Mwakisulu said the story is worth pursuing as it offers hope to the girl child from a disadvantaged background, proving that everything is possible in life.
“This is a big breakthrough. We have done projects before but nothing close to this. This brings great joy, especially realising that film is now being appreciated and doors are opening,” the former Film Association of Malawi (Fama) vice president said.
He added that they would begin shooting Enduring Happiness in Chiradzulu this week.
“We are currently in pre-production,” Mwakisulu, the creator of All We Have is Us, said.
In other news, Dorothy Kingston was elected Fama president after defeating Flora Suya in polls held in Lilongwe.
Kingston, who is also a fashionista and entrepreneur, has taken over the presidency from Gift Sukez Sukali.
The new vice president is Gilbert Moyo, who succeeds Mwakisulu.
Other members include Ignatious Kaphinde (secretary), Charles Levison (vice secretary), Daud Shaib (treasurer general) and Catherine Kawawa (vice treasurer).
