Standard Bank sponsors MK5 Million Towards Malawi Film Festival

Lilongwe, November 23, 2023 – Standard Bank announces its sponsorship of the Malawi Film Festival with MK5 Million aimed at supporting the advancement of Arts, Culture and Music in Malawi. The film festival is hosted by Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) this November 24-25 at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.

The Bank’s Head of Brand and Marketing, Nyambura Chege said it recognises the significant role of creative industries in contributing to the country’s socio-economic development through job creation, talent development and profiling Malawi on the international market.

“At Standard Bank, we are driven by our purpose that Malawi is our Home and we Drive her Growth. We see the film industry as a sector with great potential to contribute to the country’s development socially and economically. Film production can profile our beautiful country Malawi, showcase the talent we have and create employment opportunities for youth.,” she said.

The Head of Marketing said support to the Malawi Film Festival emphasizes the Standard Bank’s track record of promoting the country’s arts, culture, and music scene.  

“Our engagement with the arts, culture and music is an extension of what we believe is truly and authentically Malawian. We want to support industries that allow our young people to embrace their talent and showcase Malawi. In our recently hosted Kumbali Live event we engaged several SMEs, creatives, and youth to bring together a successful event. We believe this type of investment has a lasting impact on this budding industry and our young people” she said.

The president of Film Association of Malawi said this weekend’s film festival offers the right platform to harness theatre, creativity and expose young people to the potential of the film industry.

“We have aspiring film makers, actors, make-up artists, storytellers, costume designers and many more that are looking forward to the 2-day festival that includes a workshop on day 1 and film screenings and awards on the 2nd Day,” said Philmon Kuipa, Coordinator for Malawi Film Festival.

Kuipa added that, “This year’s festival hosts guest of Honor, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chiomanika to start off the workshop sessions and the US Ambassador, David Young for the award ceremony. This type of support from Government, International Community and Private sector as demonstrated by Standard Bank is appreciated.”

This is the second edition of Malawi Film Festival and holds great promise in unleashing the talent that Malawi has and awarding those film makers that pioneer film making in Malawi.

For more information please contact:

Nyambura Chege,

Head, Brand and Marketing

E-mail: [email protected]