By Austin Kananji                                        

Lilongwe, May 3, Mana: The much anticipated Welcome to Maula Prison movie by 4KAYA Studios was premiered in Lilongwe night at a packed Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

The production, starring Phwedo real name Tumpe Mtaya and Kendall Kamwendo was well received by the masses in Lilongwe that saw tickets selling out well in advance of the premiere.

Public Relations Officer for the movie, Desiree Namachotsa, said the premiere was amazing as the audience loved it from the turnout to the reactions of the movie as scenes were unfolding, adding that they were speechless with the large turnout which shows how much Malawians have received the movie.

“We did not expect this turnout, but this has made us realise how much Malawians love the product and Malawian films that 4KAYA is creating, hence this has given us a boost to seven go out and do better with productions that the people will love.”

She further added that Malawians should expect even bigger projects because one thing about 4KAYA is that they always try to compete with themselves saying Welcome to Maula was a step up from School days, ‘then we need to do something bigger, therefore the next project will be bigger.’

Namachotsa disclosed that Welcome to Maula Prison, a production sponsored by the Universal Service Fund (USF), a project under the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) symbolised a giant leap in Malawi's film Industry.

On his part, the Head of USF, Ronald Tembo, said as an organisation they are very happy to be associated in the production of the movie emphasising that this was not the first time as they have also funded other documentaries, talkshows and manymore hence Malawians should expect more from them in support of developing local digital content.

In her remarks the President of Film Association of Malawi (FAMA), Dorothy Kingstone, commended the Malawi government through Malawi Prison Services for the support of allowing the production of the movie to take place at the actual Maula Prison as it gives an insight and informs the people to know what happens inside the Malawi prisons, emphasising that for the film industry to grow it requires collaboration from all stakeholders including government agencies adding that it is time ‘the film industry was taken as a business and not only as entertainment or a pastime as it can create jobs and support the government’s efforts in creating employment.

The movie`s production, that has been helped and sponsored by Universal Service Fund, Diplomats Car Hire, Umodzi Pack, Mathumela Music, Goodwill Funeral Services and Zodiak among other institutions.

On Saturday, the film will be showcased in Blantyre at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel and on Sunday, at Chisanga Complex Mzuzu in Mzuzu.