By Moses Nyirenda

Lilongwe, August 4, Mana: one of the country’s independent filmmakers, Philmon Kuipa says he is committed to producing more films centered on disability that would advocate various talents and skills which people with disabilities in the country possess.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Kuipa said that his inspiration comes from ‘Focus on Ability’, a short film festival annually done in Australia and Malawi which promotes the talents and abilities of people with various forms of disabilities.

The filmmaker said that through producing films on disability among other things he wants to promote inclusion amongst people with disabilities mostly by showcasing their capabilities and contributions.

“Most of the times the inclusion becomes an issue and we lose out from tapping the skills and gifts from the people with disabilities, with my films I want to show the contributions that people with disabilities are making,” Kuipa said.

Kuipa who has so far submitted 15 short films on disability to Focus on Ability film festival since 2020, said that recently he has produced two short films titled ‘Gratitude box’ which talks about a person with disability who was saving his money for charity and ‘Kark’ which is a highlight of a young blind man who was a musician.

The film production enthusiast cum journalist further said with his films he also wants to see change on perception of some individuals on people with disabilities.

“I really want to see change, I really want to see people with disabilities being liberated, enjoying their rights just like any other person, there should not be prejudices that the moment you see a person with disability you start thinking that he or she wants to beg some money,” he said.

In her remarks, Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Spokesperson, Pauline Kaude commended Kuipa for his mission.

“One of the barriers facing persons with disabilities is to do with negative attitudes that the society has towards them due to, among other factors, lack of accurate information to address this situation, raising awareness becomes an important tool.

“So we believe what Mr. Kuipa will be doing will help to raise awareness about persons with disabilities and this is in line with government policies, laws, and strategies on disability,” Kaude said.