Malawi Film Fest Spotlights Abilities of People With Disabilities
About 10% of Malawi's population lives with a disability, according to government estimates.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— A Malawian film festival is challenging stereotypes and highlighting the talents of people with disabilities through movies made by and starring people with disabilities, writes Alex Ngulube.
The Focus on Ability Film Festival, launched in 2017, provides a platform for short films showcasing the achievements of Malawians with disabilities. Filmmakers compete for cash prizes up to $5,000.
"Film festival is here to challenge misconceptions and show the world what these people are capable of," said MacDonald Nyirenda, head of the festival's organizer, Focus on Ability Society.
Over 200 films have been submitted from across Malawi since the festival started. The prize money is split between the performers and producers.
Richard Zuze, a filmmaker who works with students with disabilities, won $5,000 in one competition.
"My message is for filmmakers to include persons with disabilities as this will expose their talents," he said.
Zuze said the awards have helped his students pay for school and inspired them.
"As a person who looks after learners with disabilities these awards have helped these children a lot," he said.
Past winners include Burundian refugee Raphael Ndabaga and fashion designer Ruth Chirwa, who aims to inspire others with her film.
But organizers say limited funds prevent expanding prize categories despite growing submissions.
Nyirenda appealed for support to add more awards and take the festival nationwide.
"We keep receiving overwhelming numbers of entries but our resources are limited. We would love to have up to 10 categories," he said.
About 10% of Malawi's population lives with a disability, according to government estimates.
Many face social stigma and lack of economic opportunities.