A Local movie "Strike a Blow and Die" depicting the life and death of Reverend John Chilembwe’s 1915 uprising has been nominated for Best Short Film at the African Movie Academy Awards in Nigeria.

Celebrated filmmaker, Shemu Joya who wrote the script for the 14 minute short film set in Chiradzulu and Blantyre, will represent the team in Nigeria this weekend.

Gift “Sukez” Sukali, currently in the U.S., who teamed up with Joya to bring the powerful story of Reverend Chilembwe to the screen, shared his excitement with  Zodiak Online on Friday.

"I’m excited to share that I’ve teamed up with Shemu Joyah to co-produce a powerful historical  Malawian short film  written and directed by the visionary  Shemu Joya, this film brings a key moment in our history to life. We didn’t wait for someone to come to tell our Malawian story, we took a step, said Sukali.

The bilingual movie featured in English and Chichewa will premiere on Iplus Play next week on November 9 the producers say.

"As we bring local stories to the screen, we’d love your support and well-wishes as we work towards fundraising for a full-length feature film. Keep an eye out for the release on Iplus Play 9.

Chilembwe is celebrated in Malawi on January 15 annually, at the Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in Chiradzulu where he built his ministry. 

He led an unsuccessful blacck liberation against the Bristish colonial injustice and harsh treatment of workers in white owned farms.

Chilembwe's  sculpture stands tall on the Trafalgar Square the first African statue to be erected in London, the United Kingdom.