Organizers of the 2024 Malawi Film Festival have decried low patronage by the public during the event’s three-year history and have urged Malawians to appreciate local talent alongside international movie productions.

Coordinator for this year’s event, Phillip Kuipa Phiri, expressed disappointment over the low turnout at the event in Lilongwe, which ran from Friday to Saturday, despite the organizers' publicity efforts. The Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) manages the event.

Kuipa Phiri noted that while Malawi’s movie industry is still in its infancy, greater attendance by Malawians would encourage local producers to create more captivating films.

"It could mean several things. It may indicate a lack of interest in our home film industry, or perhaps as organizers, we did not do enough to publicize the event. Nonetheless, people want to see stories they can relate to.

“However, we had great participation in the workshops conducted as part of the festival, showing that actors are eager to learn," he said, promising to explore new ways of publicizing next year’s event.

Among others, the late veteran actor Hope Chisanu was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achiever Award, while Innocent Manyera and Mada Kafamtenga were named Best Actor and Actress for 2024, respectively.

Chisanu was recognized for his enormous contribution to the growth of the local movie industry.

Presenting the award at the end of the festival in Lilongwe on Saturday night, veteran film director Peter Mazunda said Chisanu was a mentor to both established and upcoming artists in Malawi across various sectors, including stage, television, radio, and film drama.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Chisanu’s widow, Vivien, told the audience: “It is such a great honor for us, his family, and for Malawi as a nation, that the Malawi film industry has recognized his significant contribution through his dedication, talent, hard work, and perseverance.

“Indeed, Hope had a unique ability to bring characters to life, to make us laugh, cry, and reflect. He brought entertainment to many households and to this I say, Hope, you may be gone, but your film acting legacy lives on through this award and the countless lives you touched through your work.”

Famed for movies like "The Last Fishing Boat" and "Seasons of a Life," Chisanu, who was also an accomplished radio personality, died on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in the United States of America, where he had been living since 2023.

Several other actors, directors, editors, and their productions were also recognized at the event. The award for Best International Feature Film went to "Mama Wangi," while "Dinner For Three" earned the Best International Director accolade. "1992" was honored with the Best Cinematographer International award.

In the Malawian categories, notable winners included:

Achievement in Cinematography: "True or False"
Best Short Film: "Screen Shot"
Best Director: "Justice"
Achievement in Sound: "Justice"
Best Screenplay: "Khasu"
Best Supporting Actor: Dickson Mandota
Achievement in Editing: "Justice"
Achievement in Makeup: "Olive Tree"
Best Feature Film: "Bukhata"
Best Supporting Actress: "Devil in Me"
Best Costume: "Olive Tree"
In the People's Awards, "Dear Ex" won Best TV Series, and "The Devil in Me" received Best Story.