By Rahim Abdul
The Cape Maclear International Film Festival (CMIFF), widely regarded as Malawi’s flagship cinema event, is taking a bold step in 2025 by introducing the Prestigious CMIFF Film Awards, a new program designed to elevate Malawi’s profile on the global filmmaking stage.
Festival organizers say the move is not just about handing out trophies, but about positioning Malawi as a hub for cultural exchange, innovation, and cinematic storytelling.
According to Marie Thom, CMIFF’s Public Relations Officer, the awards are set to celebrate “outstanding achievements in filmmaking across the globe while giving Malawi’s own creative industry a competitive platform to thrive.”
Unlike many film festivals in the region, CMIFF’s awards will have a dual stream structure.
The Malawian stream will recognize homegrown talent in 14 categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and a Lifetime Achievement Award to honor veterans who have shaped the industry.
The international stream will highlight global contributions with categories such as Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, and Best Documentary.
Winners will be decided through a unique 50-50 split between public voting and a jury of industry experts.
The jury will ensure professional standards and fair evaluations, while the public vote will engage audiences directly through a secure digital platform.
Key dates have also been announced for both film professionals and fans.
Public nominations in Malawi open on August 26, 2025, while international submissions close on September 10, 2025.
Public voting and jury screenings will take place from September 22 to October 10, 2025, culminating in the glamorous CMIFF Awards Gala Night on October 27, 2025.
Industry insiders are already calling the awards a potential game-changer for Malawi’s creative economy
. Apart from recognizing filmmakers, the awards are expected to attract investors, boost tourism to Cape Maclear a picturesque lakeside destination and offer networking opportunities with filmmakers from across Africa and beyond.
Marie Thom added that CMIFF is also exploring workshops and masterclasses as part of the festival, providing emerging talents with skills and mentorship opportunities. With these developments, Cape Maclear is not only cementing its place as Malawi’s cultural hub but also signaling that Malawian cinema is ready to compete on the world stage.
