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Cape Maclear Film Festival unveils landmark awards to spotlight global and local talent

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Cape Maclear Film Festival unveils landmark awards to spotlight global and local talent

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.

Marie Thom



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.

Kabambe Brands Mutharika a “Chronic Failure” in Scathing Rally Attack

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Kabambe Brands Mutharika a “Chronic Failure” in Scathing Rally Attack

By Wadza Botomani

In a fiery campaign rally, UTM Presidential Candidate Dalitso Kabambe launched a scathing attack on former Malawi leader Peter Mutharika, branding him a “chronic failure” whose incompetence spanned multiple government roles before culminating in a disastrous presidency. Kabambe’s remarks drew direct connections between Mutharika’s ministerial failures and the country’s subsequent crises, painting a picture of consistent inadequacy.

Kabambe reminded supporters that during his brother Bingu wa Mutharika’s administration, Peter Mutharika served as Education Minister and presided over a period of significant unrest, including widespread academic freedom protests that paralyzed campuses and revealed his inability to manage critical institutions . His tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister proved even more damaging, as he failed to prevent a catastrophic diplomatic rupture with Britain, resulting in the expulsion of the UK’s High Commissioner and a severe aid cutoff that crippled the nation’s economy .

Kabambe



As Justice Minister, Mutharika’s leadership was again called into question when judicial strikes erupted, undermining the rule of law and exposing his poor rapport with key institutions . Kabambe saved his strongest criticism for Mutharika’s presidential term, accusing him of overseeing “corruption at a high scale,” including the infamous “Tippex Election” scandal where vote-rigging allegations tainted his 2019 electoral victory . He also referenced the ongoing “Cement Gate” case, where Mutharika faces allegations of corruption, though a related application for a trial pause was recently granted .

Kabambe, currently campaigning on an agricultural investment platform, pledged to cleanse the country of what he described as Mutharika’s legacy of failure and impunity . The sharp critique signals a fierce battle ahead as Malawi’s political factions gear up for a contentious election cycle.

Malawi Showcases District Council Progress in Pictorial Drive Towards 2063 Vision

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Malawi Showcases District Council Progress in Pictorial Drive Towards 2063 Vision

By Wadza Botomani

The Ministry of Local Government has launched a new initiative to showcase development progress across the country’s district councils, aligning with the long-term goals of the Malawi 2063 vision. A pictorial presentation is highlighting significant infrastructure advancements in districts including Mzimba, Kasungu, and Dowa, demonstrating concrete improvements in local services and community livelihoods.

The showcased developments include the construction of hospitals and staff housing for healthcare workers to improve medical services, alongside the upgrading of road networks and bridges. Dowa District’s acquisition of a new grader is noted as a key step in enhancing local accessibility and increasing revenue collection. In the education sector, the establishment of Teacher Development Centres and new school blocks is strengthening local learning infrastructure.



Additional projects feature the construction of council offices, police units, and staff housing for law enforcement officers to improve security and service delivery. The Mbelwa Stadium, now reported as 90% complete, is highlighted as a major investment to promote youth activities, talent development, and sports engagement. These collective investments reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable development and ensure that local councils play a critical role in achieving the national Malawi 2063 agenda.

Malawi Eyes Expanded Trade and Regional Integration at Maputo International Fair

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Malawi Eyes Expanded Trade and Regional Integration at Maputo International Fair

By Wadza Botomani

The Honourable Eng. Vitumbiko A.Z. Mumba,Minister of Trade and Industry, has underscored the critical importance of the Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) for strengthening bilateral relations with Mozambique and expanding Malawi’s economic horizons.

His comments came after the official opening of the 60th edition of the fair, presided over by His Excellency President Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique.

Minister Mumba emphasized that Mozambique is a vital gateway for Malawian trade, providing access to broader African and international markets through the Nacala, Beira, and Maputo transport corridors. He stated that Malawi’s participation in FACIM is a strategic move to increase export trade, attract investment, and deepen commercial ties.

Mumba in Mozambique


The Minister pointed to recent bilateral initiatives as key drivers for future growth. The newly launched Dedza–Calómuè One-Go Border Post and the Simplified Trade Regime are expected to significantly boost trade, making it more accessible for businesses of all sizes, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These efforts, combined with active engagement at the fair, are creating new opportunities for Malawian products such as sugar, plastics, poultry, rice, and beverages to reach markets within the SADC region and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Malawi’s delegation to the fair includes major players like ADMARC, Press Trust, Press Cane, and the National Bank of Malawi, alongside over 15 SMEs, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive economic participation. Minister Mumba is scheduled to join his Mozambican counterpart, Honourable Basilio Muhate, for a high-level panel discussion to further explore how the new border post and trade regime can unlock opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs from both nations.

“In short, our shared goal here is clear,” Mumba said. “That is, to promote trade between Malawi and Mozambique, create new opportunities, strengthen our businesses, and drive shared prosperity for our people.”

President Chakwera Champions National Development, Highlights Key Infrastructure and Economic Gains

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President Chakwera Champions National Development, Highlights Key Infrastructure and Economic Gains

By Wadza Botomani

Subheading: Increased Constituency Funds, Major Roadworks, and Economic Programs Cited as Evidence of Widespread Progress

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating development across Malawi, asserting that government initiatives are now making a tangible impact in numerous communities.

During his address, the President outlined several key areas of progress. He confirmed that Constituency Development Funds (CDF) will be increased and emphasized his government’s focus on constructing modern, durable road infrastructure to connect the country.

Chakwera


A significant highlight was the ongoing railway project, which President Chakwera stated is critical for reducing the costs of importing goods and, consequently, for lowering prices for Malawian consumers.

On economic empowerment, the President reported substantial achievements. He revealed that the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has disbursed more than K300 billion in loans to bolster small businesses. Furthermore, the Mtukula Pakhomo social support program has now directly benefited over 200,000 households across the nation.

The development efforts received praise from Olipa Chimangeni, a parliamentary candidate, who specifically thanked the President for the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), the new Dowa–Tchisi road, and the NEEF loans, which she credited with empowering local youths and women.

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