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Interview with budding film maker, Musyani Sichalwe |
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Written by Chilu and Carol Lemba
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 Who is Musyani?
I was born on 7th March 1975. I am single. I love listening to African music. Favourite song at the moment is Balekuzembeleka by JK. I first attended Northmead and Lotus primary schools. Then I went to Libala Boys for grades 8 and 9, and later moved to the Southern Province where I completed my secondary education. I then worked at ZAMCOM (Zambia Institute of Mass Communication Education Trust) as a Studio assistant for nearly 7years till I came here to Ghana for my degree in Film and Television production, which is a 4-year BFA course.
Why Ghana?
I had initially applied to the Newtown Film School in South Africa. I was accepted, but as luck would have it, the film school here in Ghana had scholarships. I bid for one, got it and ended up here.
Films are always being created in West Africa. I remember watching a full-length feature titled "Love Brewed in African Pot" which won an international award in the 80's. What do you think is the key factor for West Africa's success - Ghana for instance?
Well, I would have to say that Ghana's first President is the key. After independence in 1957, he took control of the Gold Coast Film company. He formed the GFIC (Ghana Film Industry Cooperation) and used it to reverse what the colonialists had done to the African people by using film to influence and dehumanise them. He was an artist and understood the power of media as a tool of ideological advancement and national development.
Would I be correct in assuming that Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa are the leading film making nations?
Not really. Ghana and Nigeria were the first independent countries to take advantage of the film industry in the early 60's. Then Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, most francophone countries in north Africa, Uganda and Tanzania in the east, and of course Zimbabwe and South Africa in the south. As for leading industry on the continent, I would say its split between the North African countries and South Africa.
Would you say that the way to align African renaissance with film/TV is through documentaries, or full length entertaining edutainment features/series?
The only way for Africa to begin re-writing her own history and deal with acculturation would be full-length entertaining and edutainment features, although documentaries actually supplement the features.
In your opinion, should the role of African stations and public broadcasters lean towards showcasing more African movies?
I'd say yes and no. The African films we need to be shown on stations such as TV Africa, M-Net etc, are those that deal with pressing issues such as acculturation, alienation, the generation gap, inequality, traditional healing vs. modern medicine, religion, lust, love, jealousy, personal beliefs and convictions. On the other hand one has to be careful on what to term an African film. Some films under the banner of African films still continue showing characters that dehumanise the African culture in the most subtle of ways. Also every institution has its own set ideology in place. They have a message and they broadcast it as they see fit. Filmmakers are not always honest in the kind of ideology or message that they want to give the masses. The role of any character or filmmaker should be to help with social mobilization, national development and mirroring the society.
Hollywood still propagates an unfair representation of an Africa that comprises movers and shakers. Are there any productions that highlight the Africa you know in a good way?
No. Hollywood for centuries cast the black man and his environment as just a backdrop for his heroic adventures and they have used this to validate their actions of dominance and colonialism.
Stuff like "Tarzan" or "Out of Africa"?
You are right. Tarzan is one of many. Their message is subliminal and debatable but its still the same thing. I have watched 'Out of Africa'. Its not something to write home about, but it is a good example of the exotic Africa that the whites are told about.
Are you involved in any productions at the moment?
Right now I am still working on my 30minute degree production. I cannot work on outside productions - school policy.
Your father (Mann Sichalwe) was a popular journalist and media pioneer. Did he somehow influence your decision to enter this arena?
My dad, well, he was my hero. What can I say? I am what I am today because of him. I watched him make the dream of ZAMCOM come to light and I am hoping to see my dream of Zambia having a meaningful film industry in place.
Musyani was interviewd by Chilu and Carol Lemba
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