4Kaya Films
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| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production |
| Genre | Drama, Social issues |
| Founded | 2022 |
| Founder | Kendall Kamwendo |
| Headquarters | Lilongwe, Malawi |
Area served | Malawi; international screenings |
| Key people | Kendall Kamwendo; Désirée Namachotsa |
| Products | Feature films |
| Services | Film production, distribution, premiere events |
4Kaya Films (sometimes styled 4Kaya Film Inc. or 4Kaya Filmz) is a Malawian film production company based in Lilongwe.[1] It is known for producing feature films such as Welcome to Maula Prison, and School Days[2] that explore social issues and depict stories rooted in Malawian life.[3][4]
History
[edit]4Kaya Films gained attention with its 2023 production School Days,[5] which was released and later reached over one million views[3] on YouTube shortly after its publication.[2]
In 2025, they produced Welcome to Maula Prison, a drama film that premiered in May in Malawi. The film was directed by Bester Kauwa, written by Lawlence Nyale and Kendall Kamwendo, and produced by Kamwendo and Nyale. It features actors including Amos Msekandiana and Kamwendo, and includes Tumpe Mtaya (Phwedo).[5]
Productions
[edit]| Year | Title | Notes / Reception |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | School Days | First film to reach one million YouTube views; tackled bullying in schools. |
| 2025 | Welcome to Maula Prison | Premiered May 2025 in multiple Malawian cities; also premiered in South Africa; strong audience turnout; deals with themes of justice and humanity. |
Premieres and distribution
[edit]The film Welcome to Maula Prison premiered on 3 May 2025 in Blantyre at the Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel. It also premiered in Lilongwe on 3 May 2025 at the Bingu International Convention Centre, and later to Mzuzu. Later it premiered in Johannesburg, South Africa on 7 June 2025.[5][6]
Partnerships and funding
[edit]4Kaya Films has entered into partnerships to help with screenings and festival exposure. It partnered with UMP Festival (Cape Maclear International Film Festival) to show Welcome to Maula Prison at the 2025 UMP Festival. It also received support from Shepherd Bushiri.[7]
The Welcome to Maula Prison production was funded in part by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority through its Universal Service Fund.
Controversies
[edit]In April 2025, there was a public issue when one of the cast members, Tumpe Mtaya (known as “Phwedo”), was arrested. 4Kaya Films issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to legal processes and confirmed that the premiere would proceed as scheduled.[1]
Impact and reception
[edit]Audience reception for Welcome to Maula Prison was strong as tickets were sold out in advance for several premiere events. The company is viewed as part of the growing Malawian film industry, expanding both domestic visibility and for international exhibition.[4][8]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 Naitha, Edgar (2025-04-23). "4Kaya Films Speaks On Arrest Of Phwedo". Retrieved 2025-10-11.
- 1 2 Mtukula, Madalitso (2024-06-15). "Film Industry Off to a Good Start in Malawi Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
- 1 2 Reporter, Malawi24 (2024-01-23). "School Days hits one million views on YouTube Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - 1 2 Mwamlima, Wantwa (2025-05-22). "Welcome to Maula Prison goes to South Africa". Nation Online. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
- 1 2 3 Reporter, Our (2024-01-04). "School Days gain traction in Malawi". Nation Online. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
- ↑ Mwamlima, Wantwa (2025-05-22). "Welcome to Maula Prison goes to South Africa". Nation Online. Retrieved 2025-10-11.
- ↑ NyasaAuthor1 (2025-07-07). "Prophet Bushiri: The Silent Force Behind Malawi's Rising Film Industry as he donates K50million to Welcome to Maula Film - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". Retrieved 2025-10-11.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Georgiz of 4Kaya Films puts Malawian justice system in the spotlight with Welcome to Maula". pamtondoonline.com. Retrieved 2025-10-11.