After months of anticipation, the much-talked-about Malawian film ‘Welcome to Maula Prison’ is finally making its way to YouTube.
Starting July 7, audiences from all over Malawi and beyond will be able to watch the production from the comfort of their homes.
The decision to upload the film comes after public demand. Many Malawians anticipated for the access after missing out on the live screenings held in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu earlier this year.
One of the film’s producers, Desiree Namachotsa, revealed that the online release has been made possible thanks to the generosity of an unnamed philanthropist who covered the upload costs.
“This came from a kind-hearted donor who didn’t want their name disclosed. They just believed in the message of the film and wanted more people to have access to it,” Namachotsa.
Earlier, when asked about the film’s wider release, producer Kendall Kamwendo said: “We just want to finalise some deals with other stakeholders, then we will communicate how people will access it. That moment has now arrived, to the joy of fans and the general public.”
The film was previously showcased in Malawi’s three major cities and recently premiered in Johannesburg, South Africa, where it was met with excitement from the Malawian diaspora. The YouTube release now marks the next phase of the film’s production team to reach every corner of the globe.
“We believe this story is not just ours, It speaks to justice, identity and second chances. It deserves to be heard,” Namachotsa added.
The production team hopes that by making the film free and accessible, it will spark important conversations around incarceration, rehabilitation and humanity.
Welcome to Maula Prison is a bold cinematic project that sheds light on life inside Malawi’s most notorious prison. The film captures real emotions, struggles and social issues, inviting the viewer into a world rarely shown on screen.
