‘16 Barz: King of Bawo’ to screen in the USA

Malawian local film production 16 Barz: King of Bawois among movies to screen at the inaugural Iowa African Film Festival 2026 in the United States of America in August. The film will show during the festival’s in-person programme at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa on August 6 and 7. It will also be made available to global audiences through official digital streaming platforms.

The film was chosen out of more than 500 submissions from filmmakers across the continent and its selection marks a significant international milestone adding to its already notable international appeal. A press statement reads in part: “As Iowa’s first dedicated African film festival, the inaugural edition celebrates outstanding African storytelling and brings together diverse voices from across the continent and its diaspora.” In an interview. movie producer Gilbert Moyo said the recognition signifies the greatness of the film, including its story, talent and cultura expression.

“This selection means we are taking steps to tell our stories to the world and declare that Malawi has something to say. We have unique stories and I am glad people are paying attention. We are also learning from the rejections because art demands constant improvement,” he said.

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Moyo highlighted the possible opportunities the experience will bring, including collaborations and marketing the film to international distributors. “Many filmmakers use festivals to expose themselves to international markets. This is why we celebrate such achievements because they expose our stories to the global audience,” he said.

The film tells a story of a young girl who uses music as a cure for the abuse she faced while young. However, a powerful music executive wants to take the music away from her as he demands to sleep with her. She fights a powerful system but as she does that, she is reminded of her violent past experience.

Some of the actors featuring in the film include Desiree Namachotsa, Dalitso Chimombo, Tiwonge Banda, there are also cameo appearances by VJ Ice and musician Joe Kellz. This is the fourth time for16 Barz; King of Bawoto receive international recognition after it was selected for the Ikon Awards Film and Television in Uganda, Follow Your Heart New York Film Festival in the US, among others. The film will premiere on August 21 at the Bingu International Convention Centre Amphitheatre in Lilongwe

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