Malawian film The Gunless Soldier will in March premiere at the Across Borders International Film Festival in Hannover, Germany, for its third international screening. Since its local premiere in March last year, the film has also been screened at the Cannes Film Market in France and the Africa USA International Film Festival, The movie’s director and producer Joyce Chavula, in an interview said the films selection to showcase at the festival is a major validation of the work that went into its production. “As a team, we are highly honoured and elated to be part of this prestigious festival as this will be an opportunity to screen the film to the German audience,” she said.
Chavula said the opportunity to screen the film in Germany followed its recognition in Africa when it won an award. She said: “We were contacted by one of the organisers to submit the film after it won an award in Kenya.” “The film’s journey has been a successful one, breaking new ground for future Malawian films on various platforms. It has been well received across the globe and that gives me great joy as a filmmaker and producer.” Chavula also said the Germany screening carries deep emotional significance, as an honours the late Ashukile Mwakisulu, one of the film’s lead actors who passed away on November 3 2025.
“The late Mwakisulu wanted us to push boundaries with this film. He was always looking for platforms where we could showcase it. I am sure he would have been so proud of this development.
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This is a beautiful way of honouring him and exiting the festival run before releasing the film to the public,” she said. Following the Germany premiere, Chavula said the plan is to release through YouTube and make it available for public accessible. The film tells the gripping story of Onani, a young girl driven by the desire for revenge after her mother’s tragic death.
In her pursuit of justice, she faces even more loss but ultimately rises as a heroine. Through its narrative, the film explores societal issues, including mob justice, corruption, abuse of power offering a commentary on law, accountability and resilience.
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