To provide information and sensitise communities about MLW’s research in health and address misconceptions surrounding health research, the Communications and Public Engagement Department organised community film shows between 28 November and 2 December 2022 in four communities within Chikwawa district.

The film shows in Chikwawa brought together about 2000 individuals from the targeted communities. At the end of each film show, the organising team asked engaged community members for clarifications and insight into the research that MLW is conducting.

Community Engagement Officer at MLW Yamikani Dickson said the film shows are a powerful tool to share knowledge in rural areas.

“In Malawi, many people enjoy watching videos in showrooms because this is part of the entertainment, especially in high-density areas and in most rural communities of Chikwawa district. Considering all age groups, film shows signify a powerful channel of sharing knowledge and information,” Dickson commented.

Thokozani Mwale from Masenjere in Chikwawa district said the film shows have helped most of the community members to be knowledgeable about health research, to decide to take part in research and to share MLW research information with their friends.

“These shows give us knowledge and an opportunity to heavily engage and interact with MLW representatives. I also think films are a good way to refresh our memory on what health research is about because what the eyes have seen the mind cannot forget,” said Mwale.

According to MLW’s Community Engagement and Exhibition Officer Kestern Mkoola, the film shows are a visual communication tool that started in 2016 and has proven to be effective in addressing misconceptions about health research work and sharing information about MLW.

The film shows are sometimes general or study-specific. Programme-wide film shows are done quarterly.