Welcome to Maula Prison is a Malawian drama film that premiered in May 2025, directed by Bester Kauwa. The film tells the story of Jaliwa, played by Amos Msekandiana, who becomes wrongly accused and imprisoned in Maula Prison after being betrayed his friend in a corrupt foreign exchange deal. The film is in two former Malawian major official languages, Chichewa and Chitumbuka, with embedded English subtitles. It also features some scenes of Swahili and English.
Plot The film follows Jaliwa's journey as he goes through the harsh realities of life inside Maula Prison. The prison is depicted as a place of confinement and a symbol of wider societal issues such as injustice and overcrowding, as well as human neglect. With bad living conditions and limited access to medical care, as well as a strict inmate hierarchy, Jaliwa must confront the brutal truths of prison life while fighting to maintain his dignity and hope.
Cast Amos Msekandiana as Jaliwa Wanangwa Gondwe as Sibweni Kendall Kamwendo as (S.O) Mndolera Desire Namachotsa as Mrs Jaliwa Innocent Manyera as Nikalagwa Tumpe Mtaya as Phwedo Sophie Mponda as Angellina Jaliwa
Release The film premiered in Malawian major cities such as Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu, on 2–4 May 2025. The movie broke box office records as the first locally produced film to sell out venues in the country.
Reception The film received widespread acclaim and sparked discussions on social media, with audiences and critics praising its bold portrayal of Malawian realities.
Accolades + Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Maso Awards 13 December 2025 Best Actor Amos Msekandiana Best Feature Film Welcome to Maula Prison Malawi Film Awards & Gala19 December 2025 Best Feature Film Welcome to Maula Prison Best Film Production Company 4Kaya Films Best Upcoming Actress Mzati Muheziwa Best Upcoming Actor Blessings Mwambo Best Supporting Actor Blessings Mwambo Best Supporting Actress Sophie Mponda Best Actress Michelle Chirwa Best Actor Amos Msekandiana Best Actor Wanangwa Gondwe Best Film Costume Designer Desire Namachotsa Best Cinematographer Georjiz Nyale Best Actor (Special Award) Eugene Madede
References