Filmmaker joins COSOMA levy fight

The debate over COSOMA’s Blank Media Levy distribution is far from over, as a renowned filmmaker joins growing calls for transparency and accountability.

Multi-award-winning cinematographer, video director and editor at KAYA Films, Georjiz Nyale, has added his voice to the calls, demanding greater openness in how the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) distributes the fundsfunds.

Nyale said he stands in solidarity with musicians, authors and other creatives demanding greater openness in the levy distribution process. He stressed that the issue is not about how much an individual receives, but about ensuring every creator understands how the distribution system works and has confidence that it is fair, objective and based on verifiable data.

The filmmaker said he was surprised by the amount allocated to his productions, Welcome to Maula Prison and School Days, despite the films reaching millions of viewers and making a significant contribution to Malawi’s film industry.

He said the allocations have raised genuine questions about how audiovisual works are assessed and how final royalty figures are determined.

Nyale has called on COSOMA to publish a clear and understandable distribution methodology, explain how films, music, books and other creative works are evaluated, allow creators to verify the data used in calculating their royalties, and provide an independent mechanism through which creators can question or appeal their allocations.

“Our call is simple: publish a clear and understandable distribution methodology; explain how films, music, books and other creative works are evaluated; allow creators to verify the data used in calculating their royalties; and provide an independent avenue for creators to question or appeal their allocations where necessary,” Nyale wrote.

He said the call is not an attack on COSOMA or any individual beneficiary, but rather a push for accountability, openness and continuous improvement of a system designed to serve Malawi’s creative industry.

Nyale added that greater transparency would strengthen trust in the Blank Media Levy distribution process and help ensure fairness for all rights holders.

By Joseph Mphiya