Orange Projects Et Al (DOPE Malawi), organisers of the award-winning Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival, have announced the return of Set it Off-Women-Led Free Festival 2025, under the theme “Women Are Professionals, Not Muses.”
The third edition of the festival is expected to take place this Saturday at Luanar Natural Resources College (NRC) Campus in Lilongwe.
According to a statement which we have seen, the one-day free festival which is done in commemoration of African Women’s Month, celebrates women’s leadership, creativity, and innovation across Malawi and Africa.
“Taking place just 10 days before Malawi’s national elections, the festival will spark neutral, forward-looking conversations on women’s roles in national and community leadership, culture, arts and the economy,” reads the statement in part
The festival highlights will include Film Screenings & Discussions-Featuring Mrs. Robinson (Ireland) and Strike a Blow and Die (Malawi), followed by panels on women in leadership. -Workshops & Masterclasses – Covering entrepreneurship, fashion, film, media, and storytelling, led by accomplished women. -Exhibitions & Networking – Female-led organisations showcasing innovation, resources, and opportunities, -Live Performances – A celebratory afternoon of music, poetry, and spoken word from female-led acts.
“Set It Off is more than a festival-it’s a movement to showcase women’s talent based on merit, not tokenism,” said Tionge Angella Banda, the Production Coordinator at DOPE Malawi.
She added; “Women are not objects! They are professionals who are claiming their rightful place in the creative industry. Our goal is to inspire young people to reimagine leadership. amplify women’s voices, safeguard women’s rights, and drive lasting change, while celebrating our talents.”
Inspired by Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival, the free festival builds on DOPE Malawi’s longstanding commitment to championing arts, culture, and sustainable development, while connecting Malawi to the global audiences and creating platforms for women and youth leadership.
The programme will open with two powerful EU Film Festival screenings: Strike a Blow and Die by award-winning Malawian filmmaker Shemu Joyah, a story about John Chilembwe, followed by Mrs. Robinson, a portrait of Ireland’s first female president by acclaimed Irish filmmaker Aoife Kelleher.
Both films set the stage for engaging discussions and thought-provoking debates.
The afternoon will ignite with performances celebrating women in music and the arts, featuring an electrifying line-up including the Big Five Band.
Tiya Joan, Britt Cee, DJ Bubblegum, Sife MW, Dee Satha, and many more remarkable female talents.
Established in 2003, organised by Dusty Orange Projects Et AI (DOPE Malawi), the Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival has been a trailblazer in promoting Malawi’s vibrant cultural scene on the global stage.
Recognized for its impact on the arts, tourism, and economy, the festival has garnered numerous awards and continues to inspire artists and festival enthusiasts worldwide.
