Update: Organisers of the Sand Music Festival have announced that preparations are 90 percent complete ahead of the event's return this weekend at Kingfisher Inn in Mangochi. According to Nyasa Times, the festival is making a comeback after a two-year hiatus following the death of its founder, Lucius Banda. Impakt Events Management confirmed that Zambian Afro-dance artist Yo Maps will headline the event alongside local acts such as Zeze Kingston and Piksy. Nation Online reports that six minibuses have been arranged to transport patrons from Blantyre and Lilongwe to mitigate the effects of ongoing fuel shortages.
In film news, the third edition of the Nyasa Film Festival concluded over the weekend at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe. According to JustMalawi Blog, the Malawian film "16 Barz: King of Bawo" and the Kenyan entry "Prayer for the Departed" received strong praise, with "16 Barz" securing a top award. Meanwhile, Nation Online reports that a new Malawian movie titled "State of the Nation Address" (Sona) is scheduled to premiere across three cities in November.
In other arts news, the rehabilitation of the Blantyre Cultural Centre has stalled once again, leaving the former French Cultural Centre shuttered 15 years after it was vandalised in 2011. According to JustMalawi Blog, construction works have stopped following a request by contractor Opco Limited for price adjustments due to the rising cost of materials. Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture spokesperson Macmillan Mwale confirmed that the request is currently under review by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority.