Femme StaffThe MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Eastern Africa Academy has today celebrated the graduation of its 2024 cohort, comprising 20 talented young filmmakers from across the East African region.
This year’s students completed a 12-month programme of workshops, lectures, practical film productions and masterclasses, where they gained skills in everything from screenwriting and editing to sound design, producing, and directing.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Academy Director Victoria Goro highlighted the transformative journey of the students saying:
“We are proud of every single one of our graduates as they follow in the footsteps of more than 100 MTF East Africa alumni. Every year, we see them emerge with a fresh sense of direction in their lives, with useful skills, ready to help build our industry. We are therefore excited to see them become torchbearers of African filmmaking excellence.”
Glauco Ferreira, MultiChoice Northern Regional Director, reaffirmed MultiChoice’s dedication to Africa’s creative industries, noting:
“MTF is a precious asset to Africa’s TV and broadcast industry. For the sector to grow, it needs a healthy pipeline of fresh, creative talent constantly entering the job market with relevant skills. The fact that MTF alumni often join established broadcast companies straight after graduation, or go on to form their own production companies, is proof that MTF is fulfilling its purpose effectively. We wish the graduates the best as they embark on their film careers.”
Timothy Owase, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Film Commission, who spoke on behalf of Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports emphasized the vital role of creative industries in youth empowerment and economic growth:
“Africa is home to an extraordinary wealth of talent, and the creative industries are a key driver of growth on the continent. From film and music to digital media and visual arts, our creative economy is poised to become one of the most dynamic and influential sectors in the global marketplace.”
He added: “Through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, we can help build a stronger, more sustainable creative economy that not only drives job creation but also fosters a sense of pride in our unique African identity.”
The top four performers of this year’s cohort were also celebrated for their outstanding achievements. First place went to Cyril Ondieki, who won a 6-week internship at New York Film Academy, Sihnemariam Abebe, who took second place, received a 2-week internship with Zee World, while Everbright Nkya and Agola Simon in third place earned a 2-week internship with MultiChoice in South Africa.
Launched in 2018 by MultiChoice as an industry-development training program across Africa, the MTF Academy has already nurtured nearly 300 young professionals, equipping them with crucial industry skills to ensure high production quality, global competitiveness, and outstanding content tailored for African viewers.
The MTF course is created in collaboration with international partners, the New York Film Academy and Indian satellite TV channel Zee World. These partners provide training, course content and internship opportunities that allow MTF students to continue their career growth.
MTF alumni continue to excel in the film industry with remarkable achievements. Doreen Kilimbe’s film Midnight Bride, commissioned by M-Net, has won multiple prestigious awards, including Best East African Film at the Uganda Film Festival, the Audience Award at Zambia’s Sotambe Film Festival, Best International Award at the Kalasha Film and TV Awards, and Best Actress at the Zanzibar International Film Festival. Kefa Igilo also received significant recognition with Love Transfusion nominated for Best International Film at the 10th AMVCA, and his work Forever Maybe commissioned as a Showmax reality series. Additionally, Nduruka Njoroge’s film Two Let won the Best Regional Award at the 2024 Kalasha Film and TV Awards. Meanwhile, Isiko Abubaker demonstrated his expertise in sound design, winning the Best Sound Design award at this year’s Uganda Film Festival, a title he had previously claimed in 2022 and 2023.
