In its efforts to define the future of Africa’s film and TV industry, MultiChoice Africa has revealed the 20 hopefuls who have been chosen to be the first students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy. The candidates were chosen after a two-months long process of shortlisting talent from over 3,000 entries from 13 countries in Africa, followed by a rigorous interview and adjudication process by a group of film and television industry experts and regional Academy Directors.
The 20 future filmmakers from East Africa were selected based on their industry related qualifications and skills, as well as their passion to narrate Africa’s unique stories. They are:
- Adala Makhulo, Michelle Angawa, Tecla Joan, Shilla Gathoni, Mary Wanjiku, Samuel Makau, Hillary Lanogwa, Karanja Ngendo, Antony Njoroge, Millan Lwanga, Hillary Sabuni from Kenya (11);
- Sarah Kimario, Wilson Nkya, Jamal Kishuli, Jane Moshi from Tanzania (4);
- Cissy Nalumansi, Hilda Awori, Aaron Tamale, Casey Lugada from Uganda (4).
- Fisehatsion Nibret from Ethiopia (1);
The shortlisted hopefuls will represent their respective countries at the Kenya-based MTF Academy from October 1, 2018. MultiChoice Africa will sponsor the students’ tuition, accommodation and stipend for the duration of their training in each regional hub.
(TOP: Fisehatsion Nibret, the only applicant from Ethiopia shortlisted for MultiChoice Talent Factory where Kenyans took majority of slots).
The MTF Academy students will be provided with skillsets to develop their talent, connect with industry professionals and tell authentic African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.
“We’re exceptionally impressed with the calibre of young Africans chosen to be part of the inaugural MultiChoice Talent Factory. Their applications illustrated their passion for the continent – they talk about making African stories go viral and getting international audiences addicted to high-quality and engaging local content,” says award-winning script writer Njoki Muhoho, who will spearhead the East Africa MTF Academy hub in Kenya.
During the programme, MTF Academy students will produce television and film content that will be aired on our local M-Net channels across the MultiChoice platform including Africa Magic, Maisha Magic East, Maisha Magic Bongo, Zambezi Magic, M-Net and SuperSport to reach African audiences on the DStv and GOtv platforms. Upon graduation from the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy, the MTF student will leave with the knowledge and skills to contribute professionally to Africa’s film and television industry.
“As a company that is deeply rooted in Kenya, we understand that many young, aspiring filmmakers have the capacity to learn and strengthen their skillset to give back to their communities but may not be financially equipped to do so. The MultiChoice Talent Factory focuses on making sure that those gems are nurtured and their talent developed in order to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s creative industry,” said Eric Odipo, the MultiChoice Kenya MD.
The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) is multi-tiered training programme designed by MultiChoice Africa to focus on positively impacting the technical and professional value chain in the film and television industry across the continent. As such, the initiative will help to play a positive role in growing Africa’s creative industries into vibrant, economic powerhouses.
The training programme, which will be rolled out in partnership with stakeholders across the continent, will provide the creative industries a platform to learn and develop their talent, engage and connect with each other through their shared passions. Working hand-in-hand with local creative organisations, regulatory and government partners across the continent, the MTF will use people, facilities and network to provide young emerging filmmakers with a tailored 12-month apprenticeship, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications to help launch a successful career within the creative industry.
Be the first to comment