The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Eastern Africa Academy celebrated the graduation of its 2024 cohort, comprising 20 talented young filmmakers from across the East African region.
This year’s cohort completed a 12-month program, gaining skills in screenwriting, editing, sound design, producing, and directing.
Academy Director Victoria Goro highlighted the transformative journey of the students, emphasizing their potential to become torchbearers of African filmmaking excellence.
Glauco Ferreira, MultiChoice Northern Regional Director, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Africa’s creative industries, emphasizing the need for a pipeline of skilled talent.
He noted that MTF alumni often join established broadcast companies or form their own production companies, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.
Timothy Owase, representing the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, emphasized the vital role of creative industries in youth empowerment and economic growth.
He highlighted Africa’s potential to become a global leader in the creative economy.
The top four performers of the 2024 cohort were recognized for their outstanding achievements:
- First Place: Cyril Ondieki (6-week internship at New York Film Academy)
- Second Place: Sihnemariam Abebe (2-week internship with Zee World)
- Third Place: Everbright Nkya and Agola Simon (2-week internship with MultiChoice South Africa)
Launched in 2018, the MTF Academy has nurtured nearly 300 young professionals, equipping them with industry skills to ensure high production quality and global competitiveness.
The program collaborates with international partners, the New York Film Academy and Zee World, to provide training, course content, and internship opportunities.
MTF alumni have achieved significant success in the film industry. Doreen Kilimbe’s film “Midnight Bride” has won multiple awards, and Kefa Igilo’s work “Love Transfusion” was nominated for Best International Film at the 10th AMVCA.
Nduruka Njoroge’s “Two Let” won Best Regional Award at the 2024 Kalasha Film and TV Awards, and Isiko Abubaker won Best Sound Design at the Uganda Film Festival.
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