The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Eastern Africa Academy celebrated the graduation of its 2024 class, which included 20 talented young filmmakers from across the East African region, during a colourful ceremony held at Local Production Studios in Nairobi, Kenya, on 5 November.
This year’s students completed a 12-month programme that encompassed workshops, lectures, practical film productions, and masterclasses. During this time, they acquired skills in areas such as screenwriting, editing, sound design, producing, and directing.
“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,” said academy director Victoria Goro.
“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,” said MultiChoice Northern regional director Glauco Ferreira.
“Africa is home to an incredible pool 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 set to become one of the most dynamic and influential sectors in the global marketplace,” stated CEO of the Kenya Film Commission Timothy Owase, on behalf of Kenya’s cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon Kipchumba Murkomen.
“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 pride in our unique African identity,” he added.
The top four performers from this year’s cohort were recognised for their outstanding achievements. First place went to Cyril Ondieki, who received a six-week internship at the New York Film Academy. Sihnemariam Abebe, in second place, earned a two-week internship with Zee World, while Everbright Nkya and Agola Simon, who placed third, secured a two-week internship with MultiChoice in South Africa.
Launched in 2018 by MultiChoice as an industry development training programme across Africa, the MTF Academy has nurtured nearly 300 young professionals, equipping them with essential industry skills to ensure high production quality, global competitiveness and exceptional content tailored for African viewers.
The MTF course is developed in collaboration with international partners, including the New York Film Academy and the Indian satellite TV channel Zee World. These partners offer training, course content, and internship opportunities that facilitate the ongoing career development of MTF students.
MTF alumni have continued to excel in the film industry, achieving remarkable accomplishments. Doreen Kilimbe’s film Midnight Bride, commissioned by M-Net, has garnered 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 has also received significant recognition, with Love Transfusion nominated for Best International Film at the 10th AMVCA, and his project 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 showcased his expertise in sound design, winning the Best Sound Design award at this year’s Uganda Film Festival, a title he previously secured in 2022 and 2023.
