Sylvia Duruson
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has announced the opening of applications for its 2025 fully-funded academic year. The program seeks aspiring filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers, and storytellers from 13 African countries. These include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Since its launch in 2018, MTF has welcomed 60 students annually. The program provides a platform for nurturing and developing talent across the continent. It offers opportunities for growth, networking, and success in the entertainment industry.
MTF employs a hands-on approach and mentorship from industry experts. Participants engage in rigorous training programs to sharpen their craft. They gain insights into various aspects of filmmaking, including cinematography, sound design, and editing.
Top-performing students from each academy receive additional benefits. These include further training, mentorship, and internship opportunities with global partners. The New York Film Academy (NYFA) and Indian-based platform Zee World are among these partners. Students also get chances to work on productions in South Africa.
Upon completion, graduates receive accredited and recognized qualifications. They also have the opportunity to produce and direct short films. These films are showcased on MultiChoice platforms, providing exposure to a wide audience.
MTF’s initiatives support MultiChoice’s goal of delivering exciting local content rich in culture. The program aims to uncover and showcase Africa’s many untold stories. By investing in African talent, MultiChoice taps into a wealth of cultural narratives.
The success of MTF alumni is evident in their achievements. Last year, five alumni secured nominations across three categories at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Many graduates now occupy significant industry roles across the continent. They work as directors, producers, sound designers, camera operators, art directors, scriptwriters, and editors on major African productions.
Habtamu S. Mekonen, an MTF student from the East Africa Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, recently won an International Emmy Award. He produced and directed a short film that garnered international recognition.
The program also fosters entrepreneurship among its graduates. To date, thirty alumni have registered production houses. This initiative creates employment opportunities and contributes to economic growth in their communities.
MTF’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. The feature films produced by its students highlight the program’s profound influence on the African film industry. These productions demonstrate the talents and creativity of participants while showcasing the diversity of African storytelling.
The application period for the 2025 academic year is now open. Interested candidates have until September 15, 2024, to submit their entries. Full details about the program’s requirements and the application process are available on the MultiChoice Talent Factory website.
As MTF continues to shape the future of African filmmaking, it remains committed to nurturing talent and promoting cultural expression through the medium of film and television. The program stands as a testament to MultiChoice’s investment in the continent’s creative industries and its dedication to showcasing African stories on a global stage.
