MultiChoice Talent Factory celebrates Eastern Africa’s class of 2024
The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Eastern Africa Academy has celebrated the graduation of its 2024 cohort, comprising 20 young filmmakers from across East Africa.The graduates completed an intensive 12-month program designed to equip them with a broad range of filmmaking skills, including screenwriting, editing, sound design, producing, and directing. The training incorporated workshops, lectures, masterclasses, and practical film productions.
Academy Director Victoria Goro lauded the graduates for their hard work and determination during the ceremony. “We are proud of every single one of our graduates. They emerge not just with useful skills but with a sense of purpose, ready to contribute to our growing industry. We are excited to see them become torchbearers of African filmmaking excellence.”
Glauco Ferreira, MultiChoice Northern Regional Director, emphasized the academy’s role in developing Africa’s creative industries:
“MTF is a crucial asset to Africa’s TV and broadcast sector. The fact that many MTF alumni secure employment in top companies or start their own production ventures speaks volumes about the program’s impact. We wish the Class of 2024 the best as they embark on their careers.”
Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, representing Cabinet Secretary Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, underscored the creative industry’s role in youth empowerment and economic growth:
“Africa is brimming with talent, and our creative economy is poised to become a global force. Initiatives like MTF are instrumental in building a sustainable creative industry, fostering job creation, and celebrating African identity.”
The graduation ceremony also honored the top performers of the 2024 cohort.
Cyril Ondieki won first place, earning a six-week internship at the prestigious New York Film Academy.
Sihnemariam Abebe came in second, securing a two-week internship with Zee World.
Everbright Nkya and Agola Simon, tied for third place, earned two-week internships with MultiChoice in South Africa.
Since its launch in 2018, MTF has trained nearly 300 young professionals, empowering them with industry-relevant skills to enhance African content production. The program partners with global institutions such as the New York Film Academy and Zee World, providing students with world-class training and internship opportunities.
MTF alumni continue to make waves in the film industry. Notable achievements include:
Doreen Kilimbe’s Midnight Bride, which won multiple awards, including Best East African Film at the Uganda Film Festival.
Kefa Igilo’s Love Transfusion, nominated for Best International Film at the AMVCAs, and his reality series Forever Maybe, commissioned by Showmax.
Nduruka Njoroge’s Two Let, which won the Best Regional Award at the Kalasha Film and TV Awards.
Isiko Abubaker, a three-time winner of the Best Sound Design award at the Uganda Film Festival.
