Kenyan Wins Fully-Paid Trip To South Africa After Graduating From Film Academy

Ivy Wangui from Kenya was rewarded with a fully paid trip to South Africa after graduating from the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy East Africa on Thursday, December 7.

The Class of 2023 graduated at Hermosa Gardens in Karen, Nairobi, sending another crop of talented young and vibrant film and TV industry professionals to the industry.

Wangui joined the likes of Henock Teshome of Ethiopia who received the prize package consisting of the trip to South Africa while Juif Joseph of Tanzania bagged an all-expenses paid trip to the New York Film Academy in the United States (US).

Samuel Mafayo from Uganda was rewarded with a trip to Zeeworld while Nalunga Hannah was handed the Cinematography Award.

CS Ababu Namwamba and Kenya Film Commission (KFC) CEO Dr Timothy Owase pose with Juif Joseph of Tanzania during the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy East Africa graduation on December 7, 2023. /PHOTO

This year’s cohort comprised 20 students from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia – all talented, passionate creatives, ready to embark on the next phase of their careers making African content for African audiences.

Outstanding graduates will have the opportunity to further enhance their skills through internships with leading MTF partner organizations and grow their skills through internships at industry-leading MTF partner organizations.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, while celebrating the 20 exceptional talents, themed ‘Rising Stars’, cited the accomplishment as no small feat stating, “After the rigorous training that has imparted technical skill as well as artistic instincts, you are now well equipped to support the local film industry.”

Encouraging the youngsters to primarily consider Kenya as a prime filming destination in their quest to create magic, he highlighted, “You have the powers to create content that transcends boundaries, embrace diversity & make new trails."

“Through unwavering passion, I encourage you to boldly challenge social norms and inspire change while embracing the spirit of Africanacity. With a population of 1.4 billion, that’s already a prime market in wait," he noted.

The MTF Academy is an industry-development training programme launched by MultiChoice across Africa in 2018 to develop the continent’s next generation of storytellers.

Over the past 12 months, MTF graduates immersed themselves in a comprehensive program encompassing screenwriting, editing, producing, and directing.

Practical skills were honed through a blend of training, study, and hands-on experience in TV and film productions. As a culmination of their curriculum, students developed feature films set to broadcast in the coming weeks on MultiChoice local channels and Showmax.

“We are dedicated to keeping East Africa’s storytelling tradition alive, in a way that is relevant to modern audiences. We do that by choosing the most talented aspiring filmmakers and empowering them with the latest cutting-edge skills.

"We are proud of this year’s graduates, and we know they will take the East African film industry to greater heights,” noted Victoria Goro, Academy Directory, MTF East Africa.

Launched in 2018 by MultiChoice as an industry-development training program across Africa, the MTF Academy has already nurtured approximately 300 young professionals, equipping them with crucial industry skills to ensure high production quality, global competitiveness, and outstanding content tailored for African viewers.

“The impact of MTF East Africa Academy graduates on the regional film and TV industry is evident. We are already seeing films by MTF alumni from East Africa being recognized through awards across the continent. Engaito won Best MTF Film at the recent eighth AMVCA awards, Egna secured the Best International Award at the Kalasha International Film Festival in Nairobi, and Wavamizi received the Chairman’s Award at the Zanzibar International Film Festival,” added Goro.

“We are seeing production companies started by MTF East Africa alumni producing local films under Maisha Magic East channel, Showmax and Honey Channel. This is a great indicator of the success and growth of the industry. Our alumni are contributing to the continent-wide move towards inspired storytelling, keeping viewers and communities informed, entertained, and connected."

On his part, Nzola Miranda, Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya noted: “MTF East Africa plays a pivotal role in growing the next cohort of African storytellers by providing a talent pipeline for local productions. As we recognize this year’s cohort, we are passionate about producing motivated young individuals with the required skill set needed to create high-quality African content for African audiences."

Graduates pose with Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba during the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy East Africa graduation on December 7, 2023. /MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS, CREATIVE ECONOMY & SPORTS