The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Eastern Africa Academy has marked the graduation of its 2024 cohort, comprising 20 promising young filmmakers from across East Africa.
The graduates completed an intensive 12-month program that included workshops, lectures, hands-on film production, and masterclasses.
The curriculum covered essential industry skills 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.
MultiChoice Northern Regional Director, Glauco Ferreira emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s creative industries.
“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.”
The top four performers of this year’s cohort were honored for their exceptional achievements. Cyril Ondieki, the top graduate, won a six-week internship at the New York Film Academy.
Sihnemariam Abebe, who placed second, received a two-week internship with Zee World.
Third place was shared by Everbright Nkya and Agola Simon, who each earned a two-week internship with MultiChoice in South Africa.
Launched in 2018 by MultiChoice as a training program to develop talent across Africa, the MTF Academy has already trained nearly 300 young professionals.
The program equips students with vital industry skills, fostering high production standards, global competitiveness, and exceptional content tailored for African audiences.
The MTF course is delivered in collaboration with international partners, including the New York Film Academy and Zee World.
These partnerships enhance the program by providing training, course materials, and internship opportunities to further the career prospects of MTF graduates.
MTF Alumni Shine with Award-Winning Films and Industry Achievements
Graduates of the MTF continue to make waves in the film industry, earning widespread acclaim for their exceptional work.
Doreen Kilimbe’s film Midnight Bride, commissioned by M-Net, has garnered multiple prestigious accolades, 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 also achieved notable recognition with Love Transfusion, nominated for Best International Film at the 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). His talent further shone through with Forever Maybe, commissioned as a Showmax reality series.
Nduruka Njoroge’s film Two Let claimed the Best Regional Award at the 2024 Kalasha Film and TV Awards.
Meanwhile, Isiko Abubaker showcased his exceptional skills in sound design, winning the Best Sound Design award at this year’s Uganda Film Festival—a title he had also secured in 2022 and 2023.
The Academy has strengthened its fruitful collaboration with Kenyatta University in Nairobi, which serves as its regional education partner.
“Kenyatta University and MultiChoice Talent Factory together provide students with the combined advantages of academic excellence and industry relevance,” said Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Waceke Wanjohi. “While Kenyatta University excels in knowledge transfer, MTF brings invaluable industry insights. This partnership has proven to be highly effective.”
