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20 Emerging Filmmakers from Southern Africa to Begin 12-Month Training Programme On 1 October

STUDENTS ANNOUNCED FOR MULTICHOICE TALENT FACTORY ACADEMY!

Published: 04.09.2018


STUDENTS ANNOUNCED FOR MULTICHOICE TALENT FACTORY ACADEMY!
Meet the future of Africa’s Film & Television Industry! MultiChoice Africa is delighted to reveal the 60 hopefuls who have been chosen to be the first students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy! The candidates were chosen after a two-months long process of shortlisting candidates from over 3 000 entries from 13 countries in Africa, this was followed by a rigorous interview and adjudication process by a group of film and television industry experts and regional Academy Directors.

The 20 future filmmakers chosen from Southern Africa were selected based on their industry related qualifications and skills, as well as their passion to narrate Africa’s unique stories. Congratulations to Esther Tasha Utjiwa Beukes, Ashivudhi Toivo Nghidipohamba and Sally Ndapandula Jason
from Namibia who will represent their respective countries at the Zambia-based MTF Academy from 1 October. MultiChoice Africa will sponsor the students’ tuition, accommodation and stipend for the duration of their training in each regional hub.

The MTF Academy students will be provided with skillsets to develop their talent, connect with industry professionals and tell authentic African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.

“This year-long programme will adequately train and upskill young African creatives by providing them with invaluable hands-on industry experience that will give them the confidence to take on Hollywood. I hope it will show them that it’s possible to create a lucrative career in Africa’s film and television industry,” says broadcasting stalwart Berry Lwando, who will spearhead the Southern Africa MTF Academy hub in Zambia.

During the programme, MTF Academy students will produce television and film content that will be aired on our local M-Net channels across the MultiChoice platform including Africa Magic, Maisha Magic East, Maisha Magic Bongo, Zambezi Magic, M-Net and SuperSport to reach African audiences on the DStv and GOtv platforms. Upon graduation from the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy, the MTF student will leave with the knowledge and skills to contribute professionally to Africa’s film and television industry.


As a company that is deeply rooted in Namibia, we understand that many young, aspiring filmmakers have the capacity to learn and strengthen their skillset to give back to their communities, but may not be financially equipped to do so. The MultiChoice Talent Factory focuses on making sure that those gems are nurtured and their talent developed in order to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s creative industry,” said Roger Gertze, General Manager for MultiChoice Namibia.

Join the MTF social media conversation on the hashtag #multichoicetalentfactory:
  • - Instagram: @multichoicetalentfactory;
  • - Twitter: @MCTalentFactory
  • - Facebook: @multichoiceafricatalentfactory
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For interviews and media request, please contact:
Levana Cloete
Corporate Affairs Manager
levana.cloete@na.multichoice.com
+264 81 332 2013
061 270 5250


About the MTF
The African continent is steeped in a rich and diverse history of living passionately through language, art, music and colourful storytelling. As the continent continues to change rapidly, the entertainment industry has become ever more relevant. MultiChoice Africa has identified an opportunity in this fast-changing environment – one that will have a lasting impact on the industry as a whole. The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) is multi-tiered training programme designed by MultiChoice Africa to focus on positively impacting the technical and professional value chain in the film and television industry across the continent. As a business born and bred in Africa we have a long-term commitment to making a socio-economic difference in the countries in which we operate. As such, this initiative, will help to play a positive role in growing Africa’s creative industries into vibrant, economic powerhouses. This training programme which will be rolled out in partnership with stakeholders across the continent, will provide the creative industries a platform to learn and develop their talent, engage and connect with each other through their shared passions. Working hand-in-hand with local creative organisations, regulatory and government partners across the continent, we use our people, facilities and network to provide young emerging filmmakers with a tailored 12-month apprenticeship, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications to help launch a successful career within the creative industry. Through the MTF, MultiChoice Africa’s legacy will emphasise our commitment to enriching lives by developing the art of inspired local storytelling and story making, while simultaneously growing local content on our DStv and GOtv platforms and ultimately continue showcasing Africa’s rich cultural heritage and diversity. More information available on www.multichoiceafrica.com.
ENDS.