MTF Academy celebrates next generation of African storytellers as class of 2022 graduates
Now in its third cohort, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has proven that the African entertainment industry is ripe with gripping stories that are waiting to be told.
This was made clear at the MTF Academy’s annual graduation event – where 57 students across three academies in West, East, and Southern Africa demonstrated the caliber of talent that exists in Africa.
Lucia Kim Hamunghete, Jose Carlos Amutenya, and Jerome Claasen represented Namibia as the new MTF Class of 2022 and through their hard work and dedication, they have developed skills that will help them achieve their filmmaking goals.
In addition to the students receiving qualifications accredited by the Academy’s three partner universities – University of Zambia, Kenyatta University in Kenya, and Pan Atlantic University in Nigeria – top graduates from each of the three academies were presented with the incredible opportunity to further their development with internships sponsored by MTF partner organisations.
“MultiChoice has been committed to upskilling the lives of Namibians through the MultiChoice Talent Factory and has seen six Namibians advance their careers in the creative industry,” said MultiChoice Namibia Managing Director, Roger Gertze.
“We would like to extend our heartful congratulations to the MTF Class of 2022 graduates for their dedication towards the year-long course and we are excited for them to use their newfound knowledge to empower and educate Namibians through the power of storytelling.”
The top graduates who were awarded an eight-week scholarship at the New York Film Academy are Melkamu Haile from Ethiopia, Lushinjilo Victor Kasanga from Zambia, and Adedamola Akapo from Nigeria. The top graduates awarded a two-week Bollywood internship, co-sponsored by Zee World are Emmanuel Horla Nuvor from Ghana, Audrey Egesa from Kenya, and Yvonne Feresu from Zimbabwe. Additionally, top graduates Oluwatoyosi Fowode from Nigeria, Kenneth Msanjila from Tanzania, and Larona Dichaba have been awarded a two-week internship at a South African studio.
“MultiChoice congratulates the Class of 2022 on their achievements and looks forward to working alongside these talented graduates to bring uniquely African stories to homes and cinemas across the continent,” said MultiChoice Northern Africa Regional Director, Kobus Bezuidenhout.
The MTF Academy provides a 12-month accredited programme in filmmaking. As part of their curriculum, the students participated in various courses under the tutelage of seasoned industry professionals.
The graduates will soon enter the working world with deeper and more strategic insight into the film and TV business and take on the exciting challenge of re-shaping and re-telling African stories.
