Kenyans grab majority slots at MultiChoice Talent Academy

MultiChoice Africa has revealed the 60 hopefuls, among them 11 Kenyans, chosen to be first students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy! The candidates, deemed  the future of Africa’s film & television industry, were chosen after a two-month 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 from East Africa were selected based on their industry related qualifications and skills, as well as their passion to narrate Africa’s unique stories. Eleven Kenyans who made it to the shorlist include: Adala Makhulo, Michelle Angawa, Tecla Joan, Shilla Gathoni, Mary Wanjiku, Samuel Makau, Hillary Lanogwa, Karanja Ngendo, Antony Njoroge, Millan Lwanga and Hillary Sabuni.

The others are four Tanzanians Sarah Kimario, Wilson Nkya, Jamal Kishuli and Jane Moshi, while a similar number of Ugandans was selected, who include Cissy Nalumansi, Hilda Awori, Aaron Tamale, Casey Lugada from Uganda (4). There was only one finalists from Ethiopia, Fisehatsion Nibret.

These budding filmmakers will represent their respective countries at the Kenya-based MTF Academy from 1st 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 skill-sets 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.

RELATED: LOVE BIRDS WIN MAISHA MAGIC WEDDING PACKAGE

“We’re exceptionally impressed with the calibre of young Africans chosen to be part of the inaugural MultiChoice Talent Factory,” says award-winning script writer Njoki Muhoho, who will spearhead the East Africa MTF Academy hub in Kenya. “Their applications illustrated their passion for the continent – they talk about making African stories go viral and getting international audiences addicted to high-quality and engaging local content.”

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

SEE ALSO: KENYAN STARTUPS ENTER GOOGLE’S ELITE ENTREPRENEURSHIP LEAGUE

“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,” says Mr Eric Odipo, Managing Director MultiChoice Kenya. “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.”