MTF Academy celebrates the next generation of African storytellers as the Class of 2022 graduated

MTF Academy celebrates the next generation of African storytellers as the Class of 2022 graduated

By DERRICK SINJELA/Rainbow 🌈 Newspaper Zambia Limited (RNZL) established Monday, 25th June, 2022

THE graduation event was a celebration of the hard work and dedication of the 19 graduating students – as well as the success of MultiChoice’s Talent Factory concept.

Now in its 3rd cohort, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy 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 19 students from Southern Africa demonstrated the calibre of talent that exists in Africa. Through their hard work and dedication, they have developed skills that will help them achieve their filmmaking goals.

In addition to the student receiving qualifications accredited by the Academy’s partner university – University of Zambia – top graduates from the academy were presented with the incredible opportunity to further their development with internships sponsored by MTF partner organisations.

MTF Academy celebrates the next generation of African storytellers as the Class of 2022 graduated

The top graduate who was awarded an eight-week scholarship at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) is Lushinjilo Victor Kasanga from Zambia.

Alongside the graduates’ family members, government officials, high commissioners, MTF partner organisations and stakeholders also attended the illustrious graduation ceremony in support.

The graduates also received congratulatory messages from various MTF Academy facilitators across Africa, as well as notable film and TV professionals including; Nigerian actors Mofe Duncan and veteran actors Onyebuchi Ojieh and Ayo Lijadu, Nigerian actress Chisom Agoawuike, Zambian producer Yoweli Chungu and Zambian actress Chichi Daisy, among others.

MTF Academy celebrates the next generation of African storytellers as the Class of 2022 graduated

The MTF initiative has enjoyed continued success thanks to its strong partnerships with renowned organisations such as NYFA, Dolby Studios, Canon, Zee World, Pan-Atlantic University in Nigeria, Kenyatta University in Kenya, and the University of Zambia.

“By investing in and supporting local talent, MultiChoice and its MTF partners are helping to build a strong foundation for the future of Africa’s creative industries. We’re deeply proud of what the Class of 2022 has achieved and are looking forward to what they will do next,” added Zambia Academy Director Christopher Puta, read a Friday, 7th October 2022 Press Release.

MTF Academy celebrates the next generation of African storytellers as the Class of 2022 graduated

Speaking when he officiated at the graduation ceremony, Douglas Syakalima, Minister of Education said: “This event today signifies what I know will be a continued and successful partnership between MultiChoice and the Ministry of Education aimed at empowering our youths through education for a better Zambia and Africa as a whole.”

“It is the earnest desire of the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, and the Ministry of Education, to see more and more youths attaining skills that propel them to next level in their lives and their careers, and initiatives such as the MultiChoice Talent Factory which help to actualize this, deserve to be commended,” he added.

Speaking at the same occasion, University of Zambia, UNZA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Annie Sikwibele said: “The university is happy that after three years, we shall increase creative graduates from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. my senate is proud of the achievements made by this group who have impressed all by successfully completing two feature films; the quiet intruder and strings as a mandatory requirement before receiving their certificate.”

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 from all over the continent. The final requirement of their curriculum was to create and develop feature films, which will be launching on DStv local channels.

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.