The MultiChoice Talent Factory Eastern Africa Academy has celebrated the graduation of its 2024 cohort, comprising 20 young filmmakers from across East Africa.
Over the past year, students completed a 12-month program featuring workshops, lectures, practical film productions, and masterclasses, gaining skills in screenwriting, editing, sound design, producing, and directing.
Academy Director Victoria Goro commended the graduates for their transformation, emphasizing their role as torchbearers of African filmmaking excellence. Glauco Ferreira, MultiChoice Northern Regional Director, highlighted MultiChoice Talent Factory success in nurturing talent for Africa’s creative industries, with many alumni joining established companies or founding their own production houses.
Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, underscored the creative sector’s potential to empower youth and drive economic growth, calling MultiChoice Talent Factory a key initiative in building Africa’s creative economy.
The top graduates were honored for their achievements:
Cyril Ondieki: First place, awarded a 6-week internship at New York Film Academy.
Sihnemariam Abebe: Second place, a 2-week internship with Zee World.
Everbright Nkya and Agola Simon: Third place, a 2-week internship with MultiChoice in South Africa.
Since its launch in 2018, MultiChoice Talent Factory has trained nearly 300 professionals. Equipping them with industry-relevant skills through collaborations with the New York Film Academy and Zee World.
MultiChoice Talent Factory alumni continue to excel:
Doreen Kilimbe’s Midnight Bride: Won multiple awards, including Best East African Film at the Uganda Film Festival.
Kefa Igilo’s Love Transfusion: Nominated for Best International Film at AMVCA.
Nduruka Njoroge’s Two Let: Won Best Regional Award at the 2024 Kalasha Film and TV Awards.
Isiko Abubaker: Secured the Best Sound Design award at the Uganda Film Festival for three consecutive years.
The academy remains a vital platform for developing Africa’s filmmaking talent and elevating its creative industries globally.
