Multichoice Talent Factory for African filmmakers opens applications for 2025 academic year

MultiChoice Talent Factory has opened up applications for its 2025 fully-funded academic year. This was disclosed in a statement seen by Technext. According to the statement, the program is open for talents across several African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, etc.

Multichoice Talent Factory is thrilled to announce that it’s once again calling upon all aspiring filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers, and storytellers to apply for entry into the 2025 fully funded academic year. Whether you’re a young professional looking to change careers and expand your horizons or a newcomer eager to make your mark in the TV & Film industry, MTF welcomes applicants from all backgrounds across the 13 countries in Africa,” the statement said.

The 13 eligible countries also include Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.  

Since its inception in 2018, the Multichoice Talent Factory has welcomed 60 students each year, giving them an opportunity to reach their dreams and unleash their potential by providing a platform that nurtures and develops talent across the continent, providing opportunities for growth, networking and success in the entertainment industry.

The talent factory believes in using a hands-on approach and mentorship from industry experts through a series of rigorous training programs. Participants not only get a chance to sharpen their craft but also gain invaluable insights into the business of filmmaking.

“Imagine being chosen as one of the participants to learn from some of the industry’s best minds and gaining practical experience in areas such as cinematography, sound design, editing, and more. MTF gives you all these opportunities and does not stop there,” the statement reads.

At the end of the programme, the factory says top-performing students from each academy will get further training, mentorship and internship opportunities with its global partners, such as the New York Film Academy (NYFA) and Indian-based platform Zee World. They will also get opportunities to work on productions in South Africa. 

Upon completion, the students will receive accredited and recognised qualifications as well as a chance to produce and direct short films showcased on MultiChoice platforms.

Multichoice Talent Factory is supporting Multichoice’s content growth

MultiChoice Talent Factory says these initiatives are indicative of its commitment to supporting MultiChoice’s content selection of delivering exciting local content, which is rich in culture. It pointed out that Africa has many untold stories and by investing in African talent, MultiChoice gets to uncover and showcase these stories.

It could achieve this by supporting MTF students, giving them the necessary skills and the platform to produce content that resonates with Africans and the global market. Through this support, MTF alumni have achieved phenomenal success in their productions.

“Just last year, five alumni secured nominations across three categories at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). In addition to this, Many MTF alumni occupy significant industry roles across the continent, working as directors, producers, sound designers, camera operators, art directors, scriptwriters and editors on major African productions which include Salem, Tempted, Engaito, Mvamizi, Mum vs Wife, Makofi, County 49 and many others,” the statement reads.

It also pointed out that Habtamu S. Mekonen, an MTF student from the East Africa Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, recently won an International Emmy Award for a short film that he produced and directed. It noted that the success of MTF is best illustrated by the feature films produced by its students. The films highlight the talents and creativity of participants and demonstrate the programme’s profound impact.

MTF also lauds itself for fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, giving young people the confidence to start their own projects and businesses. They said that to date, thirty of its alumni have registered production houses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the economy. The knowledge and skills imparted by MTF empower graduates to be catalysts for economic growth and cultural enrichment in their communities.

Applications are now open and will close on 15 September 2024. Interested candidates can visit this link to submit their entries and learn more about the program’s requirements.

See also: DStv owner, Multichoice arrests suspected piracy kingpin in South Africa