MultiChoice Africa announced 60 hopefuls who have been chosen to be the first students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy.
In a press release issued by MultiChoice Namibia’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Levana Cloete, the candidates were chosen after a two-month 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 and regional Academy Directors.
The 20 future filmmakers chosen from Southern Africa were selected based on their industry-related qualifications and skills, as well as their passion to narrate Africa’s unique stories.
The MultiChoice Talent Factory is a multi-tiered training programme designed by MultiChoice Africa to focus on positively impacting the technical and professional value chain in the film and television industry across the continent.
The MTF Academy students will be provided with skillsets to develop their talent, connect with industry professionals and tell authentic African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.
Broadcasting specialist Berry Lwando has worked in Zambia’s TV, film and radio industry for decades. He is also the Academy Director for MultiChoice Talent Factory and will spearhead the Southern Africa MTF Academy hub in Zambia.
“This year-long programme will adequately train and upskill young African creatives by providing them with invaluable hands-on industry experience that will give them confidence to take on Hollywood. I hope it will show them that it’s possible to create a lucrative career in Africa’s film and television industry,” he said.
During the programme, MTF Academy students will produce television and film content that will be aired on local M-net channels across the MultiChoice platform.
The students who will represent Namibia at the Zambia-based MTF Academy from 01 October are; Esther Tasha Utjiwa Beukes, Ashivudhi Toivo Nghidipohamba and Sally Ndapandula Jason.