The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) is a 12-month filmmaking training programme offered in 14 countries across the African continent. It includes an internship, masterclasses for industry professionals and a pan-African digital networking portal for creatives. The internship includes the production of films for broadcast on general entertainment channels and on Showmax.
The four MTF academies are based in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and SA. The MTF collaborates with global industry institutions and broadcasters to enhance its programme further.
Partnerships with organisations such as the New York Film Academy and NPO Lights, Camera and Diaspora! provide students with valuable opportunities for training, mentorship and job-sharing.
Additionally, the MTF partners with broadcasters such as ZEE World, offering students access to film training, internships and opportunities to produce content for channels such as Zee Zonke. Over the past nine years, 467 filmmakers have been trained by the MTF.
The MTF strengthens industry development through initiatives such as the Funding for the Creative Industry Masterclass, which has trained more than 300 filmmakers in securing project funding.
Global collaborations, including with the US Consulate in Lagos, provide students with Hollywood-led masterclasses and internships, while alumni gain international recognition at festivals such as Cannes, Marché du Film, and the Deental ACP-Forum.
2024 highlights from MTF academies across Africa
East Africa
In East Africa, graduates secured story-development grants, gained acclaim at international film festivals and showcased their commitment to environmental consciousness by presenting at the Youth and Climate Action meeting.
Meanwhile, Rita Saxon and Ivan Tusabe from the MTF class of 2022 secured $10 000 in story development grants from the DW Akademie Film Development Fund, highlighting their international recognition.
The MTF East Academy also showcased its work at the Africa Climate Summit, underscoring the importance of youth involvement in climate action. Its presentation featured a public service announcement titled Be the Change: Fight Climate Change. Finally, alumni from East Africa received recognition at various award ceremonies, underscoring the quality and impact of their work on both local and international stages.
West Africa
Azeezah Sama, produced by a student from the class of 2023, was selected for prestigious film festivals such as the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival 2023 and Silicon Valley Film Festival 2023. A movie from the class of 2023 was also honoured at the Lift-Off Filmmaker Festival 2023.
‘Tejiri’, produced by the class of 2021 in Ghana, earned praise and secured a spot in the African Cinema Section of the International Festival of Author Film in Morocco.
Africa Magic acquired the short film ‘Take Back The Night’ by MTF student Elvis Damptey. Africa Magic commissioned productions from three MTF alumni companies, generating employment opportunities and amplifying the programme’s impact in the region.
Southern Africa
N&M Productions – a successful scriptwriting and film administration company, was founded by two MTF alumni in Botswana. Their debut feature film, ‘The Painting’, premiered and broadcast on Zambezi Magic, while their collaboration with Angolan filmmaker Levis Albano resulted in ‘Muti Mbi Ma Pessoa’, which screened internationally.
The MTF’s support also extends to institutions such as the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, reinforcing its dedication to nurturing local talent and fostering industry growth.
SA
MTF SA (MTFza) interns contributed to more than 30 professional productions in the past year, including hit shows such as ‘Idols’, ‘Adulting’, ‘My Brother’s Keeper’, ‘Champions’ and ‘Gen Zee’.
They gained invaluable insights from top industry experts through masterclasses and live theatre experiences, while also assisting in various MultiChoice events, such as the Springbok announcements and victory celebrations.
Resounding success
The impact of the MTF’s work is evident in the numerous films produced by its alumni’s high-profile campaigns. They have crafted numerous movies, short films and public service announcements, such as the UN’s #PledgetoPause initiative, spotlighting the diverse African talent. Alumni have garnered recognition at prestigious film festivals worldwide, showcasing the success of the MTF’s training programme.
These include Mbali Zulu, who is now recognised as a top SA film and television writer; Thembalethu Mfebe, who was the senior director on the groundbreaking ‘Adulting’ series and is currently senior director on the youth drama series ‘Gen Zee’; Isiko Abubaker (Uganda, 2020), who won Best Sound Design at the New Vision Film Awards; and Doreen Kilimbe (Tanzania, 2022), who won Best East African Film at the Uganda Film Festival.
Graduates have also secured prestigious grants from the DW Akademie, Merck Group Dalberg Media and Durban FilmMart Institute’s Talent Durban. The alumni community in SA boasts almost 130 active professionals, with numerous members earning prestigious awards such as SAFTA accolades and recognition from the National Film and Video Foundation. Their collective efforts have resulted in the production of 119 Mzanzi Magic Movies over eight years.
MTFza Extended Cut
Extended Cut is an extension of the MTF academy programme and was designed to assist MTF alumni who want to produce content for MultiChoice’s general entertainment channels, including Mzansi Magic.
In 2023, MTFza Extended Cut continued its commitment to nurturing emerging filmmakers in SA. This dedication was evident as the programme produced 10 high-value stories, evaluated 30 proposals and selected four promising projects for production. These efforts underscored the growth and potential of participants within the MTFza alumni network.
The Extended Cut programme is designed to foster innovation and creativity within the film industry by giving fresh voices the chance to bring their unique perspectives to a wider audience. By offering a structured yet flexible platform, MultiChoice helps bridge the gap between nascent talent and mainstream success.
For many emerging filmmakers and writers, breaking into the industry can be an uphill battle, often hindered by limited resources and opportunities. MultiChoice’s initiative directly addresses these challenges by providing essential support and visibility. The programme not only helps in refining their craft through workshops and mentorship but also ensures their projects reach a broad audience
through its extensive network.
Support includes access to free-to-use production facilities and equipment to increase profitability; business support services to boost sustainability; mentorship support from experienced professionals to enable skills transfer; and production accounting services to ensure compliance.
With the debut of these films on Mzansi Magic in April 2024, MTFza Extended Cut remains a cornerstone in fostering creativity, developing talent and enriching the SA film industry landscape. Since its 2023 launch, four films were commissioned (‘Hha! Agnes’, ‘Aunties’, ‘Lekompo’, ‘Mashaya’), with three already airing on Mzansi Magic/Wethu. ‘Lekompo’ hit the number one spot on Catch-Up for a week. New projects include ‘Lekompo 2’, ‘Running Keletso’ and ‘New Year, New Shift’, with interest in additional Showmax films.
Meanwhile, alumni collaborations continue to strengthen industry partnerships and business growth.
As the MTF continues to empower the next generation of African story-tellers, its impact is evident in the industry’s growing talent pool, award-winning alumni and strengthened industry networks. For this reason, the MTF remains at the forefront of Africa’s creative transformation.
