MultiChoice has welcomed the latest cohort of 20 young filmmakers to its MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) West Africa Academy in Lagos, with the class of 2024 starting its fully funded, year-long course of training in film and television.
The students consisting of a diverse group of male and females from Nigeria and Ghana, were chosen after a rigorous six-week selection process of interviews and adjudication by film and television experts, as well as regional academy directors, the company said.
“The MTF West Africa Academy is one of three on the continent, where students spend 12 months in workshops, lectures and masterclasses, gaining skills in screenwriting, editing, various elements of production, directing and the business of film, amongst others. “These are done through rich theoretical trainings and immersive experience working on TV and film productions, all geared to broadening their skillsets and empowering them to work in various creative disciplines – not only the film industry,” the company added.
Speaking at the welcome session held for the 2024 cohort, Chief Executive of West Africa, MultiChoice, John Ugbe, encouraged the new intakes to take a firm hold of the opportunities open to them. “Start this journey with an open mind ready to unlearn old ways and learn the value that the structure of the MTF provides. The MTF Academy presents you with priceless opportunities for access and resources with which you can grow and expand the horizons of your careers,” he said.
Also speaking at the session, MTF West Africa Academy Director, Atinuke Babatunde said: “Every year, a new set of MTF graduates are released into the West African film and television industry, and they inject fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm into the local creative sector.”
She stated that last year, the students achieved great success, with some already entering negotiations with Africa Magic to show their films on the channel.
We are proud to be shaping Africa’s creative industries and excitedly look forward to working with this year’s cohort,” she added.
Since its establishment in 2018, the MTF Academies across Africa have produced over 200 qualified young filmmakers, who are now taking African stories to the world, the company stated.
