Five alumni of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a training and talent-development program for the entertainment business, received nominations in three categories this year, making their presence felt.
At AMVCA 9, Mvamizi, produced by MTF alums Wilson Nkya and Philipo Ngonyani, and Frida, produced by Nkya and Jane Moshi, received nominations in the categories of Best Movie East Africa and Best Indigenous Language: Swahili.
Emmanuel Mwape was nominated for Best Movie Southern Africa for Silver Lining, and fellow alumni Orire Nwani and Love Language received nominations for Best Short Film/Online Video and Best Movie Southern Africa, respectively, at the AMVCAs.
The nominations demonstrate the MTF Academies’ achievement in training the subsequent generation of African storytellers and expanding the influence of entertainment talent on the continent.
In its fourth year, MTF has helped more than 120 aspiring TV & film production professionals in 13 African nations develop their abilities. The effort has thus produced an MTF Alumni Network of talented graduates who are now in prominent positions throughout the sector.
This network includes screenwriters, editors, producers, sound designers, camera operators, art directors, and directors of photography who work together to share African stories with the world.
Nwabisa Matyumza, the MTF Director for Africa, recognized the successes of the MTF graduates at the AMVCAs and praised the program for the ripple effects it is having on business and national economies.
“Well done to all our MTF nominees at the AMVCAs,” she says. “Their success proves how our alumni are part of a continent-wide move to inspire narratives; multiplying the power of African storytelling and keeping viewers and communities informed, entertained and connected.”
Wilson Nkya, Philipo Ngonyani, and Jane Moshi have all received heartfelt congratulations for their nominations from MTF East Africa Academy Director Victoria Goro.
“Those two productions – Frida and Mvamizi are both powerful pieces of work,” she says. “It makes us really proud to know that they are the work of MTF Alumni. We wish them well for the next stage of the competition.”
The MTF Academy’s influence on the awards and the industry highlights the program’s power throughout Africa by supplying qualified experts to production companies and TV stations in their different home nations. Graduates of the school have also produced award-winning feature films and documentary television programs.
“We’re proud to see our people making waves at the AMVCAs,” says MTF Academy West Africa Director Atinuke Babatunde. “It’s more proof of how their work contributes to the creative space and also helps to grow the economy of their countries.”
An exciting future for television and film production on the continent is guaranteed with MTF alumni already firmly established across the African broadcasting sector.
The MultiChoice Talent Factory teams have also received congratulations from Nwabisa for their contributions to the accomplishments of MTF program alumni.
“Our Academy Directors are the heartbeat of our academies, and ensure that the quality of our graduates is of a high standard.” She says. “We are extremely proud of the achievements of all our MTF nominees, and how far they have come because of everyone’s hard work in the MTF programme over the years. MTF is making a powerful impact, shaping the future of our industry, and having a multiplier effect across the economies of many African countries. We are proud to see the unique stories they are telling.”
