By Our Reporter
The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) East Africa Academy has celebrated the graduation of 19 aspiring filmmakers drawn from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking the completion of an intensive nine-month training programme aimed at nurturing Africa’s next generation of storytellers.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the culmination of a rigorous curriculum covering key areas of filmmaking, including directing, producing, cinematography, scriptwriting, and editing. In addition to classroom instruction, the graduates received mentorship from industry professionals and gained hands-on experience producing content that reflects authentic African narratives.
Speaking during the ceremony, Academy Director Victoria Goro praised the graduates for their dedication and emphasized their role in shaping the future of Africa’s creative industry.
She noted that the milestone marks the beginning of a new journey, urging the graduates to use their skills to tell impactful stories, build sustainable creative enterprises, and contribute to the growth of Africa’s storytelling ecosystem.
The graduation comes at a time when East Africa’s film and television industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for local content and the expansion of digital streaming platforms. In Kenya, the creative sector contributes between 5 percent and 5.6 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, highlighting its growing importance in economic development and job creation.
Vincent Opiyo, Trustee of the MultiChoice Trust Foundation and Regional Finance Director at MultiChoice Group, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting creative talent across the continent. He noted that investment in local creators, expanded distribution channels, and cross-border collaborations remain central to sustaining industry growth.
The event was attended by Fikirini Jacobs, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, who underscored the role of creative industries in empowering young people and driving economic transformation. He described the MultiChoice Talent Factory as a programme aligned with national priorities, demonstrating how creative excellence can translate into real economic opportunities.
The Academy continues to collaborate with Kenyatta University as its regional academic partner, ensuring students benefit from a blend of academic training and industry-relevant skills.
Vice-Chancellor John Okumu commended the partnership, noting its importance in nurturing talent and strengthening the creative arts sector.
Since its establishment in 2018, the MTF East Africa Academy has played a key role in developing creative talent across the region. Alumni have gone on to establish production companies and contribute to major film and television projects across Africa, earning recognition at prestigious industry awards.
Notably, 2023 alumnus Maurice Muendo received recognition at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for his directorial debut Bobo, which premiered at the Joburg Film Festival. Meanwhile, 2024 alumni Brian Kabogozza and Sihnemariam Abebe earned nominations at the upcoming Kalasha Awards for their feature Dinner for Three.
During the ceremony, several students were honoured with Special Recognition Awards. Fredrick Mayiga of Uganda and Lynn Obel of Kenya received the Academy Director’s Award, while Nahom Bahru of Ethiopia was recognised for Technical Excellence. Jamleck Lewis of Kenya earned the Rising Star Award in Production Management, and Kelvin Dennis of Tanzania was named Overall Best Student.
The awards highlighted the creativity, resilience, and dedication demonstrated by the Class of 2025/2026, as the graduates prepare to enter the industry and contribute to the evolving landscape of African storytelling.
