MultiChoice Talent Factory, MTF, Eastern Africa Academy has graduated 19 aspiring filmmakers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa’s creative economy and build a new generation of storytellers.
The graduation ceremony, held as part of MTF’s broader vision to invest in talent development across the continent, marked the end of an intensive nine-month training programme that equipped the students with practical and industry-focused skills in film and television production.
The graduates underwent world-class training designed to prepare them for the realities of the screen industry, from storytelling and directing to production, editing and other critical aspects of filmmaking. The academy has positioned itself as one of the key platforms through which young creatives in Eastern Africa can access structured training, mentorship and exposure to the wider entertainment sector.
Speaking during the ceremony, Academy Director Victoria Goro described the graduation as the start of a much bigger journey for the young filmmakers.
“Today’s graduation marks not just an achievement, but a beginning of an exciting journey. Each of you carries the responsibility of shaping Africa’s creative future, through the stories you tell, the businesses you build, and the collaborations you nurture,” she said.
Her remarks underscored the growing importance of storytelling in shaping identity, culture and economic opportunity across the continent.
At a time when African stories are gaining stronger global appeal, initiatives such as the MultiChoice Talent Factory have become increasingly important in ensuring local filmmakers have the technical skills, networks and confidence to tell authentic stories from an African perspective.
The graduation also reflects the continued expansion of Africa’s film and television ecosystem, which is creating fresh demand for trained writers, directors, producers, cinematographers and editors.
With streaming platforms, local broadcasters and international studios showing stronger interest in African content, the industry is opening up new possibilities for young creatives looking to build sustainable careers.
For the 19 graduates, the academy experience represents more than classroom learning. It offers a pathway into an industry that often requires both creative excellence and professional resilience.
Beyond technical training, the students are also expected to enter the sector with a stronger appreciation of collaboration, entrepreneurship and the discipline required to turn creative passion into viable work.
MultiChoice has continued to use the MTF platform as a strategic investment in the future of African storytelling. By training emerging filmmakers from different countries within the region, the programme also encourages cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange, both of which are critical in building a stronger and more connected creative industry in Eastern Africa.
As the new graduates step into the next phase of their careers, attention will now turn to how they translate their training into films, businesses and partnerships that can leave a lasting mark on the industry.
For MultiChoice, the ceremony was both a celebration of achievement and a reaffirmation of its long-term commitment to developing African talent.
In a region rich with untold stories, the graduation of these 19 filmmakers signals fresh hope for the future of African cinema and for the creative voices ready to define it.