MTF Alumni make waves in Kenya TV and Film Industry

Dynamic programme graduates launch their own company and enter TV and film production space.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) is having a major impact on the African film industry, training and developing the industry's next generation of filmmakers. These filmmakers are now established professionals, running their own production companies, and making ground-breaking films that compete on the international stage.

MTF, a shared-value initiative by MultiChoice, is driving job creation and boosting local economies across Africa. The programme hones the skills of young filmmakers, empowering them to contribute to the TV and film industry and make a positive impact on their communities.

Four years since its launch, most MTF graduates are already economically active in key industry roles and productions across Africa. Some are directors, producers, sound designers, camera operators, art directors, scriptwriters, and editors on major African productions. Each year, various groups of alumni form partnerships to establish their own production companies, collaborating with industry veterans and proving the potential of African talent.

These production companies are creating even more opportunities for other young film and TV industry professionals and enabling more emerging storytellers to help share African culture and stories with the world.

Audrey Egesa and Bruno Tanya are two MTF alumni from the East Africa Academy "Class of 2022", who decided to work together using the skills and techniques acquired from the MTF programme. After graduation, these two trailblazers founded Jenga Visuals Limited (JVL), a TV and film production company based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The talented young filmmakers are part of a new generation of African creatives raising the bar in the industry. JVL has already been commissioned to produce Visasi, a feature film for Maisha Magic Movies channel, and Egesa is also currently a production manager on a Kenyan TV series.

Their production company is creating impact in the film sector. It currently employs 30-40 cast and crew per production, creating opportunities for other industry professionals and contributing to the Kenyan economy. In less than a year, Egesa and Tanya have produced one film for Maisha Magic Movies and also partnered with MTF alumni production companies on other projects. With fellow MTF alumni Blaak Ink Productions, they are set to produce two projects for M-Net channels in East Africa.

JVL is also looking to expand into the TV commercial space in collaboration with another production house, making TV ads for local property companies.

"My creativity has given me the opportunity to make a difference in my family's life," says Egesa. "It has also helped transform my community, and proved to me that I can impact those around me."

The success of emerging young industry entrepreneurs like Egesa and Tanya demonstrates that Africa is a continent full of potential; a place where creativity and innovation are being unleashed, producing great content on African platforms and meeting local industry needs.

"Having my own production company allows me to empower and employ more creatives into the industry," says Egesa. "This in turn helps to grow our networks and our industry connections."

MTF East Africa Academy Director Victoria Goro says what distinguishes the work of the emerging generation of MTF graduates is that it is professional, powerful and relevant.

"These young trailblazers are producing content with high production values on African platforms that meet the specific needs of local audiences," she says. "They are using their skills to create great African content for African audiences."

"MTF exists to educate and equip the next generation of African storytellers and improve the quality of productions across Africa," Goro continues. "Our alumni are making great strides and have produced groundbreaking productions, which makes them key players in the growth and sustainability of Africa's film and television industry."