MultiChoice's unique approach to investing in future storytellers

The South African film industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with filmmakers and actors producing high-quality content that has garnered significant international recognition. Despite this recognition and growth, however, the industry still struggles with a lack of funding and investment being one of the key reasons.

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, creative industries, which include film and television, generate over $2 trillion in revenue globally and employs more than 29 million people. Therefore, by investing in South Africa's film industry can help create jobs for actors, directors, producers, and other industry professionals. This, in turn, will boost economic growth, as the industry contributes to the development of ancillary businesses such as hospitality, tourism, and marketing.

Multichoice, a leading African entertainment company recognizes the power of investing in storytelling that shapes our understanding of the world and our place in it. As a company that is deeply invested in the continent and its people, Multichoice is committed to supporting the next generation of African storytellers. Through its various initiatives, Multichoice is working to develop and nurture the talent of young African filmmakers and provide them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

One of the key initiatives that Multichoice has established to support future storytellers is the Multichoice Talent Factory (MTF). The MTF is a training program that provides young, aspiring filmmakers with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed in the entertainment industry.

"The MultiChoice Talent Factory is our commitment to the future of our industry and gives young Africans the chance to hone their television and film production skills through a world-class training programme. We are committed to nurturing a new generation of storytellers who will contribute to the development of Africa's creative industries into vibrant economic hubs," says Collen Dlamini, group executive of corporate affairs at MultiChoice.

Through 12 months of intensive training, learning, and growing, the programs graduates experience the passion for film and movie making and devotion for excellence that has become synonymous with the MTFza Academy.

‘'The experience and exposure that I have received as an intern of this program is incomparable. In my head, I assumed it would take me years of work experience for me to get to work with such high-quality equipment, but this has not been the case. From the onset MultiChoice has always believed in our capabilities and made us feel like seasoned professionals instead of  interns. This approach is unique'', says Joy Philisi, a member of the current MTFza cohort.

During their year at the academy, the interns have been receiving specialist classes hosted by industry professionals and spent most of their time interning on current local productions. On the various sets, the interns connected with top television and film producers and crew, as well as the best actors in the business, and forged relationships that will stand them in very good stead in their future careers.

"We were recently exposed to the shooting of the new series, Adulting. The experience was unforgettable. Personally, I never thought we would be working this closely with industry professionals on what is a highly anticipated proudly South African series. We also currently working on a short film called Areyeng Jozi under the tutelage of industry legend Bob Heanly another milestone in our careers", says Siya Mseleku, a member of the current MTFza cohort.

Since 2014, the MTFza Academy has been instrumental in helping transform the South African film and TV industry by upskilling students and empowering them with substantial knowledge and experience. To date, 86 students have been trained through MTFza.

The MTF Academy also provides participants with networking opportunities, allowing them to connect with industry professionals and build relationships that can lead to future opportunities. The program has already produced several success stories, with graduates going on to work on major productions and win awards for their work.

One of the most notable graduates of the MTF program is Nigerian filmmaker Tochukwu Okafor. Okafor was a participant in the MTF Academy West Africa in 2018 and has since gone on to make a name for himself in the Nigerian film industry. In 2020, he won the Best Short Film Award at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for his film "Dibia."

Another notable graduate of the MTF program is Kenyan filmmaker Fidelis Dukua. Dukua was a participant in the MTF Academy East Africa in 2019 and has since gone on to work on several productions across the continent. In 2020, he won the Best Student Film Award at the Nairobi Film Festival for his film "Kuongoza."

South African filmmaker Thembalethu Mfebe is another talented graduate of the MTF program. Mfebe was a participant in the MTF Academy South Africa in 2018 and has since gone on to work on several high-profile productions, including the hit South African drama series "Gomora."

These are just a few examples of the talented graduates of the MTF program. Many other graduates are also making their mark in the African entertainment industry, working on a range of productions across the continent. The MTF program has been instrumental in helping these young filmmakers develop their skills, build their networks, and take their careers to the next level.

MTFza is a critical component of the company's commitment to developing the next generation of African storytellers. The MTF Academy provides young filmmakers with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed in the entertainment industry, while also providing them with the practical experience, industry connections, and mentorship they need to take their careers to the next level. The MTF Academy is an excellent resource for anyone looking to build a career in the entertainment industry in Africa, and it is a testament to MultiChoice's commitment to supporting the growth and development of the industry.