Aspirations made tangible for up-and-coming storytellers

Bongo Jwaqa calls the small, quaint town of King Williams Town, on the outskirts of the Eastern Cape, his home. Coming from a humble and hardworking background, he is a proud resident of the area.

Upon completing his studies in journalism, Bongo soon realized that his true passion lay in the art form of filmmaking that had been ingrained in his childhood memories. He fondly recalls the curiosity he had for the small video camera that his father so lovingly carried around, not knowing then that it would become the driving force of his life as he grew older. Fuelled by the nostalgia of his father capturing moments of him and his family, Bongo has now embarked on a journey as a filmmaker.

Bongo's passion for film-making was cultivated from the early days when his Mom, a busy yet determined woman, took him to the video store owned by her friend. Here, he would spend the day watching movies and unknowingly planting the seeds of his future aspirations. Reflecting on this, Bongo says, "I didn't realize it then, but these moments shaped my intrigue in the world of filmmaking and filmmakers. I'm passionate about film and the ability to evoke emotion from what you display for people to see. That's why I would love to be a director."

Bongo has taken a decisive step towards his long-term goal by applying for the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTFza) programme this year. "I put in my application for MTF 2023/24 and now I'm just hoping for the best. I've been dreaming of being part of this program for a while now."

MultiChoice Talent Factory

The MultiChoice Talent Factory is leading the way in giving up-and-coming filmmakers and TV creatives the chance to get practical experience in the industry. Through a year-long program of technical and theoretical training, as well as the Extended Cut Program recently introduced, aspiring creatives can gain invaluable insight into the industry.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory also offers a range of opportunities to get involved with projects, including the Talent Factory Academy, which offers internships and mentorship programs to help bridge the gap between theory and practice. Through these programs, young creatives can gain real-world experience in television, film, digital media and other forms of content creation.

"Today I am fortunate to be able to observe the MTFza collective as they film their second and third movie. My experience assisting with lighting on the last project has come in handy, and I am learning a great deal as I observe the crew and directors work together to bring ideas to life. It's a privilege to be this close to the action."