New African Storytellers Emerge as MultiChoice Talent Factory Graduates Class of 2022

The African continent is rich in history and heritage. Its stories have and are being told in different lights by several storytellers. However, African stories are better told by Africans through the eyes of Africans.

On October 15, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) academy graduated its third set of young, vibrant filmmakers at a ceremony in Lagos. These young filmmakers are the Class of 2022 of the renowned MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy.

The MTF is MultiChoice’s Shared Value Initiative aimed at training young filmmakers in the business and art of filmmaking.

The graduation ceremony unveiled 19 well rounded filmmakers who have been equipped over the course of one year with the skills and tools required to enrich lives and tell stories that portray the continent in the best light; changing the negative narrative of Africa one story at a time.

In the relaxed and entertaining ambience which kicked off with the beautiful rendition of the national anthem by songstress, Akunna and spiced up by the ‘Dance Na The Main Thing’ dance group, three students of MTF class of 2022 received special awards for their outstanding performances.

For her teamwork and selfless service towards her colleagues, Oluwatoyosi Fowode was rewarded with a 4-week production internship in South Africa, while Emmanuel Nuvor received an 8-week internship to Bollywood for his remarkable performance during the programme.

At the height of the ceremony, the overall best student of the set, Ademola Akapo, was rewarded with a 2-month course at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). All 19 graduates also received certificates from the New York Film Academy (NYFA).

One of the visions of the MTF is to engender collaboration and entrepreneurship strongly advocates collaboration and entrepreneurship. To further encourage them, the CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr John Ugbe has a N2million grant to support the most productive production company established in every set.

This year, the CEO award for entrepreneurship went to “Ace Divergent”, a company founded by three of the graduates, Oluwatoyosi Fowode, Ibrahim Mamman and Samuel ‘Smish’ Ishola. They were awarded the N2million grant at the graduation ceremony.

In her address to the graduates, Director of MultiChoice Talent Factory West Africa, Atinuke Babatunde tasked the students to create the world they want to live in. The visibly emotional Atinuke said she’s very proud of this talented bunch.

“The African creative industry is gaining young, vibrant and exceptionally brilliant minds, ready to tell the African story. You’ve survived rigorous hours of classroom and hands-on training. We look forward to you telling the African story the way only Africans can tell them,” she said.

The students were presented with their MTF certificates by Dean, School of Media and Communication Pan Atlantic University, Dr. Ngozi Okpara in company of MTF Director Africa, Nwabisa Matyumza.

The event was graced by dignitaries such as the Spokesperson US Consulate General Lagos, Mr. Joe Kruzich, Executive Director/CEO National Film and Video Census Board, Mr Adebayo Thomas, and MultiChoice Group Executive of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Collen Damini.

Established in 2018, MTF is a shared-value initiative that provides a platform for young African creatives to develop their talent and engage with one another through their shared passions. MTF Academy has trained over 200 filmmakers, who have produced more than 30 movies.

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Source: Legit.ng