The Southern Africa MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy in Lusaka celebrated a significant milestone on November 27, 2024, as it graduated its 100th student. This marks five years of nurturing and developing the next generation of African storytellers through its esteemed film and television training programme.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the achievements of the latest cohort and acknowledged the successes of past graduates who have thrived in the industry. “Each year for the past five years, 20 creatives from seven Southern African countries have completed this transformative programme,” said MTF Southern Africa Academy Director Christopher Puta. “We are proud to be shaping the future of our industry.”
This year’s graduates underwent a 12-month intensive programme, honing skills in screenwriting, editing, sound design, producing, and directing through workshops, practical film projects, and masterclasses. Notable achievers were celebrated, with first-place graduate Hidlson de Jesus Valentim earning a six-week internship at the New York Film Academy (NYFA), while Beatus Msamange and Goitsemang Chalumbila secured internships with Zee World and MultiChoice South Africa, respectively.
Southern Graduation Lusaka
The academy collaborates with international partners such as NYFA, Zee World, and the University of Zambia to provide students with top-tier training, mentorship, and career opportunities. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mundia Muya emphasized the value of this partnership in fostering knowledge transfer and professional growth.
Among the practical projects, students produced five public-service videos for the Zambia Revenue Authority, showcasing their versatility in creating impactful content. They also engaged with the Zambian Ministry of Education, receiving commendations for their contributions to youth empowerment.
Alumni success stories include Zimbabwean Chimwemwe Chipidza excelling at the African Monologue Championships and Namibian Tekla Nakale winning the best scriptwriting award. Additionally, Zambian graduate Mary Siamwanda secured a role in the telenov
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