MultiChoice, through the MultiChoice Talent Factory Eastern Africa Academy, celebrated the graduation of 19 aspiring filmmakers drawn from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The ceremony marked the successful completion of an intensive nine-month programme offering world-class training aimed at equipping the next generation of African storytellers. Graduates underwent a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of filmmaking, including directing, producing, cinematography, scriptwriting, and editing.
In addition to classroom learning, participants benefited from hands-on industry experience and mentorship from seasoned, award-winning professionals, creating high-quality productions that showcase authentic African stories.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Academy Director Victoria Goro praised the cohort for their dedication and underscored their role in shaping the future of the industry.
“Today’s graduation marks not just an achievement, but a beginning of an exciting journey. Each of you carries the responsibility of shaping Africa’s creative future, through the stories you tell, the businesses you build, and the collaborations you nurture. Your success fuels local economies, inspires communities, and amplifies the voice of African storytelling on the global stage. Move ahead with courage, creativity, and conviction, the world awaits your story.” She said.
The graduation coincides with a period of rapid expansion in East Africa’s film and television landscape, driven by a surge in local content demand and the growth of streaming platforms. In Kenya, the creative economy now accounts for between 5% and 5.6% of GDP, cementing its role as a key engine of growth and job creation.
“At MultiChoice, we remain committed to fueling this growth by investing in local talent, expanding content distribution opportunities, and building platforms that enable African creators to thrive. As the industry evolves, we see growing demand for authentic African stories, innovative digital formats, and cross-border collaborations.” Highlighted Vincent Opiyo , Multi choice Trust Foundation Trustee and Regional Finance Director, MultiChoice Group .
The ceremony was attended by Hon. Fikirini Jacobs, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, who emphasized the growing role of the creative industry in empowering young people and boosting the economy. He pointed to the MultiChoice Talent Factory as a strong example of how local talent can be developed into viable opportunities.
Through its ongoing collaboration with Kenyatta University, the Academy ensures students gain a balanced experience that combines academic strength with real-world industry skills.
Highlighting the value of this partnership, Professor John Okumu, Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, remarked, “To our esteemed graduands, your achievements underscore the importance of partnerships, such as that between MTF and Kenyatta University, in nurturing talent and fostering growth within the arts. As you step into the world of filmmaking, may the lessons, networks, and inspiration nurtured in the MTF Academy propel you to reach for the stars.”
Since its launch in 2018, the MultiChoice Talent Factory Eastern Africa Academy has become a major force in developing Africa’s creative industry. Its alumni continue to make their mark, founding production companies and contributing to award-winning projects across the continent.
Among recent highlights, 2023 alumnus Maurice Muendo earned recognition at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for his debut film Bobo, which premiered at the 2025 Joburg Film Festival. Additionally, Class of 2024 graduates Brian Kabogozza and Sihnemariam Abebe were nominated at the 2026 Kalasha Awards for their student film Dinner for Three.
Special Recognition Awards for the Class of 2025/2026 have been announced, honouring top-performing students: Fredrick Mayiga and Lynn Obel received the Academy Director’s Award, while Nahom Bahru earned the Technical Excellence Award. Jamleck Lewis was named Rising Star in Production Management, and Kelvin Dennis took home the Overall Best Student Award.
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