Kenyan filmmaker Ivy Wangui to train in South Africa
Kenya’s Ivy Wangui is set to take up an internship with one of the biggest producers of films in the world in South Africa.
Wangui who graduated this week from the 4th cohort of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) was joined by the likes of Juif Joseph of Tanzania who bagged an all-expenses paid trip to the New York Film Academy in the United States (US).
Samuel Mafayo from Uganda was rewarded with a trip to Zeeworld while Nalunga Hannah was handed the Cinematography Award.
Now in its fourth year, MTF has proven that the African entertainment industry is ripe with gripping stories that are waiting to be told.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, while celebrating the 20 exceptional talents, themed ‘Rising Stars’, cited the accomplishment as no small feat stating, “After the rigorous training that has imparted technical skill as well as artistic instincts, you are now well equipped to support the local film industry.”
Encouraging the youngsters to primarily consider Kenya as a prime filming destination in their quest to create magic, he highlighted, “You have the powers to create content that transcends boundaries, embrace diversity & make new trails.”
“Through unwavering passion, I encourage you to boldly challenge social norms and inspire change while embracing the spirit of Africanacity. With a population of 1.4 billion, that’s already a prime market in wait,” he noted.
Kenya Academy Director Victoria Goro said that since its inception, MultiChoice has been deeply committed to its African roots.
“We are dedicated to keeping East Africa’s storytelling tradition alive in a way that is relevant to modern audiences. We do that by choosing the most talented aspiring filmmakers and empowering them with the latest cutting-edge skills. We are proud of this year’s graduates, and we know they will take the East African film industry to greater heights,” said Goro.
On his part, Nzola Miranda, Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya, said that MTF East Africa plays a pivotal role in growing the next cohort of African storytellers by providing a talent pipeline for local productions.
“As we recognise this year’s cohort, we are passionate about producing motivated young individuals with the required skill set needed to create high-quality African content for African audiences.
“As Kenya’s most loved storyteller, we see MTF East Africa Academy as the crucial pathway to ensuring that we tell more African stories,” concluded Mr Miranda.
The MTF initiative has enjoyed continued success thanks to its strong partnerships with renowned organisations such as NYFA, Dolby Studios, Canon, Zee World, Pan-Atlantic University in Nigeria, Kenyatta University in Kenya, and the University of Zambia.
“The Class of 2032 will not be the only ones to benefit from their skills going forward – the work they do now will directly contribute towards the overall socio-economic development of the continent,” said Mrs Goro.
The final requirement of their curriculum was to create and develop feature films, which will be launched on DStv local channels.
This year, outstanding graduates will have the opportunity to further enhance their skills through internships with leading MTF partner organisations and grow their skills through internships at industry-leading MTF partner organisations.