Ahead of the official opening of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy this weekend in Lagos Nigeria, all indications form the Academy directors give the all clear and eagerness to admit the maiden batch of sixty students from all over Africa to start their one-year hands on training. According to West Africa Academy Director, Femi Odugbemi “there is the need for the next generation of African filmmakers to acquire skills that could significantly improve their craft and
ensure greater acceptance of African storytelling globally.”
The Academy studios, lecture facilities and equipment needed for the effect teaching and learning are in full readiness. In the same vein our curricular, visiting lecturers, industry experts are all excited and committed to share their knowledge with our students. Besides the academic facilities, hostels, security and the needed funds, stipends have been secured and we look forward to the start of tuition once our students arrive.
Throwing some light on the work of the Academy he adds, “We must consciously build capacity so that our next generation filmmakers and producers can also create wealth and create employment by being entrepreneurs as well.” Following the launch of the initiative in May this year over three thousand young film enthusiasts applied for space in the three academies (Lagos, Nairobi & Lusaka). The Accra interview session was an eye opener; we met about twenty talented young film and television professionals who made it difficult for us to select the final four from Ghana.
From the self-taught videographer who has been making amazing documentaries to single mother who against all odds pursued her film education whilst caring for her young son. The sheer determination these young filmmakers displayed was so inspiring giving a clear indication the film industry in Ghana has a bright future.
Meet the four from Ghana who will be flying the flag of Ghana at the MTF Academy:
1. Dumevi Irene Yaamoakoa holds a diploma in Television Production
2. Edmund Asamoah, a videographer, photographer and graphic designer
3. Henry Denkirya, a filmmaker with a passion for photography and set design
4. Patience Adisenu a budding screen writer and documentary maker
Speaking to media at a dinner in honour of the four from Ghana, 25-year old television director Dumevi Irene Yaamoakoa believes over the next decade, Africa’s creative talents will be competing with their global counterparts in terms of skills, finance and technology. Henry Denkirya’s wants to use his talent to tell quality stories that will preserve African heritage and ensure global acceptance of African culture. On the other hand, Patience Adisenu who aspires to be an award-winning scriptwriter, novelist and producer is convinced that the future of film and television in Africa is bright.
The four will be travelling to Lagos this weekend in preparation for the official opening of the Academy on the 1st of October. The financial responsibilities of this initiative will be borne by MultiChoice Africa and this initiative is an affirmation of MultiChoice commitment to supporting emerging local talent and creating a future pipeline for local content. The success of MTF over time, will deliver a more professionalized, networked film and television industry across Africa and an expanded community of passionate, skilled youth who are creating relevant, quality homegrown content for the DStv and GOtv platforms and beyond.
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