THE MULTICHOICE TALENT FACTORY SOUTHERN AFRICA ACADEMY CELEBRATES THE GRADUATION OF 20 EMERGING FILMMAKERS IN LUSAKA
Lusaka, 2 April 2026 – The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Southern Africa Academy today celebrates the graduation of 20 exceptional students in a ceremony held at the Zambian-Italian Cultural Center. This milestone marks the culmination of an intensive journey of world-class training designed to empower Africa’s next generation of cinematic storytellers.
The Class of 2025/2026 has completed a rigorous curriculum covering the full spectrum of filmmaking, including directing, producing, cinematography, scriptwriting, and editing. Beyond the classroom, these graduates have gained invaluable industry exposure and mentorship from seasoned professionals, producing high-quality content that captures authentic African narratives.
The MTF Academy remains a cornerstone of creative development on the continent. Through its strategic partnership with the University of Zambia, the program ensures that students receive a perfect blend of academic rigor and hands-on, real-world production experience.
MTF alumni are no longer merely “emerging” talents; they have become the backbone of premium African storytelling. Graduates from the Southern Africa Academy have secured key roles in some of the region’s most successful productions, including:
• Mpali: Alumni have played instrumental roles in maintaining the high production standards of this fan-favorite Zambian drama.
• Zuba: Several graduates joined the crew of Zambia’s first telenovela, contributing to its legacy as a trailblazing production.
• Pa Mango: Integration into this production highlights the academy’s success in placing talent across diverse narrative formats.
The academy’s standard of excellence is further reflected in the accolades received by its former students. In 2025, a significant number of Southern Africa alumni were nominated with some winning at prestigious MASO Awards, proving their ability to compete at the highest professional level.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following students who have been honoured with Special Recognition Awards for the Class of 2025/2026:
• Overall Best Student – Academic Excellence: Laone Elaine Radipodi
• Best Student – Creative Vision: Hansen Simau
• Best Student – Outstanding Work Ethic: Anthony Simbarashe Chiturike
• Best Student – Innovation: Francis P. Buumba
These awards celebrate not only individual achievement but also the dedication, creativity, and resilience that define this graduating class.
Speaking at the ceremony, CEO MultiChoice Zambia, Averess Ndhlovu-Chella, commended the cohort for their dedication:
“Today’s graduation is about so much more than classes and theory; it is a testament to the power of a shared vision and the sustainability of Southern Africa’s creative industries. These graduates emerge industry-ready, well-prepared to drive the region’s creative ecosystem and tell our stories on a global scale.”
As these 20 filmmakers’ step into the professional world, they join a growing, influential network of MTF alumni who are actively shaping the continent’s creative landscape.
This ceremony brought together industry stakeholders, alumni, partners, and media to witness the next wave of African filmmakers as they step into the professional world. As part of the programme’s legacy, graduates will also join the growing network of MTF alumni who continue to shape the continent’s creative landscape.
The MultiChoice Talent Factory remains committed to empowering African talent and driving the sustainability of the continent’s creative industries through skills development, training, and opportunity creation.
