Abayomi Susan
MultiChoice, a Canal+ Company, through its MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) West Africa Academy, has graduated a new cohort of aspiring filmmakers from across the region, including Nigeria and Ghana. The milestone underscores its continued commitment to developing young creative talent for Africa’s film and television industry.
The graduation comes at a time when West Africa’s screen industry is experiencing growing global attention, driven by rising demand for authentic local storytelling, increased investment in African content, and the rapid expansion of digital streaming platforms.
A total of 20 students successfully completed the intensive nine-month programme, delivered in collaboration with Pan-Atlantic University. The curriculum combines academic instruction with practical industry experience, offering specialised training in directing, producing, scriptwriting, cinematography, and editing.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media & Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, encouraged the graduates to embrace continuous growth.
“This is the end of a phase, but only the beginning of your journey. You must commit to continuous learning, collaboration, and curiosity. The industry does not reward complacency, it rewards those who are intentional about growth,” he said.
MTF alumni continue to make significant contributions across Africa’s entertainment landscape, working with leading production companies and gaining recognition at platforms such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and other prestigious film festivals.
This year’s cohort also highlighted the Academy’s growing reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship. Five graduates launched two independent ventures during the programme: Muri Marun Stories, a production company founded by Tolulope Akande, Opeyemi Obasa, and Dorathy Ufot; and CineX Mart Ltd, a marketing and distribution outfit established by Abdulsalam Ibrahim Oladimeji and Audu Israel Yakubu.
In recognition of outstanding entrepreneurial initiative, Muri Marun Stories Limited received the CEO’s Entrepreneurial Award, along with a ₦2 million grant to support its growth. CineX Mart Limited also earned special recognition for its strong business potential and early industry impact.
CineX Mart has already begun making strides, successfully placing the short film The Phone Call on Minflix and managing the marketing of the MTF production Trouble for Two.
Individual excellence was equally celebrated, with Kwaku Edusei Acquah winning the Audience Choice Award at the Lift-Off Global Network Film Festival for his film The Imperfect Plan, alongside notable works from Amirat Yakub and Emmanuella Nwachukwu.
Acquah also received the Creative Innovator Award from the University for the Creative Arts, presented by Seyi Agboola, Senior International Recruitment Manager, alongside a £1,500 grant to support his creative development.
Speaking on the impact of the programme, Kemi Omotosho, CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, said the graduation represents a defining moment for African storytelling.
“This graduation marks a defining moment not just for these students, but for the future of African storytelling. They are no longer learners, but part of a distinguished creative community shaping narratives across the continent. Through their work, they are already creating jobs, inspiring communities, and positioning African stories at the centre of the global stage,” she said.
The long-term impact of MTF continues to be reflected in the achievements of its alumni. The Class of 2021’s digital platform, Filmmakers Mart, recently received World Bank Group support for a five-country expansion. Other alumni successes include Blessing Bulus, who received the Women in Arts Impact Grant for her documentary Mi Tazi, and Ebuwa Desmond Ekunwe, who earned a fellowship at Germany’s Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.
Alice Johnson has also assumed a leadership role at the Goethe-Institut, coordinating Africa–Europe cultural partnerships.
Since its launch in 2018, the MultiChoice Talent Factory has remained a key driver of Africa’s creative economy, building a sustainable ecosystem where African stories are told by African filmmakers.
With this latest cohort now entering the industry, MultiChoice has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the next generation of West African storytellers to take their creative voices to the global stage.
