By Braide Damiete
Desire Onwuchekwa from Anambra State has emerged winner of the inaugural season of Film Africa Factory, a groundbreaking reality TV show designed to nurture aspiring creatives through 25 days of intensive training, collaboration, and personal transformation.
The highly emotional finale saw Desire break into tears of joy as she was announced the winner. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisers, her family, and fans for their unwavering support. Reflecting on her journey, the budding filmmaker and actress described her time on the show as life-changing.
“Many people know how to act, but not everyone understands what it means to be a public figure. In the house, I learned how to carry myself with grace, speak with confidence, and remain humble no matter how high you rise,” Onwuchekwa said.
She also shared how the experience deepened her appreciation for both inner and outer beauty, helping her develop a holistic sense of self-worth.
With the prize, Desire plans to establish her own studio and expand her platform as a television presenter, aiming to spotlight influential voices and contribute meaningfully to society.
The first runner-up, Jessica Robert Comfort, from Akwa Ibom State, credited the show with her personal transformation from a shy individual to a confident public speaker. “I have realized I have big potential in me,” she noted. “This experience has opened my shell.”
On his part, the second runner-up, Ankpo Monday Aika, popularly known as Forex, from Cross River State, praised the programme for helping him unlearn limiting habits and adopt values that now empower him to combat stage fright and champion causes for street children in his community.
Whole Mr. Victory Emuejekarohwo, a representative of the show’s organisers, commended the contestants’ growth over the 25-day period, describing it as an “accelerated masterclass.”