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By Merit Ibe
The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has graduated its 2022 cohort with #2million grant to most enterprising students and an award to the best student with an all-expense paid two-month scholarship to the New York Film Academy.
MTF also awarded all the graduates a certificate from the Pan-Atlantic University and the New York Film Academy.
At the ceremony, which took place in Lagos, Ademola Akapo, got the scholarship while other prizes awarded included an internship in South Africa with a South African production company to Oluwatoyosi Fowode and an internship in India with an Indian production company to Emmanuel Nuvor.
Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice, John Ugbe, announced the CEO Award of N2 million to the most enterprising students who collaborated to set up production companies. The award went to Divergence, a production start-up company founded by members of the graduating cohort, Samuel Ishola, Ibrahim Mamman and Oluwatoyosi Fowode.
Ugbe urged the graduands to tell Africa’s stories, using the knowledge and skills acquired at the academy.
“Your success was not given, rather it was well earned. You braved through the challenges of virtual classes and transitioned back to normalcy. You put in the hours of work and practice to make the best use of this program.
“As visual creatives, always keep in mind the responsibility you carry and the role you play. The world is ready for authentic African storytellers to shape the perception of this vibrant generation. Take up the challenge and express your gifts. I know you will tell great stories,” Ugbe said
He further reiterated MultiChoice’s resolution to enable the development of Africa’s creative industry through the talent factory.
The Academy Director of MTF West Africa, Mrs Atinuke Babatunde recounted her memorable experiences with the graduands and described them as family.
She noted that although the academy would miss them, the film industry will be gaining 19 young, creative and vibrant filmmakers.
For her part, Acting Dean, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Ngozi Okpara, described the MTF Academy as a springboard to a career in the entertainment industry that produces a close-knit community of professionals with a willingness to narrate Africa’s stories to the world.
