MultiChoice Announces Call For Applications For The 2021 MTF Academy

MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy announces calls for applications for its sought-after film and TV training program. The portal has been to submit applications is open until June 30th, 2021 and are to be completed on https://cte.multichoicetalentfactory.com/Home/MTFHome.

The call is open to all emerging filmmakers with either some industry experience or a relevant post-school qualification in the film to apply for this exciting opportunity to hone their television and film production skills.

“The MTF Academy is our commitment to the future of our Industry and gives young Africans the chance to hone their television and film production skills through a world-class training program. After two successful years, we’re proud to announce a new call to entry to and look forward to meeting the next generation of African filmmakers,” Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice Group CEO of General Entertainment & Connected Video, said in a press statement.

Launched in May 2018, the MTF Academy has so far given 120 students the chance to harness their expertise in film and TV, molding them into skilled industry professionals. The Class of 2020 set a precedent as the first cohort of students to work during a pandemic. As a result, the program was extended from 12 to 18 months. This additional time allowed the students to graduate with two qualifications as opposed to one.

Despite adapting to the Covid-19 restrictions, the Class of 2020 had other opportunities to shine as they were active participants during the virtual MTF Masterclass sessions and worked on the global Pledge to Pause PSAs for the United Nations Verified campaign. They also got to make short films in their home countries which launched as part of the ‘Colours of Africa’ series airing on Showmax and M-Net AfroCinema pop-up channel as part of the Africa Month campaign in May.

Like previous years, all 60 students alongside select members of the public will get to participate in the MTF Masterclasses, which are powered by various industry partners including Dolby, CBS Justice, and Jasco Broadcast Solutions offering AVID software masterclasses to name a few.

The illustrious New York Film Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (NYFA) continues its commitment as an MTF Masterclasses partner and award its annual 8 weeks NYFA Scholarship at the Academy in New York to the top-performing student from each region.

“The Covid-19 pandemic was undoubtedly a difficult challenge both for all involved in keeping the MTF Academy program going as well as the students. The unwavering support from stakeholders, partners, and students has nevertheless been overwhelming. We couldn’t be more excited to have reached our third year as one of the MultiChoice Group’s anchors shared value initiatives directly investing to the next generation of African storytellers,” says Cheryl Uys-Allie, Director of the MultiChoice Talent Factory initiative.