A spark of light into possibilities of expressing myself started then. The big screen captivated me. Escapism gave me a powerful sense of happiness that stayed with me. However, it bothered me that people like me were barely represented on the screen. This motivated me even more to pursue a career in the media industry. I wanted to be a voice and face for the glaring absence of people who looked like me. That is how my love for Television Production and Filmmaking was born.
My MTF experience
The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) provided me with a lot of skills and knowledge. It allowed me to learn from and work with diverse specialists in lighting, wardrobe, cinematography, production design, and sound, amongst many others. Most importantly, it taught me about the industry’s business side. As a producer, I learnt the art of pitching, looking for investors, budget management, negotiations and contracts, managing pre-production to post-production, and just the daily running and managing of production.
The MTF empowered me to explore and refine my creativity, experimenting with different genres, storytelling techniques, and visual styles and discovering more creative talents. I also gained hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used in filmmaking. These skills are essential in understanding the production process and ensuring the technical quality of projects.
Memorable moment
The highlight of my time at the Academy remains a short film called, Chipo. Chipo: The Gift, commissioned by ZeeWorld, DStv, was our first-class production. The Gift was about a successful doctor with mystical healing powers forced to confront her ancestral calling as a healer. I was the film’s producer and wardrobe stylist, both challenging roles by all standards. The project’s success solidified my place and paved the way and the direction I wanted to take. Another memorable moment was being the 2023 AMVCA Awards nominee for the 11th Commandment Film.
What is keeping you busy?I am a freelance fashion stylist, offering various personal and styling services to individuals and production houses. My services include styling for TV, film, and print media, virtual styling, and event styling, amongst others. Being the head of the wardrobe and styling for the Mokwalo film was one of my proudest moments thus far in my budding career. Mokwalo is one of the three local movies that were on Mzanzi Magic in November.
What does the future look like?I will officially launch my creative agency and production company, 20 Moons Media, in January 2025. It focuses on content creation, commercials, film and TV production, and digital marketing. My long-term goals include running a successful creative and production company that would allow me to provide work opportunities to other creatives. I aim to use my work as a platform for social commentary to inspire positive change by producing documentaries/films on essential issues. I want to create narratives that challenge societal norms or advocate for underrepresented voices. I would also like to expand into global markets, creating content with international appeal, working on global co-productions, or exploring distribution on international platforms.
What are the current
trends in the industry?
Short-form content and social media are two trends shaping the media industry. The Rise of Short-Form Video platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels made short-form video content increasingly popular.
The trend has encouraged creators to produce bite-sized, engaging content that is easy to consume and generates income. Aspiring media professionals can leverage the digital age’s opportunities in several ways.
For instance, there is online learning; the digital age offers many online resources for learning and skill-building.
Another way to leverage the digital age is using social media as a networking tool. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok are vital tools for networking, building an audience, and marketing one’s work.
About the MTF AcademyThe MTF is an education programme that develops emerging TV and film talent in Africa, through an accredited 12-month immersion programme including both theory and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling. It is the first academy of its kind, spanning three regions and 13 countries across Africa.
The deserving young, talented candidates who want to work and innovate, in film and television production, get the chance to hone their skills alongside industry greats.
This year-long funded programme is offered through accredited regional MTF Academies based in Kenya (for East Africa), Nigeria (for West Africa), and Zambia (for Southern Africa) in partnership with respected local academic institutions.
