By Eddah Waithaka
This International Women’s Day, the film and television industry stands out as a catalyst for gender transformation across Africa. Women are boldly stepping into leadership roles, reshaping narratives, and inspiring a new generation of filmmakers, proving that their voices and visions are essential to the future of storytelling.
The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a pan-African training initiative, is fueling this change. With academies in Zambia, Nigeria, and Kenya, MTF offers year-long, fully funded programs in film and TV production and women are taking center stage.
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Women Dominate Behind the Camera
Women make up nearly half of each MTF cohort, and their work is gaining global recognition. Elma Baisie, an MTF West Africa graduate, co-directed ‘Everything Light Touches’, which premiered on Africa Magic Showcase.
In East Africa, Lynn Gitau, another MTF alumna, created ‘Somewhere in Kole’, now streaming on Maisha Magic Plus. “We promote women filmmakers in numbers and through creative support,” says Chris Puta, MTF Southern Africa Academy director.
“They are not just participants they are writers, directors, and producers shaping the industry.”
In every one of the MTF Africa territories, academy directors actively work to empower young woman filmmakers. “We promote women filmmakers in numbers and in terms of creative support,” says MTF Southern Africa Academy director Chris Puta.
“Women students consistently make up around 50% of our cohort intake. But I believe what is most important is that they are given license to express themselves as writers, directors and producers. This is how women’s voices enter the mainstream.”
“We believe in empowering women in the film industry through training, mentorship, and opportunities,” says MTF West Africa Academy Director Atinuke Babatunde. “We give them all the skills they require to make a statement in the industry. And that is exactly what they are doing.”
Award-Winning Talent
MTF alumnae are making waves at international film festivals. Adeola Andrea Peregrino (West Africa) won top prizes at the LEAP Africa USAID Film Contest and IOM Film Contest for her film ‘Poached’.
MTF West Africa graduate and producer-director Adeola Andrea Peregrino won first prize at the LEAP Africa USAID Film contest, and second prize at the IOM Film Contest for her film Poached, as well as being selected for the Africa International Film Festival, and as a finalist at the Edo State Festival. “MTF is committed to seeing women pursue careers in film and TV,” says MTF Academy East Director Victoria Goro.
“Besides upskilling young women filmmakers, we believe a highly effective way to encourage girls and young women to get into film is to inspire them by seeing great work by young women.”
Doreen Kilimbe (East Africa) swept awards at the Uganda Film Festival, Sotambe Festival, and Zanzibar International Film Festival with ‘Midnight Bride’.
Tekla Nakale (Southern Africa) claimed Best Scriptwriting at the Multichoice Namibia Film Festival for ‘Ataman’.
Breaking Barriers in Leadership
Beyond filmmaking, MTF graduates are driving systemic change. Esther Beukes (Namibia) now chairs the Namibia Film Commission.
Serena Mmifinyane (Botswana) founded the Women in Film Guild Botswana and secured a seat on the Women in Film & TV International (WIFTI) Board of Directors. “Training is just the beginning,” says Mmifinyane. “African women filmmakers are rewriting the rules and the world is watching.”
With mentorship, funding, and platforms like MTF, Africa’s women filmmakers are not just entering the industry, they are leading it.
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