By Eddah Waithaka
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) graduates have produced a new feature film, Becoming Madiba, set to premiere on GOtv and DStv’s Maisha Magic channels across East Africa.
The MTF East Africa Academy Class of 2025/6 created the film, which introduces fresh faces and a new story to audiences in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
Becoming Madiba follows Madiba, a handcrafted shoe maker in Kibera, Nairobi. His life changes when Wanjiru Njoroge, heiress to a footwear empire, notices his work and posts a photo online. The sudden national attention brings complications Madiba never planned for.
The film premieres on Maisha Magic Plus (DStv channel 163 and GOtv channel 503) on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at 8:00 PM EAT. It then airs on Maisha Magic East (DStv channel 158 and GOtv channel 502) on Sunday, 18 October 2026, at 8:00 PM EAT.
For the graduates behind the production, the film marks a practical milestone in their development as filmmakers. The Class of 2025/6 took its learning beyond the classroom to complete a feature-length production, applying its skills to developing and delivering a film for television audiences.
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“Producing a feature film gives our students the opportunity to put their training into practice, collaborate across different filmmaking disciplines and experience what it takes to bring a story from development to the screen,” says Victoria Goro, MTF East Africa Academy Director. “This practical experience is an important part of preparing emerging filmmakers to contribute to the industry.”
MTF’s hands-on approach equips young African creatives with skills they can apply across the film and television value chain. Through practical production experience, mentorship and industry exposure, the programme develops talent and creates opportunities for emerging filmmakers to contribute to the region’s growing screen content offering.
The premiere builds on the East Africa Academy’s track record of bringing graduate productions to big audiences. With Becoming Madiba, the Class of 2025/6 adds another production to this growing body of work, bringing a locally rooted story to audiences across the continent and showcasing the creative talent MTF develops.
