MultiChoice, a Canal + Company, through the MultiChoice Talent Factory West Africa Academy, has celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of aspiring filmmakers from across the region, including Nigeria and Ghana, marking another milestone in developing young talent for Africa’s film and television industry.

The graduation comes at a time when West Africa’s film and television sector continues to gain global recognition, driven by growing demand for authentic local stories, increased investment in African content and the rapid evolution of digital viewing platforms.

A total of 20 students completed the intensive nine-month programme, delivered in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University. The curriculum blends academic excellence with hands-on industry exposure, offering specialised training in directing, producing, scriptwriting, cinematography, and editing.

Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean, School of Media & Communication, Pan Atlantic University, noted, “This is the end of a phase, but only the beginning of your journey. You must commit to continuous learning, collaboration, and curiosity. The industry does not reward complacency, it rewards those who are intentional about growth.”

MultiChoice Talent Factory alumni are making their mark across Africa’s entertainment industry, collaborating with leading production companies and earning recognition through the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and other prestigious platforms.

The Academy’s reputation as a powerhouse of innovation was on full display this year

through the entrepreneurial spirit of its students. Demonstrating their readiness for the business of film, five graduates launched two independent companies during the academic year: Muri Marun Stories, a production house founded by Tolulope Akande, Opeyemi Obasa, and Dorathy Ufot; and CineX Mart Ltd, a marketing and distribution firm established by Abdulsalam Ibrahim Oladimeji and Audu Israel Yakubu.

In recognition of this innovation, Muri Marun Stories Limited was announced as the recipient of the CEO’s Entrepreneurial Award, accompanied by a ₦2 million prize to support the company’s growth. CineX Mart Limited also received special recognition for its strong business potential and early industry traction.

CineX Mart is already making significant industry inroads, having successfully placed the short film The Phone Call on Minflix and managing the marketing for the MTF film Trouble for Two.

Individual creative excellence was equally prominent, with student Kwaku Edusei Acquah earning the Audience Choice Award at the Lift-Off Global Network Film Festival for his film. The Imperfect Plan, alongside notable projects from peers Amirat Yakub and Emmanuella Nwachukwu.

Further recognising his outstanding creativity, Kwaku Edusei Acquah was awarded the Creative Innovator Award by the University for the Creative Arts, presented by Seyi Agboola, Senior International Recruitment Manager. The award comes with a £1,500 prize to support his continued development.

Kemi Omotosho, CEO, MultiChoice Nigeria, said, “This graduation marks a defining moment not just for these students, but for the future of African storytelling. They are no longer learners, but part of a distinguished creative community shaping narratives across the continent. Through their work, they are already creating jobs, inspiring communities, and positioning African stories where they belong; at the centre of the global stage.”

MTF’s long-term impact is best mirrored in the global success of its alumni. Most recently, the Class of 2021’s digital platform, Filmmakers Mart, received World Bank Group support to fuel a five-country expansion. Furthermore, Blessing Bulus earned the Women in Arts Impact Grant for the documentary Mi Tazi, while Ebuwa Desmond Ekunwe secured a prestigious fellowship at Germany’s Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.

Additionally, Alice Johnson has stepped into a key leadership role at the Goethe-Institute, coordinating Africa-Europe cultural partnerships.

By investing in these young creatives, MultiChoice continues to build a sustainable

ecosystem that ensures African stories are told by African voices. Since its launch in 2018, the MTF has become a cornerstone of the continent’s creative economy, proving that its graduates are not just entering the industry—they are actively shaping the future of global Cinema.

With this new cohort now entering the professional sphere, MultiChoice remains steadfast in its commitment to backing the next generation of West African filmmakers as they bring the region’s vibrant stories to the world stage.