18-06-2025
The MultiChoice Talent Factory continues to be a pillar in youth development
Celebrating the impact of the MultiChoice Talent Factory on youth development in the South African film industry.
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MultiChoice continues to be a pillar in youth development. With an initiative like the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), Africa's film industry continues to flourish and grow as the academy trains youngsters to produce films that leave an impact on the South African film industry.
MTF is an industry readiness programme that runs for 12 months, providing youth interested in filmmaking with an opportunity to get practical experience while also providing theoretical lessons on the industry.
The MTF class of 2024/2025 is set to take centre stage as they graduate from the academy and take their new skills to the professional world of filmmaking. With the experience from producing their own films, Izixholoxholo (airing 13 July 2025), Ingozi (airing 20 July 2025), Ditaba (airing 16 November 2025), and Gogo's Heist (airing 23 November 2025), they are well equipped to become the next big name in the industry. Expect to see the MTF movies on Mzansi Magic DStv Channel 161.
With the guidance of Bobby Heaney, the Director of MTF South Africa, the interns that go through the programme are, without a doubt, set to succeed. With an expert mentor such as Heaney, who has produced and/or directed over 100 television programmes including Egoli, Soul City, Soul Buddyz, Jerry Springer's Saturday Night, Gareth Cliff Show, Laugh Out Loud, and African Adventures for Discovery International, the industry veteran has won numerous awards including 8 Best Director and Best Production Awards.
Students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory showcase their filmmaking skills, preparing to make their mark in the South African film industry.
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MTF has produced remarkable individuals, one of them being Mapule 'Maps' Mokete. Maps is a young and vibrant creative and entrepreneur with a passion for the film industry and storytelling, which led her to launching her own print magazine called LEWATLE. She describes the birth of LEWATLE magazine as something that combines her background in journalism and her training in filmmaking.
Mokete, who was a part of the 2022 cohort, came into the programme determined to learn everything there is to know about filmmaking and the film industry. MTF granted her the opportunity to learn from the best, as well as produce excellent work she possibly could. Being in the same space as her fellow interns, the people who shared the same passion and drive as her, pushed her towards the best version of herself. They made the experience a lot more fun and worth it for her. Heaney's teachings also played a pivotal role in moulding Mokete into a multifaceted storyteller. During her time, she got to write scripts, as well as direct and produce movies, skills which she believes make her a strong storyteller.
Inspiring stories of creativity and ambition emerge from the MultiChoice Talent Factory, shaping the future of filmmaking in Africa.
Image: Supplied
