4 Ugandans acquire film production skills in Kenya

Of the four, three received special awards for their outstanding accomplishments. Hanna Nalunga, recognized for her exceptional skills in cinematography, was awarded a prestigious prize—a Canon DSLR camera with a tripod, batteries, and charger.

Enock Tamale, honored for his role as a jury member at the Kenya International Sports Film Festival, received a glass plaque in acknowledgment of his valuable contribution to the film industry.

Samuel Mafayo secured a remarkable opportunity—a two-week immersion in a leading Zee World production in Mumbai, India, marking a significant milestone for Uganda.

Their training was sponsored by MultiChoice Uganda, which sponsors four creatives to undergo a 12-month training at the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy in Nairobi every year.

Participants acquire skills in film and sound production, script writing, editing, and cinematography. Launched in October 2018, the MTF film skills development program has evolved into a crucial platform for passionate storytellers in Uganda and Eastern Africa. Its objective is to enhance the skills of aspiring filmmakers and contribute to the local film industry's growth.

To date, the MTF has trained over 60 creatives from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Eritrea, with Uganda producing an impressive 12 graduates, and over 1500 beneficiaries through frequent masterclasses significantly boosting the country's entertainment sector.

The latest statistics, following the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) re-basing of the economy, reveal a noteworthy turnaround in the entertainment industry. After a 2.2 percent decline in Fiscal Year 2021/22, the industry witnessed a growth of 4.0 percent in Fiscal Year 2022/2023. This resurgence brought the entertainment industry's contribution to Shs141.5 billion, equivalent to 0.3 percent of the entire services sector's contribution to Uganda's GDP, which stands at Shs47.1 trillion.

Recently, at a lively event hosted at the Hermosa Gardens Hotel in Nairobi, four talented Ugandan students celebrated their graduation from the MultiChoice Talent Factory East Africa Academy. The ceremony acknowledged the exceptional achievements of these budding filmmakers who dedicated 12 months to refining their craft.

The MTF program, designed to nurture film skills, encompasses various facets of filmmaking through script writing, cinematography, editing, and audio post-production. A stringent selection process ensures that only the most passionate and dedicated individuals are chosen for this unique opportunity.