20 Nigerians and Ghanaians have been selected out of the 3,100 entries received at the inaugural edition of the Multichoice Talent Factory, MTF.

The 20 students were selected based on their industry-related qualifications and skills, as well as their passion to narrate Africa’s unique stories, Multichoice Africa revealed.

According to a statement released by the Multichoice’s pan African initiative for films and TV industry, the candidates were chosen after a two-month long process of shortlisting candidates.

MultiChoice regional Academy Director, Femi Odugbemi said a rigorous interview and adjudication process was what it took him and a group of film and television industry experts to determine the 20 selected students.

The 20 selected students are Idongesit Amba, Allen Onyige, Gilbert Bassey, Precious Iroagalachi, Nanret Paul Kumbet, Akpera Mnena, Umm’salma Saliu, Ugwu Uchenna Eileen and Sonia Nwosu. Others are Moses Akerele, Metong Minwon, Bolaji Adelakun, Joseph Adeniyi, Kemi Tamara Adeyemi, Tochukwu Nwaiwu, Blessing Bulus from Nigeria and Edmund Kobby Asamoah, Henry Konadu Denkyira, Irene Dumevi Yaamoakoa, Patience Esiawonam Adisenu.

From October 1, 2018, MultiChoice will sponsor the students’ tuition, accommodation and stipend for the duration of their training in each the academy.

The West African Director, MultiChoice Talent Factory, Femi Odugbemi has given his take on why the academy and the programme are of essence to the next generation of filmmakers.

He said, “From the thousands of applications received, it’s evident that there’s a strong desire to learn from and work with other African creatives. Not only will the MultiChoice Talent Factory be a springboard to a career in the entertainment industry, but it will also create a closely-knit community of African professionals with a willingness to narrate Africa’s stories to the world.”

Odugbemi further said MTF Academy students will be provided with skillsets to develop their talent, connect with industry professionals and tell authentic African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.