The multi-disciplinary training programme has already produced hundreds of skilled African storytellers. Every year, sixty (60) of students graduate from MTF academies in Lagos, Lusaka and Nairobi hot young creatives to bolster the ranks of the continent’s film industry.

The graduation ceremony for the West Africa MTF Academy was held at the weekend in Lagos. The West Africa academy hosted 20 West African filmmakers comprising four (4) young Ghanaian for the 12 month all expenses paid hands-on training. The event celebrated the talent and hard work of this year’s cohort, as well as recognising the achievements of earlier classes who have gone on to find success in the industry.

“Go out and show us what you can do,” said MTF West Africa Academy Director, Atinuke Babatunde to the graduating class at the ceremony. “You stand on the shoulders of generations of West African filmmakers, and the fellow alumni who come before you at MTF West Africa. We know you will enrich the industry with your newly acquired skills and your fresh approach to storytelling.”

This year’s MTF West Africa Academy students completed a 12-month programme of workshops, lectures, practical film productions and masterclasses, where they gained skills in everything from screenwriting, editing, sound design, producing and directing.

The top three performers of this year's cohort were honored for their remarkable achievements. Winner Achimugu took first place, winning a 6-week internship at NYFA. Anjolaoluwa Aluko, who secured second place, was awarded a 2-week internship with Zee World, while Adejo Edebo Emmanuel, in third place, earned a 2-week internship with MultiChoice in SA. These opportunities will provide valuable support in advancing their careers in the film and television industry.

The MTF course is created in collaboration with international partners, the New York Film Academy (NYFA), and Indian satellite TV channel, ZeeWorld. These partners provide internship opportunities that allow MTF students to continue their career growth.

At the graduation, Atinuke proudly shared some of the achievements of MTF graduates of recent years and encouraged this year’s cohort to take inspiration from their successes. Accomplishments by MTF alumni this year include…

• Poached, directed by alumnus Adeola Andrea Peregrino, won first prize at the LEAP Africa USAID Film contest, and second prize at the IOM Film Contest, as well as being an official selection at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), and a finalist at the Edo State Festival.
• The movie Rekiya, about cultural practices that hold back the advancement of young girls, and produced for ZeeWorld by the class of 2023, was officially selected for AFRIFF.
• The short film With Love from Bayelsa, written by MTF alumnus Gabriel Odigiri, won Best Short Film of the Year at the Imo International Film Festival. Gabriel also joined the series Omera on Africa Magic Showcase as a writer.
• Two alumni Allen Onyige and Adeniyi Joseph Omobulejo created the sensational series Irora Iya, which won Best Indigenous M-Net Series in the 10th AMVCAs.
• MTF Alumnus Desmond Ekunwe made the final cut for a seven-week film residency programme with the German government.

Another notable achievement this year is that the class of 2024 produced three documentaries; Revive the Ocean, Race Against Time, and 2070 to highlight the impact of climate change in Nigeria and showcase how communities are working to tackle it. These documentaries were created in support of The Earthshot Prize.

The Academy has continued to build upon its institutional partnerships. It has a long-standing relationship with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos as its regional education partner.

“The mission of Pan-Atlantic University is to help produce competent, committed professionals and encourage them to serve their community,” said the dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya. “This aligns perfectly with the purpose of MTF, which performs a similar function in the film and television sector.”

The US consulate in Nigeria is another partner. Under the direction of PR team lead Julie McKay, the consulate has lined up three Hollywood filmmakers to upskill the students on producing, cinematography and directing, with plans to expand to industry masterclasses.

MultiChoice West Africa CEO, John Ugbe said the Academy had proved itself as an asset to Africa’s TV and broadcast industry.

“A growing film and TV sector, like that in West Africa, needs a steady pipeline of fresh, creative talent with the necessary skills to keep creating quality, relevant content,” said Ugbe. “MTF alumni go to join established broadcast companies, or to form their own production companies. This is proof that MTF is fulfilling its purpose extremely effectively. It is developing film and TV talent for Africa.”