Telling the African Sustainability Story by Empowering Young Filmmakers

Africa stands at a critical point in its pursuit of sustainability. With record-breaking environmental events unleashing waves of extreme conditions, African activists and innovators are bringing groundbreaking ideas into the spotlight to address challenges affecting our air, water, renewable resources, recycling, and the environment as a whole.

Supporting them in this mission, MultiChoice partnered with The Earthshot Prize, which hosts hundreds of innovative climate activists, personalities, celebrities, media, and partners during Earthshot Week in early November 2024. By bringing the climate summit to African soil for the very first time and spotlighting the African talent who were finalists and recipients of the coveted Earthshot Prize, MultiChoice is equipping young filmmakers through their pan-African academy, MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), to confidently tell their stories and ensure their voices are heard. The East and West African MTF academies have been provided with the skills and resources necessary to address climate change and sustainability through a young African’s lens.

At the forefront of this effort is Victoria Nzale Goro, MultiChoice Talent Factory Eastern Africa Academy Director. With over 30 years of expertise in film production and as a recipient of the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya, Goro plays a vital role in maintaining the East Africa Academy’s innovative path. Through talent-based film training, she is carving out a space for young filmmakers and broadcasters, bringing the country’s stories from the peripheries to the global stage.

In one of the recent episodes of MultiChoice’s Instagram Live series, Take Your Shot, hosted by The Earthshot Prize’s global ambassador and renowned actress Nomzamo Mbatha, Goro discussed MTF Eastern Academy's sustainability efforts. During this intimate conversation on the interrelationship between the environment and filmmaking, Goro emphasised the importance of telling the African climate story by encouraging her students to create films that resonate with African audiences and convey their stories authentically. Viewers can still watch the full Take Your Shot series episode on MultiChoice's Instagram.

Beyond filmmaking, the MTF Eastern Academy is taking direct climate action through a reforestation initiative. In partnership with Nderi Primary School, MTF students, staff, and learners planted 80 indigenous trees, contributing to the ecological restoration of the area. This real-world impact and deep immersion into the communities and industries from which graduates emerge have been the focus of MultiChoice’s Talent Factory academies across Africa over the past ten years.

Joining the conversation after Goro was Atinuke Babatunde, whose industry expertise spans over 20 years across entertainment, branding, and media in Nigeria. When it comes to fostering a sustainable future in her industry, Atinuke’s approach is simple: be bold and be agile. “It is only when you know that you desire to do better,” said Atinuke during her discussion with Nomzamo. This inspiring woman champions raising awareness among Nigerians about their personal and communal impact on the environment to spark individual climate action. Atinuke believes film has the unique storytelling power to make Africa’s looming climate crisis accessible and personal, enabling every Nigerian to understand their impact on the environment.

Alongside promoting African storytelling on a global stage as the official broadcast partner for the 2024 Earthshot Prize ceremony, MultiChoice’s development and support of homegrown African talent remain at the core of their commitment to enriching lives. The Talent Factory academies have produced some of the continent's most industry-ready creatives who have gone on to fundamentally shift the tides of the African filmmaking, production, media, and entertainment industries.

As the MultiChoice Talent Factory celebrates its 10th anniversary, alumni and ambassadors will collaborate to create a docuseries that showcases the academies' impact. This series aims to inspire the next generation of African talent to be brave and bold, continuing their journey alongside MultiChoice for the next decade. The Earthshot Prize ceremony can still be watched on DStv Stream and Showmax, providing audiences with access to these inspiring events.