The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) continues to demonstrate the power of structured training, mentorship and industry exposure in shaping the next generation of African filmmakers. In 2025, the academy’s alumni reached new heights, earning international scholarships, winning prestigious awards, leading productions at major studios, and building innovative solutions for the continent’s film ecosystem.
Here are some of the standout individuals whose achievements reflect the academy’s growing impact across Africa’s creative landscape:
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Winner Achimugu: From MTF Best Graduating Student to International Scholar
Winner Achimugu’s 2025 journey reflects what is possible when talent meets opportunity. After emerging as the Best Graduating Student from the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Class of 2024, she began her prestigious six-week scholarship at the New York Film Academy, a coveted opportunity awarded annually to the academy’s top student.
The international programme offers advanced training, global exposure and hands-on creative immersion, marking a significant next step for Winner and a proud moment for MTF. Her progress underscores the academy’s commitment to developing filmmakers who can compete on global platforms.
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Isaac Effiong: Rising From MTF Student to Senior Producer at Paramount Africa
In just one year, Isaac Effiong has experienced one of the fastest career ascents among recent MTF alumni. Moving from film student to an industry leader, he now serves as Senior Producer at Paramount Africa, a role that places him at the heart of some of the continent’s most dynamic TV productions. In 2025, he supervised the Nigerian adaptation of MTV’s Ghosted, launched multiple BET Nigeria shows and managed Inside Life Season 3 on MTV Base. His rapid rise demonstrates the strong technical, creative and leadership foundation MTF instils in its graduates.
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Ayodeji Michael Lawson: Award-Winning Filmmaker Building Influence Across Africa
Filmmaker Ayodeji Michael Lawson expanded his creative portfolio significantly in 2025. He won the AMVCA for Best Film (MTF Category) and worked with the MTV Shuga Staying Alive Foundation, contributing to impactful youth-centred storytelling. His work screened at AFRIFF, Lagos Fringe and multiple festivals, and he gained directing and cinematography credits on several short films. Lawson’s growing influence reflects a rising voice shaping the future of African screen content.
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Adejo Edebo “The Story Priest” Emmanuel: Storyteller With a Festival-Filled Year
Writer-director Adejo Edebo Emmanuel, known as The Story Priest, had one of the busiest festival circuits of 2025. His film Isekonu won Best Short Film at the Beach House International Film Festival and was screened at AFRIFF, Lagos Fringe, Ibadan International Film Festival and Bayelsa International Film Festival. He received nine Film Joint Award nominations, won Best Actress at Ibadan, and added major writing credits, including Amazon Prime’s Grind (Seasons 2 & 3), Africa Magic’s The Yard and ROK’s Nana.
His climate-themed feature Pile of Rubbish screened across 20+ LGAs as part of Lagos State’s SDGs awareness campaign. His short film 2070 also clinched the Environmental Stewardship & Climate Action Award at the African SDGs Film Festival.
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FilmMakersMart: Alumni-Led Innovation Backed by Sony and the World Bank Group: Three MTF alumni joined forces to create FilmMakersMart, a tech-driven platform offering solutions to filmmakers across Africa. Their efforts attracted major funding from Sony and the World Bank Group, demonstrating confidence in their vision to modernise film production logistics. Their success highlights how MTF graduates are not only creating films but also building the infrastructure that supports the industry.
The continued success of MTF alumni is clear proof of the academy’s mission in action, training talent, shaping careers and strengthening Africa’s storytelling future. With every milestone, MTF reinforces its role as a catalyst for growth in the continent’s film and television industry.
