Online Reporter
Sunday News Correspondent
When aspiring filmmakers take up a place in the ongoing and highly successful MultiChoice Talent Factory training initiative, they don’t only get a chance to develop skills and learn all about the process of filmmaking; they are also able to share their own vision for their chosen field of endeavour and turn this to the advantage of the whole African film and television landscape.
The MTF programme was created to spearhead a major development of skills and talent across the continent and has turned out several hundred trained and eager professionals determined to make their mark in the world of African film. Among those have been a number of Zimbabweans, since in each of the years of operations there have been two Zimbabwean students in each academic year.
One such student is one of two Zimbabweans on the 2025-26 course, 24-year-old Tatenda Kombora, who is brimming with ideas and already in a state of readiness to join the industry in which she is keen to one day be a major player.
“My experience in the MTF so far has been both rewarding and eye-opening,” she said.
“The programme is a virtual one and has been designed to be optimally interactive and practical. The sessions balance theory and practice and I have gained deep insights into all aspects of filmmaking, including storytelling, script development, directing, cinematography and production management.”
She values interacting with other creative talent from across the region, since the diversity of perspectives has broadened her own understanding of how to tell stories in different cultural contexts and retain the ability to resonate with all audiences.
The virtual nature of the programme has helped Tatenda gain a level of discipline and consistency that has resulted in clearer focus, effective time management and a readiness to fully engage with the training, despite not being in a physical classroom.
“This programme has provided access to world-class mentorship and exposure of industry knowledge that I would not have easily found elsewhere,” she said.
Tatenda also feels that the MTF course has gifted her with a work ethic that will stand her in good stead in a dynamic, challenging and ever-changing work landscape.
“For this I need discipline, teamwork, accountability, respect for others and consistent commitment,” she said.
The MTF programme covers Africa through four regional hubs: in Johannesburg for South Africa; in Lusaka for Southern Africa as a whole; in Nairobi for East Africa and in Lagos for West Africa. While most of the current course is a virtual programme, later in the academic year students in Southern Africa will come together in Lusaka for direct interaction and experience.
Tatenda Kombora is keen to strengthen her skills in storytelling and scriptwriting, looking for unique African narratives that will find a willing ear and eye across Africa and the rest of the world.
“I also want to develop a stronger technical knowledge, in cinematography, editing and sound design, so that I can translate stories from page to screen with precision and artistry,” she said.
“I am also keen to learn more about the business side of filmmaking, in areas like production management, budgeting, marketing and distribution. This is because telling a story is only one part of the picture and another part is ensuring that the work reaches the right audiences.
“I want to develop my collaborative and leadership skills so I can work better with cast and crew while simultaneously learning from their strengths.”
Positivity is a hallmark of Tatenda’s approach to her post-training career. She acknowledges that funding and access may be problem areas, but she is determined to overcome challenges and obstacles through planning and networking.
“I am excited to learn, to collaborate and tell great African stories that inspire and resonate with others,” she said.
