TWO ASPIRING FILMMAKERS WANT TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT

Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

TWO young Zimbabweans, who are part of the ongoing MultiChoice Talent Factory initiative, say they want to make a huge impression on the African film and television industry.

Tatenda Kombora and Anthony Chiturike are among the group of 20 students who are part of the 2025-2026 class of the Lusaka MTF Academy, which trains aspiring filmmakers from Southern Africa.

Gerald Ngonyamo, head of corporate affairs of MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said the pair were the latest Zimbabweans to join the MTF initiative, which has included two Zimbabweans each year, since inception.

“Ten young Zimbabweans have so far graduated from the MTF programme and are already working their way through the various areas of endeavour within the industry to achieve personal success and help change the overall filmmaking landscape across Africa,” he said.

“MTF is a major investment on the part of MultiChoice and the fruits of the effort are already in evidence, with the professionals streaming steadily out of these academies already marching towards huge personal success and helping the upward movement of the African film and television industry.”

The 2025-2026 academic year started in July and will see the students being trained in the first few months through a vigorous series of online sessions.

The students will then travel to Lusaka for a period of intensive college-based studies and practical training for the remaining class year.

Kombora (24) has already achieved some success in her career. She was a presenter of Zimbabwean television show Young, Gifted and Talented, aged only 18.

She then won a 2021 award as best blogger in the field of activism.

Kombora won a Africa24 Scholarship to further her studies in visual and contemporary production and in 2021.

She then worked with the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development for two years, focusing on women in leadership.

Kombora was born and raised in Bulawayo and was the head girl of Mpopoma High School.

“My ambition is to be Africa’s best documentary maker and I am certain that the MultiChoice Talent Factory, with its wealth of experience, expertise and focused training, will help me achieve that goal,” she said.

Chiturike, who was born in Harare but grew up in Marondera, holds a diploma from the Zimbabwe Film and Television School of Southern Africa, where he specialised in developing his skills in editing and cinematography.

“I have a desire to create a film that fuses Africa’s rich storytelling and cultural heritage with modern cinematic techniques,” he said.

“I want to create work that entertains but also makes a lasting social impact. “The MTF provides me with the opportunity to learn from respected industry experts and collaborate with creatives from across Africa, enabling me to refine my craft.

“I intend to tell African stories to a global audience, with a basis of professionalism and exceptional use of technique and technology.

“I am very excited to be a part of MTF and I know that the sky’s the limit for all of us who are privileged to be on this journey.”