African Filmmakers Drive Gender Empowerment Through Film and Leadership

As the world marks International Women’s Day this month, the film and television industry is emerging as a dynamic force for gender transformation and a powerful platform for empowering women. This is particularly evident in Africa, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles within the sector.  

These roles are critical, as they shape the industry’s direction, influence the content being produced, and impact the perspectives of young audiences exposed to the work of Africa’s next generation of filmmakers.  

The industry’s evolving leadership is well-positioned to drive further progress, fostering a creative environment where women can freely express their views and interpretations of the continent’s culture.  

At the forefront of this movement is the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a pan-African network of training institutions dedicated to nurturing the next generation of African filmmakers. With academies in Lusaka, Zambia; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya, MTF offers fully funded, year-long courses in film and TV production. Women are strongly represented in each cohort, reflecting the program’s commitment to gender inclusivity.  

Women not only make up a significant portion of each year’s class but also excel in prominent film festivals and see their works showcased on major content platforms.  

For instance, *Everything Light Touches*, co-directed by MTF West Africa graduate Elma Baisie, recently premiered on the Africa Magic Showcase channel. In East Africa, director Lynn Gitau, an MTF East Africa alumna, collaborated on *Somewhere in Kole*, which debuted on the Maisha Magic Plus channel.  

Across all MTF regions, academy directors actively support and empower young women filmmakers.  

“We promote women filmmakers both in numbers and through creative support,” says Chris Puta, MTF Southern Africa Academy director. “Women consistently make up around 50% of our cohort intake. What’s most important is that they are given the freedom to express themselves as writers, directors, and producers. This is how women’s voices enter the mainstream.”  

“We believe in empowering women in the film industry through training, mentorship, and opportunities,” adds Atinuke Babatunde, MTF West Africa Academy Director. “We equip them with the skills they need to make an impact in the industry, and they are doing exactly that.”  

The success of MTF alumnae on the film festival circuit underscores this commitment. Adeola Andrea Peregrino, an MTF West Africa graduate and producer-director, won first prize at the LEAP Africa USAID Film Contest and second prize at the IOM Film Contest for her film *Poached*. She was also selected for the Africa International Film Festival and named a finalist at the Edo State Festival.  

“MTF is dedicated to supporting women pursuing careers in film and TV,” says Victoria Goro, MTF East Africa Academy Director. “Beyond upskilling young women, we believe inspiring them with exceptional work by their peers is a powerful way to encourage more girls and young women to enter the industry.”  

Notable examples include Doreen Kilimbe, an MTF East Africa graduate whose film *Midnight Bride* won Best East African Film at the Uganda Film Festival, the Audience Award at Zambia’s Sotambe Film Festival, Best International Award at the Kalasha Film and TV Awards, and Best Actress at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.  

Similarly, Tekla Nakale, an MTF Southern Africa alumna, won the Best Scriptwriting Award for her film *Ataman* at the Multichoice Namibia Film Festival.  

African women filmmakers are also taking charge of their careers by engaging in industry forums and assuming leadership roles. In Namibia, MTF graduate Esther Beukes was recently appointed Chairperson of the Board for the Namibia Film Commission.  

In Botswana, Serena Mmifinyane, a former MTF student and creative director at N&M Productions, founded the Women in Film Guild Botswana, affiliated with Women in Film & TV International (WIFTI). In 2022, she was elected to the WIFTI Board of Directors and became the organization’s secretary in 2023.  

“I am proud of what I have achieved in the film sector,” says Mmifinyane. “But the hundreds of other young women who have come through MTF Academies have also made significant strides. Their achievements highlight the talent and determination of Africa’s women filmmakers and demonstrate how training can accelerate gender empowerment across our continent.”