Malawian budding filmmaker Beatus Msamange has emerged as the second best student in this year’s Southern African MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy.
Following the feat, Msamange has earned a two-week scholarship at the Indian satellite TV popular channel Zee World. Mozambican Hidlson De Jesus Valetim emerged the best student, while Goitsemang Chalumbira from Botswana got the third place award during the graduation ceremony held in Lusaka, Zambia on Wednesday.
In an interview yesterday, Msamange said the award is a testament to his commitment to the craft and it will make his resolve stronger to tell authentic African stories. He said the recognition shows that he is heading in the right direction on his quest to become one of Africa’s biggest storytellers.
“I am looking forward to learning a lot as Bollywood is one of the biggest film industries. Their use of lighting is phenomenal. I am looking forward to getting hands-on experience on their style and everything on offer,” he said.
Msamange said the local film industry is at a crucial period at the moment and that has heightened the need for deliberate capacity building both at personal and industry level.
He said: “The film sector is at a crucial point, especially with the assenting to the National Arts and Heritage Council Bill. We can foster capacity building initiatives and create opportunities. The MTF alumni should also be utilised, we are a valuable asset.”
The MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy offers multi-disciplinary training programmes aimed at developing the next generation of African storytellers. The students participate in workshops, lectures, practical film productions and master classes, where they gain skills in screenwriting, editing, sound design, production and directing.
Commenting on the programme, MTF Southern Africa academy director Christopher Puta said for the past five years, the 100 students who have graduated from the programme have emerged with a fresh sense of direction in their lives, with useful skills and the promise of a bright future.
He said: “We are proud of them and proud to be helping to build our industry. For the past five years, 20 creatives from seven Southern African countries have passed through this ground-breaking programme,”
MultiChoise Malawi head of corporate affairs Deborah Matowe-Mzembe said Msamange’s achievement and scholarship represent a significant milestone for both him as an individual and Malawi’s film industry.
She said the success has the potential to elevate the country’s filmmaking capacity and create opportunities for future growth.
“The training he will get will contribute to the growth of the local film industry. He will bring back new techniques, ideas and expertise that are rare in our country.,” said Matowe-Mzembe.
Msamange is a filmmaker, actor, writer and spoken word artist. He is a co-founder and creative director of Equinox 13 Films, which specialises in directing, producing, casting and costume design.
He has featured in high-profile films such as The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and Fatsani. He made his directorial debut on the movie True or False and his other film credential is the 2021 production Tsanzo.
