The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) East Africa Academy has become a launchpad for aspiring filmmakers across the continent, offering world-class training, industry exposure, and mentorship. Ethiopian filmmakers have consistently stood out in this program, bringing their unique storytelling perspectives and creative vision to the forefront. As the 2024 cohort graduates, The Afro Times sat down with four exceptional Ethiopian talents—Daniel Gudissa Fitta, Sihnemariam Abebe, Dagmawi Tamrat and Alazar Aynie—to discuss their journeys, challenges, and aspirations for the future of Ethiopia’s creative industry.

The MTF Academy, a flagship initiative by MultiChoice Africa, has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of African filmmakers. Over the years, it has produced a cadre of successful alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions to the continent’s film and television industries. Ethiopian alumni, in particular, have been making waves, leveraging their MTF training to tell authentic stories that resonate both locally and globally. This year’s graduates are poised to continue this legacy, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative techniques to Ethiopian cinema.

Ethiopia’s own Sihnemariam Abebe is among its 2024 alumni who has demonstrated outstanding leadership at MTF, earning her a prestigious internship at Zee World in India. As a young filmmaker and emerging producer, she shares her experience at the academy, her vision for Ethiopia’s creative industry, and how she plans to bring local stories to the global stage.

The Afro Times: How did you find out about the MTF opportunity?

Sihnemariam Abebe: I learned about it through my former boss at a production company. He not only recommended it but also insisted that I apply.

The Afro Times: What motivated you to join the MTF Academy?

Sihnemariam Abebe: As a young African filmmaker and Ethiopian female producer, I saw this as an incredible opportunity to learn from industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and collaborate with talented creatives across the continent. It was a chance to sharpen my skills, expand my network, and contribute meaningfully to Ethiopia’s creative industry.

The Afro Times: Can you share a specific project or moment during the program that significantly impacted your professional growth?

Sihnemariam Abebe: Leading a passion project that earned me a nomination for a short film award was a turning point. Taking charge from pre-production to post-production tested my problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership. It built my confidence as a filmmaker and reinforced my ability to handle high-pressure situations.

The Afro Times: Who has been your biggest inspiration during your journey at the academy?

Sihnemariam Abebe: I had several key mentors who inspired me—my producer facilitator, Appie Mathere; directing lecturer, Likarion; and our academy director and executive producer, Madam Victoria Goro OGW. Their guidance and encouragement pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I was also deeply inspired by my fellow classmates—their creativity and teamwork made the experience even more rewarding.

The Afro Times: What’s the most valuable lesson you learned from your mentors and peers?

Sihnemariam Abebe: The power of collaboration. Filmmaking is not a solo effort—it thrives on teamwork and diverse perspectives. I also learned the importance of integrating cultural diversity into storytelling while maintaining a global outlook.

The Afro Times: What gaps or opportunities do you see in Ethiopia’s creative industry that you’re eager to address?

Sihnemariam Abebe: There’s a need for better storytelling, improved technical skills like sound design and post-production, and stronger production management, including script supervision. I’m eager to help bridge these gaps by training emerging talent, fostering industry collaborations, and introducing global best practices.

The Afro Times: What attracted you to the role of producer, and how has the MTF Academy prepared you for this leadership position?

Sihnemariam Abebe: "Producing allows me to combine creativity, leadership, and organization. MTF has prepared me to manage teams, oversee projects from start to finish, and make key decisions that impact a film’s success. It’s taught me how to balance vision with practical realities."

The Afro Times: As someone with an internship opportunity at Zee World, what do you hope to learn, and how will it impact your future projects?

Sihnemariam Abebe: "I hope to gain insights into large-scale productions, audience engagement, and content creation for international markets. This experience will help me position Ethiopian stories globally while staying authentic to our culture."

The Afro Times: What strategies will you use to elevate Ethiopian stories to a global audience?

Sihnemariam Abebe: "I plan to develop relatable stories rooted in Ethiopian culture, build partnerships with local and international networks, and maintain high production quality. Integrating modern marketing strategies will also be key to showcasing Ethiopian films on global platforms."

The Afro Times: What qualities make an exceptional producer, and how have you cultivated these at the academy?

Sihnemariam Abebe: "An exceptional producer needs vision, resilience, and communication skills. At MTF, I developed leadership, problem-solving, and organizational abilities, which helped me navigate filmmaking complexities and keep projects on track."

Sihnemariam’s success is a testament to the potential of Ethiopia’s film industry to compete on the international stage. Her journey mirrors that of other successful MTF alumni, such as Bethlehem Anteneh, a 2022 graduate who has since produced award-winning short films that have been showcased at international festivals.

Alazar Aynie is another promising talents emerging from the 2024 cohort. As a cinematographer and director of photography, he shares insights into his MTF journey, his vision for Ethiopian storytelling, and how he plans to revolutionize visual storytelling in the country’s film industry.

The Afro Times: How did you find out about the MTF opportunity?

Alazar Aynie: I came across the call for applications through MTF’s social media platforms, specifically Instagram.

The Afro Times: What motivated you to join the MTF Academy?

Alazar Aynie: My decision to apply was largely influenced by conversations with several MTF alumni. Their experiences and success stories convinced me that this program would be a transformative step in my career.

The Afro Times: Can you share a specific project or moment during the program that significantly impacted your professional growth?

Alazar Aynie: One of the most defining moments was working on a short film for Zee World. I was not only involved in cinematography but also in the writing team. Seeing a story evolve from script to screen was an incredible learning experience. This process deepened my appreciation for storytelling and sharpened my ability to translate written narratives into compelling visuals.

The Afro Times: Who has been your biggest inspiration during your journey at the academy?

Alazar Aynie: Mona Ombogo, my scriptwriting class facilitator, had a profound impact on me. The month-long story development course she led transformed my understanding of character arcs and narrative structures. Her mentorship, along with her impressive body of work, helped me refine my storytelling skills and recognize what makes a script truly engaging.

The Afro Times: What’s the most valuable lesson you learned from your mentors and peers?

Alazar Aynie: One of the most important lessons I learned is that a modern-day filmmaker needs a strong personal philosophy and a high level of professionalism. A filmmaker’s philosophy shapes how they navigate ethical storytelling—considering representation, cultural sensitivity, and societal impact. Professionalism ensures that these stories are told responsibly and with high production value.

The Afro Times: What gaps or opportunities do you see in Ethiopia’s creative industry that you’re eager to address?

Alazar Aynie: Ethiopia has immense storytelling potential, enriched by its cultural diversity and history. However, traditional production methods, coupled with a lack of professionalism and innovative thinking, create financial and creative limitations. I want to challenge these norms by introducing efficient, progressive filmmaking techniques that maximize Ethiopia’s rich narrative potential.

The Afro Times: What inspired you to specialize in cinematography, and how has MTF refined your visual storytelling skills?

Alazar Aynie: I have always been drawn to beautiful visuals. As a child, I was fascinated by the power of imagery, which led me to experiment with smartphone photography. In high school, I discovered filmmaking and was particularly captivated by the role of cinematography in storytelling. At MTF, I learned that cinematography is not just about aesthetics—it’s about using visuals to evoke emotion and enhance storytelling.

Post-production is the heartbeat of storytelling, shaping raw footage into a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences. One of Ethiopia’s rising talents from the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) 2024 cohort, Daniel Gudissa, specializes in editing and is passionate about crafting stories that leave lasting impressions. In this interview, he shares his journey into editing, his experiences at MTF, and his vision for Ethiopian storytelling in the global film landscape.

The Afro Times: What drew you to specialize in editing, and how has the MTF Academy enhanced your storytelling abilities through post-production?

Daniel Gudissa: Editing has always been more than just a technical skill for me—it’s a way to tell stories that touch hearts and leave lasting impressions. I started by creating previews for church services, pouring my creativity into each project to make them unique and impactful. Seeing the audience connect with my work, feeling their encouragement, and hearing their feedback inspired me deeply. It made me realize how much power storytelling holds and reignited my childhood dream of becoming a filmmaker and director.

MTF has been a transformative part of my journey. It hasn’t just refined my technical skills; it has taught me how to breathe life into stories through post-production. The academy has given me the tools to turn raw ideas into emotionally engaging narratives, helping me grow as both an artist and a storyteller. This journey isn’t just about learning a craft; it’s about connecting with people through stories that matter.

The Afro Times: What’s the most complex editing project you worked on at the academy, and how did you approach it?

Daniel Gudissa: The most challenging project I worked on was our graduation film, The Immersive Alarm. The story itself, with its unique genre, presented its own challenges, but what truly made it complex was my deep emotional connection to it. I poured my heart into the project, setting high expectations for myself—sometimes more than I could handle.

That level of attachment pushed me to strive for perfection, but it also tested me in ways I never anticipated. The Immersive Alarm became a defining moment in my journey—both my lowest and highest point as a storyteller and editor. There were moments of doubt and struggle, but completing the film felt like a victory, not just for the project but for my personal growth as a filmmaker.

I’m profoundly grateful to God for His guidance throughout this journey and to MTF for creating an environment that allowed me to learn and evolve. This project wasn’t just a film; it was a life lesson, teaching me resilience, humility, and the power of storytelling. Despite its challenges, The Immersive Alarm remains my favorite project from my time at MTF.

The Afro Times: What tools, techniques, or workflows from the academy are you most excited to bring to Ethiopian productions?

Daniel Gudissa: Professionalism and pre-planning are the two key aspects I’m most excited to bring to Ethiopian productions. MTF instilled in me a strong sense of professionalism, shaping my approach to filmmaking and ensuring efficiency in my work. Pre-planning, in particular, was a skill I honed under the guidance of Madam Victoria and Madam Christine. Their mentorship helped me understand the importance of thorough preparation, which ultimately leads to a smoother production and post-production process. These lessons have enhanced my ability to execute projects with precision and purpose.

The Afro Times: How do you envision modern editing techniques helping to tell uniquely Ethiopian stories in a way that resonates globally?

Daniel Gudissa: I honestly can’t say exactly how my editing techniques will make Ethiopian stories resonate globally, but I do know the kind of techniques I love and believe in—jump cuts, match cuts, and cutting for emotion, not just aesthetics. I’m also a huge fan of any special, unique, and creative style that adds depth to storytelling.

But if I could answer this as a writer, I’d have so much more to say. My dream is to tell Ethiopia’s epic stories in a way that sticks in the hearts of my generation—stories that inspire love for our motherland, for one another, and for our shared culture. Through beautiful and heartfelt storytelling, I want to remind people of the richness of Ethiopia, not just for us but for the world to see and feel. Modern editing techniques are just tools, but when used right, they can amplify these stories and make them truly unforgettable.

Daniel Gudissa’s passion for editing and storytelling is evident in his work and vision. As Ethiopia’s film industry continues to grow, talents like Daniel are set to redefine how local narratives are crafted and presented to the world. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the role of post-production in shaping cinematic experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Lighting plays a crucial role in filmmaking—it shapes the mood, enhances emotions, and guides the audience’s perception of a scene. As an aspiring gaffer and lighting designer, Dagmawi Tamrat understands the power of lighting beyond just illumination. His journey at the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy has refined his skills and broadened his perspective on how lighting can be used as a storytelling tool. In this conversation with The Afro Times, Dagmawi shares his experience at MTF, the lessons he has learned, and his vision for lighting design in Ethiopian productions.

The Afro Times: How did you find out about the MTF opportunity or call for application?

Dagmawi Tamrat: A friend told me about it and encouraged me to apply.

The Afro Times: What motivated you to join the MultiChoice Talent Factory?

Dagmawi Tamrat: To be honest, nothing at first. But once I joined, I realized how much I could learn and grow in my craft.

The Afro Times: Can you share a specific project or moment during the program that significantly impacted your professional growth?

Dagmawi Tamrat: One of our passion projects, I Am I Was, had a huge impact on me. While working on it, I truly learned the importance of teamwork. Film is a collaborative art, and this project showed me just how essential it is to work together to bring a vision to life.

The Afro Times: Who has been your biggest inspiration during your journey at the academy, and why?

Dagmawi Tamrat: My lighting teacher. He played a key role in helping me refine my skills and expand my knowledge of lighting. His guidance pushed me to be more creative and intentional with my lighting choices.

The Afro Times: What’s the most valuable lesson you learned from your mentors and peers at the academy?

Dagmawi Tamrat: That teamwork is non-negotiable. Every successful production relies on strong collaboration and communication among the crew.

The Afro Times: What gaps or opportunities do you think exist in Ethiopia’s creative industry that you’re eager to address?

Dagmawi Tamrat: Storytelling. There are so many untold stories in Ethiopia, and I want to contribute to bringing them to life visually through lighting and cinematography.

The Afro Times: How has the MTF Academy shaped your approach to lighting design?

Dagmawi Tamrat: MTF Academy taught me to think of lighting as more than just a technical element—it’s a storytelling tool. I now analyze scripts in-depth, understanding the emotional core of each scene and using lighting to amplify those emotions. The program also provided me with a strong foundation in color theory, shadow play, and the technical aspects of lighting equipment, all of which I now apply confidently in my work.

The Afro Times: How do you use lighting to reflect the mood and emotion of a story, particularly in Ethiopian cultural contexts?

Dagmawi Tamrat: Lighting is deeply connected to culture, and Ethiopian storytelling has a unique visual identity. I strive to move beyond standard techniques and consider how Ethiopian audiences perceive and connect with light and shadow. Whether it’s using warm, golden hues to reflect tradition or creating stark contrasts to emphasize drama, my goal is to ensure that lighting feels authentic and enhances the cultural depth of the story.

The Afro Times: What innovations or techniques in lighting do you want to introduce to Ethiopian productions?

Dagmawi Tamrat: Ethiopian productions already showcase incredible creativity, but I believe there are several lighting innovations that could enhance both storytelling and efficiency: Energy-Efficient Lighting: Expanding the use of LED lighting systems to reduce energy costs while allowing for greater creative flexibility, Portable Lighting Solutions: Introducing battery-powered LED fixtures and modular lighting setups to make location shoots more efficient, Wireless DMX Control: Using wireless lighting control systems to streamline setups and create more dynamic lighting effects, Blending Natural and Artificial Light: Incorporating Ethiopia’s natural light sources into production lighting for a more organic and authentic look, Training and Knowledge Sharing: Conducting workshops to help local filmmakers master modern lighting techniques and expand the industry’s capacity. Ultimately, my goal is to introduce innovations that are not just advanced but also practical and culturally relevant for Ethiopian productions.

The Afro Times: What was your favorite project at the academy, and how did your lighting choices elevate the final result?

Dagmawi Tamrat: My favorite project was the NIVEA Commercial Ad. It was my first experience as a gaffer, and it completely opened my eyes to the impact lighting can have on a production. The challenge was to create a sleek and professional look that aligned with the brand’s aesthetic, and through careful lighting choices, we were able to achieve that polished, high-quality feel.

With a deep passion for lighting design and a vision for innovation, Dagmawi Tamrat is set to make a lasting impact on Ethiopia’s creative industry. His time at MTF has not only sharpened his technical skills but also deepened his understanding of how lighting can enhance storytelling. As he steps into the industry, he carries with him the lessons of teamwork, creativity, and the belief that every great story deserves the perfect light.

The journey of the four MTF East Africa alumni—Daniel Gudissa, Dagmawi Tamrat, and their fellow graduates—highlights the profound impact of the MultiChoice Talent Factory in shaping the next generation of African filmmakers. Through their time at the academy, they have refined their technical skills, deepened their storytelling abilities, and embraced the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

Their growth is exemplified in their final project, The Immersive Alarm, a gripping thriller that follows a teenager using a time-traveling alarm clock to uncover the truth behind his father’s wrongful conviction. The film, produced under the mentorship of industry professionals, demonstrates their ability to craft compelling narratives and execute high-quality productions. The Immersive Alarm premiered on Maisha Magic Plus on February 16, 2025, with a scheduled airing on Maisha Magic East on March 2, 2025.

Beyond this achievement, each alumnus is now poised to bring their expertise back to Ethiopia’s creative industry—whether through innovative editing techniques, cutting-edge lighting design, or stronger storytelling frameworks. Their experiences at MTF have not only refined their craft but also instilled in them a commitment to elevating Ethiopian cinema to new heights.

As they embark on the next chapter of their careers, their stories serve as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers across Africa, proving that with the right training, mentorship, and passion, the future of African storytelling is brighter than eve

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