Four talented Ugandan filmmakers have embarked on a transformative journey to Nairobi, Kenya, where they will undergo year-long advanced training at the prestigious MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy East Africa. The selected filmmakers—Giovanni Yona Namulya, Asiimire Owobushoborozi, Denzel Everd Maniple, and Fredrik Mayiga—are now among the continent’s brightest emerging voices in the film and television industry.
The MTF program is widely regarded as one of Africa’s top film and TV training initiatives, offering advanced courses in storytelling, cinematography, directing, producing, and more. The training will empower these creatives to further develop their skills and compete on the global stage.
Building a New Generation of African Storytellers
Namulya Giovanni Yona, a filmmaker and theatre artist, has a strong foundation in sound design, film direction, and writing. His work on acclaimed Ugandan audio dramas such as Her Dying Wish and Lagertha reflects his ability to combine technical skill with emotional storytelling. Giovanni’s selection for this training marks a significant milestone in his career as he continues to push the boundaries of narrative across various platforms.
Asiimire Owobushoborozi, known for her work in production design, brings a keen eye for visual storytelling to the table. Her focus on spatial design and character development, combined with her passion for research-driven creativity, sets her apart in the field. Asiimire’s dedication to developing original projects will continue to grow through her time at MTF.
From Actor to Multi-Disciplinary Filmmaker
Denzel Everd Maniple joins the MTF Academy with a diverse background in filmmaking, acting, writing, and editing. With experience across feature films, television series, and theatre, Denzel’s focus on storytelling and production management has already earned him recognition. His work on Let’s Eat! and his role as a Production Assistant on the show Sanyu have demonstrated his ability to manage and lead creative projects.
Completing the group is Fredrik Mayiga, a video editor, cinematographer, and aspiring director. With a background in journalism and mass communication, Mayiga’s approach to structured storytelling will benefit immensely from MTF’s hands-on training. His previous roles in TV production and film editing have sharpened his skills in visual clarity, emotional resonance, and collaborative work.
A Bright Future for Ugandan Filmmakers
The MTF program offers more than just technical training—it is a stepping stone for African filmmakers to shape the future of the continent’s creative industry. The training in Nairobi will allow these Ugandan filmmakers to enhance their craft, collaborate with peers, and refine their storytelling techniques, ultimately contributing to the global entertainment landscape.
Rinaldi Jamugisa, MultiChoice Uganda PR and Communications Manager, highlighted the importance of MTF in nurturing African creatives. “MTF is not just about skills training,” Jamugisa said. “It is about building a sustainable pipeline of African storytellers who can tell authentic local stories and compete globally.”
As these filmmakers begin their next chapter in Nairobi, they are poised to make significant contributions to the Ugandan film industry and beyond. Their experiences at MTF will help shape their vision for storytelling, opening doors to new opportunities both regionally and internationally.