The Reel Deal: How local filmmakers are changing the narrative

The local film industry has long been criticized for its challenges, which has often led major players from Hollywood, Nollywood, and Bollywood to overlook it as a viable market. However, this seems to be changing as more local TV channels emerge, increasing the demand for fresh content to satisfy a growing audience.

For Bahati Kajigi, a Congolese raised in Uganda, entering the film industry was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. His journey began when he enrolled at a local university to study film production. Yet, he soon realized that formal education alone wasn’t enough to meet the market’s high demands. He needed years of experience to develop the skills necessary to thrive in the industry.

“I am a director of photography and an editor by profession, and I’ve produced several short films. When I saw that there was a call for applications by the MultiChoice Talent Factory, I applied, and fortunately, I was among the 20 students selected to join the program,” Bahati shares.

“Film is having a huge impact on the lives of many African youth, not just as a form of entertainment, but as a platform for learning and bringing them together,” he adds.

Bahati highlights the invaluable experience of working with some of East Africa’s top talents, from cast to crew. “Working with such skilled individuals has been more than just an eye-opener—it’s been a learning experience,” he says.

Another participant, Sihnemariam Abebe, a Creative BSC graduate in Performing Visual Arts from Addis Ababa University, echoes Bahati’s sentiments. “As a producer, I blend my artistic passion with organizational skills to create impactful projects. Currently, I’m expanding my film production skills at the MultiChoice Talent Factory (Class of 2024), where my major is Producing, and my minor is Assistant Directing.”

Sihnemariam is optimistic about the growth of the local film industry. “The industry is growing, and more corporates are beginning to support it,” she says.

The group is currently working on a film titled Bahati, inspired by Bahati Kajigi’s own experiences and those of people around him as he sought a new life after fleeing the turmoil in his home country.

“There has always been a challenge for African filmmakers to tell our stories in a way that captivates our audiences first. Understanding the audience, creating fresh yet relatable content, and using creativity to ensure that the final product resonates is what we, as young filmmakers across the continent, are striving for,” Bahati explains.

Victoria Goro, head of the MultiChoice Talent Factory, says that the program is addressing some of the skill gaps in the industry by taking a localized approach.

“One example is the rise of Swahili content, which is a positive development for the film industry. With over 400 million Swahili speakers, there’s a vast market to tap into. We have so much rich oral and cultural content that transcends time and space, and we’re just beginning to scratch the surface,” she says.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory program has attracted filmmakers from across East Africa, offering them a comprehensive education in all aspects of filmmaking.

“We take them through everything aspiring filmmakers need to know. From scriptwriting to producing, editing, and directing, every day is an opportunity to learn something new from industry veterans,” says Victoria.