Africa stands at a critical point in its pursuit of sustainability. With record-breaking environmental events unleashing waves of extreme conditions, African activists and innovators are bringing groundbreaking ideas into the spotlight, to address challenges affecting our air, water, renewable resources, recycling, and the environment as a whole.
Supporting them in this mission, the MultiChoice Group, in partnership with The Earthshot Prize, is equipping filmmakers from the group’s East and West African Talent Factory (MTF) academies with the skills and resources to capture and address Africa’s climate story.
At the forefront of this effort is Victoria Nzale Goro, MultiChoice Talent Factory Eastern Africa Academy Director, is at the forefront of this movement effort. With over 30 years of expertise in film production and an Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya recipient, Goro plays a vital role in keeping the East Africa Academy on its game-changing path. Through talent-based film training, she is carving out a space for young filmmakers and broadcasters, bringing the country’s stories from the peripheries to the global stage.
In the recent episode of the MultiChoice Group’s Instagram Live series, Take Your Shot, hosted by The Earthshot Prize’s global ambassador and renowned actress Nomzamo Mbatha, Goro discussed MTF Eastern Academy’s sustainability efforts. During this intimate conversation on the interrelationship between the environment and filmmaking, Goro shared how important it is to tell the African climate story by encouraging her students to make films that resonate with African audiences and tell their story, their way.
Beyond filmmaking, the MTF Eastern Academy is taking direct climate action through a reforestation initiative. In partnership with Nderi Primary School, MTF students, staff, and learners planted 80 indigenous trees, contributing to the ecological restoration of the area.
Joining the conversation after Goro was Atinuke Babatunde, whose industry expertise spans over 20 years across entertainment, branding and media in Nigeria. When it comes to fostering a sustainable future in her industry, Atinuke’s approach is simple: Be bold, and be agile. “It is only when you know, that you desire to do better”, said Atinuke during her discussion with Nomzamo. This inspiring woman champions raising awareness amongst Nigerians about their personal and communal impact on the environment to spark individual climate action. Atinuke believes film has the unique storytelling power to make Africa’s looming climate crisis accessible and personal so every Nigerian can understand their impact on the environment.
Similarly, the Western African MTF students were tasked with creating documentaries on Africa’s race against the climate crisis to depict the urgency and hope required for these young changemakers to make an impact.
By supporting initiatives like The Earthshot Prize, especially given the disproportionate effects of climate change in Africa, the Group emphasises its dedication to environmental and social investment.The MultiChoice partnership with the Earthshot prize is teaching young people the value of sustainability, while also helping to showcase game-changing initiatives and inspiring more of Africa’s youth to fight to save the continent’s future.