News Wings

Tag: African filmmaking

  • From Lagos to New York: MTF’s Best Graduating Student Winner Achimugu Begins New York Film Academy NYFA Journey

    From Lagos to New York: MTF’s Best Graduating Student Winner Achimugu Begins New York Film Academy NYFA Journey

    Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.

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    Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it has been a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.

    These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.

    The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.

    Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award; it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.

    This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.

    As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.

  • Canon showcases Nigerian Filmmaker Nora Awolowo’s creative brilliance with exclusive screenings of Racket Queen in Lagos

    …Through partnerships, training programmes, and access to professional equipment, Canon continues to empower the next generation of storytellers and strengthen its role in the region’s creative economy

    Canon, a leader in imaging technology, hosted an exclusive movie screening of Racket Queen in Lagos, a short film by acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Nora Awolowo, shot entirely on the Canon EOS C400 cinema camera. The production stands as a testament to Nora’s creative excellence, visual storytelling finesse, and technical mastery, with her work speaking powerfully for itself.

    The Canon EOS C400, designed for professional filmmakers, played a pivotal role in capturing the film’s striking visuals and emotional depth, showcasing Canon’s ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s creative community with advanced imaging tools.

    The morning media screening brought together journalists from across arts, culture, entertainment, business, and technology publications, providing an exclusive first look at Racket Queen and deeper insight into Nora’s filmmaking approach. Later in the evening, Canon hosted an industry screening for filmmakers, peers, and Canon’s creative network, an engaging event and networking session celebrating collaboration, innovation, and shared passion for storytelling.

    Both events also featured a soft launch of Canon’s new EOS C50, an entry-level cinema camera designed to empower emerging filmmakers. Compact yet powerful, the C50 expands Canon’s professional cinema lineup, making high-quality production more accessible to new creators.

    Speaking at the event, Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director for Canon Central and North Africa, said: “At Canon, we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of equipping creators with the right tools to express their vision. Our collaboration with Nora on Racket Queen reflects how technology and artistry come together to elevate filmmaking in Africa. We’re proud to continue empowering creators and building a thriving creative community across the region.”

    Canon’s collaboration with Awolowo aligns with its Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience (ICE) strategy, which focuses on innovation, customer empowerment, and long-term partnerships. By enabling filmmakers with cutting-edge imaging technology, Canon reinforces its position as the go-to brand for professional videography in Nigeria and across Africa.

    The Racket Queen follows the journey of a young girl who discovers her passion for tennis and, with her mother’s support, pursues her dream of becoming a star. Along the way she encounters, triumphs, setbacks, and sacrifices. The film features performances by Pamilerin Ayodeji, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Kayode Jnr Ojuolape, and Folu Storms.

    Nora Awolowo, Filmmaker & Cinematographer, reflecting on her experience, added: “Working with Canon is always a creative partnership built on trust and innovation. The EOS C400 gave me the flexibility and technical precision I needed to bring Racket Queen to life. I’m proud of what we achieved together and grateful for Canon’s continued support for filmmakers like myself.”

    Canon’s Commitment to African Filmmaking

    Canon’s collaboration with Awolowo reflects its long-term commitment to African filmmaking. Through partnerships, training programmes, and access to professional equipment, Canon continues to empower the next generation of storytellers and strengthen its role in the region’s creative economy.

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