Mwananga’s AMVCA nomination a triumph for MTF alumni

Sandra Muramba and Elisabeth Tonata Hamukwaya, two Namibian MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) graduates, have earned a prestigious nomination for the film &#039;Mwananga&#039; at the Africa Magic Viewer&#039;s Choice Awards (AMVCAs) under the Best MultiChoice Talent Factory category. The film explores rich cultural themes, diving into loss, justice and the fight for truth as it follows a grieving detective battling emotional trauma and a corrupt system.Hamukwaya, a graduate of the MTF Class of 2024, is a filmmaker with a passion for storytelling. She wrote and directed ‘Mwananga’, bringing her vision to life both on the page and behind the camera. In the Zambian film ‘Rivals in Time’, she took on the roles of writer and art director, shaping the narrative and visual aesthetics of the film.Among the challenges she said she faced while bringing ‘Mwananga’ and ‘Rivals in Time’ to life were sleepless nights, pitching to investors as well as logistical hurdles like load-shedding. Despite this, teamwork and passion kept the projects going, she said. Bright future When asked about the growing influence of African cinema on the global stage, Hamukwaya expressed optimism."African cinema is experiencing a powerful transformation. More African stories are reaching international audiences, and we are finally seeing authentic, diverse narratives that reflect our cultures, struggles, and triumphs... The future is bright,” she said.“I see African cinema breaking more barriers, receiving more recognition at global festivals and creating opportunities for local filmmakers to tell their stories without compromise," Hamukwaya added.She also emphasised the role of platforms like Showmax in amplifying African voices worldwide.Global audience Muramba , also a graduate of MTF Class of 2024, is a filmmaker with a strong technical background. While her primary focus last year at MTF was cinematography, she contributed to ‘Mwananga’ as a camera assistant and worked as a gaffer/gaffer assistant on ‘Rivals in Time’.When asked about the inspiration behind ‘Mwananga’, Muramba said: "Bringing the vision to life was a collaborative effort where the writers would get feedback from the entire academy. During production, every department had to play its part, including the camera department, which I was part of."Regarding the AMVCA nomination, she highlighted that it provides international recognition not just for her but for all 20 MTF graduates. “Never has it crossed my mind that the films I was part of would be something that people around Africa would be watching on Zambezi Magic or be nominated for at the AMVCAs. But I think this nomination puts me a step ahead, as I now have a better understanding of what is expected on an international platform, and it&#039;s all thanks to MultiChoice for giving us this opportunity.”Viewers can vote for &#039;Mwananga&#039; on the DStv website before 4 May by accessing this link: https://www.dstv.com/africamagic/en-sl/show/amvca/season/11/vote.

Mwananga’s AMVCA nomination a triumph for MTF alumni

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-25

Please login to leave a comment

Mwananga’s AMVCA nomination a triumph for MTF alumni

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-25

Please login to leave a comment

Login