MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) graduates are set to reach television audiences across East Africa with Becoming Madiba, a feature film produced by the East Africa Academy’s class of 2025/26, programmed to premiere on Maisha Magic channels on October 17 and 18, 2026.
The film will premiere on Maisha Magic Plus on DStv channel 163 and GOtv channel 503 on Saturday, October 17 at 8:00 p.m. East Africa Time (EAT) , before airing on Maisha Magic East on DStv channel 158 and GOtv channel 502 on Sunday, October 18th at the same time.
Becoming Madiba is set in Nairobi’s Kibera neighbourhood and follows Madiba, a shoemaker who crafts footwear by hand. His life takes a turn when Wanjiru Njoroge, an heiress to a footwear empire, notices his work and shares the photographs online. The exposure brings his craftsmanship into the public eye, introducing opportunities and complications he has not predicted.
For filmmakers, the production is a milestone from classroom training to delivering a feature- length film for television audiences.
The project gives graduates practical experience in developing a story, working across different filmmaking disciplines and taking it from script to screen.
“Producing a feature film gives our students the opportunity to put their training into practice, collaborate across different filmmaking disciplines and experience what it takes to bring a story from development to the screen. This practical experience is an important part of preparing emerging filmmakers to contribute to the industry,” says Victoria Goro, MTF East Africa Academy Director.
The MTF programme combines practical production work, mentorship and industry exposure to prepare young African creatives for opportunities across the film and television industry.
Becoming Madiba sums up the portfolio produced by the East Africa Academy’s graduates, as the programme seeks to develop filmmaking talent and expand the range of locally produced stories reaching audiences across the region.
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