Over 50 senior and mid-level cinematographers from across East Africa converged in Nairobi this week for an Advanced Cinematography Masterclass, hosted by the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) East Africa Academy in partnership with Cameras Africa and Sony Middle East and Africa.
Held on June 17 and 18, the two-day workshop gave participants hands-on experience with Sony’s latest digital cinematography technologies, including 6K and 8K full-frame sensor cameras renowned for their superior color science and ease of use.
MTF East Africa Academy Director Victoria Goro described the initiative as a strategic investment in local talent:
“This masterclass underscores our commitment to building capacity and elevating the technical standards of African filmmaking. Our collaboration with Sony bridges the gap between creativity and technology, giving East African filmmakers the tools they need to succeed globally.”
Fikirini Jacobs, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, applauded the initiative, saying it reflects MultiChoice’s sustained support for the creative sector.
“This partnership not only nurtures talent but also empowers young people with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive industry,” he said.
Sony, a global leader in digital cinematography since 1999, reaffirmed its dedication to supporting storytellers with cutting-edge tools.
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“Sony’s mission is to empower creators with technologies that combine performance and artistry,” said Timothy Fare-Mathews, Sony Brand Ambassador for the Middle East and Africa, who facilitated the masterclass. “We’re thrilled to share our expertise with East Africa’s dynamic filmmaking community.”
Kenya Film Commission CEO Timothy Owase also highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving the growth of the local film industry.
“Our partnership with MultiChoice allows us to champion skills development and unlock opportunities for Kenyan and regional storytellers,” he noted.
Parag Savla, CEO of Cameras Africa, lauded the MTF East Africa Academy for its role in advancing sustainable training for future industry professionals, calling the initiative a vital step toward developing a globally competitive film and television sector in Africa.
The masterclass is part of a broader MTF initiative aimed at nurturing talent through expert-led workshops. Previous sessions have covered areas such as Sound Design and Intimacy Coordination and have reached over 170 creatives across the region.
