MultiChoice Talent Factory, Passion to Profit and Industry Best Practices – Myth or Reality?

Zanzibar, 4th August 2024 – MultiChoice Talent Factory, in collaboration with Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), hosted a transformative panel discussion titled "Passion to Profit and Industry Best Practices" on Sunday, 4th August 2024. Held in Zanzibar, the event was attended by key industry figures including Asha Shaaban, Director of Institutional Services at Tanzania Film Board; Victoria Goro OGW, MultiChoice Talent Factory East Africa Academy Director; and Hatib Madudu, Director of Festival for ZIFF.

As the film industry adapts to shifting cultural and digital landscapes, understanding how to successfully transition from passion to profit is essential. The panel explored balancing creative excellence with commercial viability, offering valuable insights into the film production process and essential aspects such as finance, legal considerations, marketing, and networking.

With about 50 producers from leading East African production houses in attendance, the discussion emphasized the need for an entrepreneurial mindset and effective business practices to ensure profitability and sustainability. Victoria Goro highlighted the importance of collaboration and resource pooling in managing production costs and fostering industry growth.

Asha Shaaban praised MultiChoice's contributions to the Tanzanian film industry and committed to considering producer recommendations on policy and regulation to support industry development.

The event also featured breakout sessions with seasoned producers offering personalized advice to emerging filmmakers, fostering networking and future collaborations.

Additionally, MultiChoice Talent Factory alumni film "The Midnight Bride," written and produced by Doreen Kilimbe and commissioned by M-Net, won the Best Actress award at ZIFF this year. The award, presented during the evening ceremony graced by H.E. Amani Abeid Karume, the 3rd President of Zanzibar, underscores MultiChoice's dedication to being the Most Loved African storyteller.