As part of the buildup to the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Africa Magic and MultiChoice hosted Young Filmmakers’ Day, an inspiring platform designed to mentor and celebrate the next generation of African storytellers. Held in Lagos on Thursday, 8th of May, the event gathered budding filmmakers, MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) alumni, and industry stakeholders for a day of learning, collaboration, and community.
This year’s edition focused on “Sound in Filmmaking,” a masterclass facilitated by Shawn Butler, an acclaimed sound engineer and producer whose portfolio spans award-winning African and international productions.
“Sound is more than just pushing a button; it’s about shaping emotion and enhancing storytelling,” Butler said. “The way a character breathes, the silence between words, the soundscape of a scene, all of that influences how audiences connect with the story. I wanted to help these creatives start listening like storytellers, not just technicians.”
The session explored practical mic techniques, on-set professionalism, post-production workflows, and the critical role of audio in shaping cinematic meaning. Butler also emphasized collaboration across departments:
“You can’t isolate sound from story. Working closely with directors, DPs, and editors ensures the audio landscape supports the emotional arc of the film.”
The day began with a short film by the most recent MTF cohort, showcasing their creativity and growth during the year-long training programme. In her welcome remarks, Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa at MultiChoice, underscored the broader mission behind the event.
“Young Filmmakers’ Day is more than tick-boxing,” Tejumola said. “It’s about transferring lived experience. You can learn in a classroom, but real wisdom often comes from direct mentorship and shared challenges. That’s what today is about, reminding young creatives that every element, especially sound, contributes to powerful storytelling.”
Ten early registrants received complimentary goody bags, while a lively movie soundtrack trivia challenge saw two lucky guests win tickets to the AMVCA Awards Night.
A standout moment was the introduction of FilmMaker Mart, a new creative production company founded by MTF alumni Eric Kafui Okyerefo, Chioma Paul-Dike, Victor Awotidebe, and Igho Arusi. The company was introduced by their marketing manager, Oluwaseun Lawal, and is a testament to the MTF’s impact in empowering alumni to build sustainable careers in the film industry.
Young Filmmakers’ Day was one of several key industry events leading up to the AMVCA 2025 finale. It followed the vibrant Cultural Night held on Friday, May 9, and preceded the star-studded AMVCA Awards Night on Saturday, May 10, which aired live across Africa on Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv from 4:00 PM WAT (Red Carpet) and 7:00 PM WAT (Main Show).
The MultiChoice Talent Factory continues to be a beacon for African creatives, championing skill development, mentorship, and innovation in storytelling across the continent.
