{
  "id": 3864985,
  "title": "MultiChoice unveils regional masterclasses for filmmakers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/multichoice-unveils-regional-masterclasses-for-filmmakers",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T01:56:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/multichoice-unveils-regional-masterclasses-for-filmmakers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MultiChoice has introduced 13 regional masterclasses for film and television professionals across Nigeria, marking eight years of investment in the country's creative industry. The masterclasses, held in collaboration with various film festivals, guilds, and organizations, aim to provide practical knowledge on current trends and opportunities in the industry. The first masterclass, the International Sales and Distribution Executive Masterclass, took place on August 24, 2026, in partnership with the Nigerian International Film Summit. Panelists discussed the journey from script to market, including international sales, distribution, and commercial considerations for African films.\n\nMTF's Academy Director, Akaoma Onyeonoru, emphasized the importance of understanding the business side of filmmaking alongside the creative process. She stressed that distributing African films effectively would determine how the continent tells and controls its own narratives. The second masterclass, the Africa Microdrama Summit, held on August 26, 2026, focused on the growth of short-form scripted content and shifting audience consumption habits. The panel examined the rise of microdrama, changing audience preferences, and the opportunities the format presents for African storytellers.\n\nAtinuke Babatunde, Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, highlighted how shorter attention spans are influencing how audiences engage with content, creating demand for bingeable, instantly engaging stories. She noted that microdrama could find a home on established platforms like Africa Magic, offering additional programming opportunities for viable productions. The masterclass series will continue in other regions, including Ogun, Oyo, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Abuja, and Kano states, with partners such as the Wole Soyinka Cultural Centre, Abeokuta; the Ibadan International Film Festival; the Twin City International Film Festival; and the Kano Indigenous Languages Film Festival.",
  "summary": "The MultiChoice Talent Factory has rolled out a series of 13 regional masterclasses for film and television practitioners across Nigeria as it marks eight years of investing in the country’s creative industry. In a statement, the organisers said the masterclasses, which they are holding in partnership with film festivals, guilds and other industry bodies across Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "MultiChoice launches 13 regional masterclasses for Nigerian filmmakers.",
    "First masterclass held on August 24, 2026, with Nigerian International Film Summit.",
    "Focus on international sales, distribution, and commercial considerations for African films."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "MultiChoice unveils regional masterclasses for filmmakers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/multichoice-unveils-regional-masterclasses-for-filmmakers-3866040",
        "published": "2026-08-28T02:02:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}