Women Shaping the Future of African Film
As Africa’s film and television industry continues to gain international recognition, one of the most transformative shifts is the rise of women in leadership roles. Across the continent, women are not just participating in the industry; they are shaping its future, redefining narratives, and proving that gender diversity is more than a moral imperative—it is a strategic advantage. From the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) training the next generation of female filmmakers to industry executives steering major film corporations, women are at the forefront of change.
African Women in Film: More Than Just Representation
The presence of women in Africa’s film industry is no longer just about visibility. It is about influence, decision-making power, and the ability to tell stories on their own terms. Historically, the global film industry has been a male-dominated space, with women relegated to roles in front of the camera while men controlled production, distribution, and funding. However, African women are disrupting this norm, stepping into key positions as directors, producers, scriptwriters, and executives.
This shift is crucial for several reasons. First, women bring diverse perspectives to storytelling, ensuring that African films reflect a broader range of experiences. Second, their leadership fosters inclusive work environments, creating opportunities for more women to break into the industry. Third, having women in leadership positions challenges outdated gender norms and paves the way for younger generations to see filmmaking as a viable career path.
Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the work of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), which has become a breeding ground for female talent in film and television.
The Role of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) in Empowering Women
The MTF is a pan-African initiative dedicated to training and mentoring young filmmakers. With academies in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia, the program provides fully-funded, year-long training in film and TV production. Women are consistently well-represented in each cohort, and many go on to win prestigious awards, premiere their films on major platforms, and take on leadership roles in the industry.
Elma Baisie, a graduate of MTF West Africa Academy, recently co-directed Everything Light Touches, which premiered on Africa Magic Showcase. Similarly, Lynn Gitau from MTF East Africa Academy co-created Somewhere in Kole, which aired on Maisha Magic Plus. These productions not only showcase the talent of African women filmmakers but also emphasize the importance of institutional support in nurturing creative voices.
MTF Academy directors are intentional about promoting gender balance. “We ensure that women filmmakers are not just present but actively supported in their creative pursuits,” says Chris Puta, MTF Southern Africa Academy director. “It’s about giving them the freedom to express their unique perspectives through writing, directing, and producing.”
Beyond training, MTF alumni are making waves in the festival circuit. Adeola Andrea Peregrino, a West Africa graduate, won first prize at the LEAP Africa USAID Film Contest and second prize at the IOM Film Contest for her film Poached. She was also a finalist at the Edo State Festival and the Africa International Film Festival.
For many female filmmakers, seeing women excel in the industry is a source of inspiration. “When young women see other women making great films and winning awards, it motivates them to pursue film as a career,” says Victoria Goro, MTF East Africa Academy Director.
Women in Film Leadership: Beyond the Director’s Chair
While many women are excelling as directors and producers, others are taking on executive roles, ensuring that gender equity extends beyond the creative space and into the business side of filmmaking. A shining example of this is Filmhouse Group, Nigeria’s leading cinema, distribution, and production company, where women hold 50% of leadership positions.
This is not just about representation—it is about impact. The women at Filmhouse Group are driving key decisions, from how films are marketed to what stories get told. Chief Content Officer Ladun Awobokun is championing a more inclusive film slate, securing female-led narratives and culturally rich stories. Chief Marketing Officer Mojisola Oladapo has transformed audience engagement, using innovative campaigns and strategic partnerships to connect African films with broader audiences.
Women like Barbara Babarinsa, Eguono Ohwo, Chizoba Obi, Toluwanimi Adeyemi, Edith Itoya, Victoria Ogar, Winifred Amakulor, and Victoria Ushebi are shaping every aspect of Filmhouse’s operations, from production and finance to people management and public relations. Their collective expertise has helped the company grow from a single-screen cinema in 2012 to a network of 55 screens across 11 locations, solidifying its status as West Africa’s largest cinema chain.
As Nollywood continues to expand its global footprint, Filmhouse Group’s commitment to gender parity sets an important precedent for the future of African cinema—one where women are at the decision-making table, not just in supporting roles.
Women Filmmakers Driving Industry Innovation
Beyond established institutions, African women filmmakers are creating their own platforms to drive change.
In Namibia, MTF graduate Esther Beukes was recently appointed Chairperson of the Board for the Namibia Film Commission, highlighting how women are stepping into policy-making roles.
In Botswana, filmmaker Serena Mmifinyane founded the Women in Film Guild Botswana, an organization affiliated with Women in Film & TV International (WIFTI). She now serves as the secretary of WIFTI’s global board, advocating for female representation in film industries across Africa and beyond.
Their work underscores an important shift: African women in film are not waiting for permission to lead. They are creating opportunities, forming networks, and ensuring that future generations of women filmmakers have a clear path to success.