The MultiChoice Film Talent Incubator programme which was introduced in 2007 in partnership with Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking to develop skills specifically among the previous disadvantaged. The 16 participants who completed the programme were honoured on Thursday 2 October at a special event.

MultiChoice CEO, Nolo Letele, says the Film Talent Incubator is one of the company’s most exciting CSI initiatives: “The Film Talent Incubator allows us to contribute towards the promotion of local ‘content development’ in a meaningful and sustainable way.

“MultiChoice has got its sights set on the diverse talent pool of promising television and film makers who have not previously had the means or opportunity to hone the skills required to excel in this highly competitive industry,” says Letele.

Of the 16 participants, nine winners received awards for their work in four films - Invisible Pain, Scars, Painted Black and Valuable Ones – who thrilled the panel of judges because of their exceptional quality, creativity and high standards.

These are the winners:

• The Best Producer is awarded to the producer of Painted Black, Unathi Ndiki.


• Best Director is awarded to Painted Black’s Sibusiso Mngomezulu.


• The Best Camera is awarded to Nduduzo Shandu, Painted Black


• Best Sound has been awarded to Scars’ Tsholofelo Monare.


• Best Editing goes to Painted Black’s Matala Maranyane.


• Best Production is awarded to the production team behind the Valuable Ones’ Pamela Sebigi, Thabang Moqobai, Pumeza Ndzobongo and Luyanda Mvubu.

MultiChoice’s CSI Manager Itumeleng Letebele explains that the intensive, highly regarded 2008 MultiChoice Film Talent Incubator kicked off in the first week of April and ran until mid-September.

“Participants are exposed to theoretical and practical outcomes-based exercises and workshops, they also filmed short format experimental pieces,” she says.

These exercises include research, proposal writing, scriptwriting, production processes, administration, production accounting, directing, camera, sound, lighting, and editing. The 16 participants were also encouraged to specialise in their chosen areas.