With filmmaking, aspiring visual storytellers can embark on a unique journey. From the formative experiences of early life to the continuous growth, filmmakers are presented with endless opportunities to learn and evolve. An inspiring example of this are the stories of Adedamola Akapo and Victor Lushinjilo Kasanga, who ventured into the world of cinema through the NYFA and MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy’s unique and impactful partnership.
“These talented individuals harnessed the power of their personal experiences to ignite a passionate drive towards realizing their dreams of becoming remarkable storytellers in their own right,” says Jim Miller, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at NYFA.
NYFA Students Awarded “Top of the Class” in MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy
The MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy is a multi-disciplinary training program whose mission is to develop the next generation of storytellers in Africa. Students are given the opportunity to partake in a year-long program that provides them with a multitude of knowledge about filmmaking and the industry as a whole. Along with being a member of the Class of 2022, NYFA Filmmaking students Adedamola Akapo and Victor Lushinjilo Kasanga were chosen as “top of the class.” They even received scholarships to participate in the program!
NYFA sat down with Adedamola and Victor (pictured above), who attended an 8-Week Filmmaking Workshop at NYFA, to discuss the experiences that shaped them into the Filmmakers they are today. In this Q&A, they discuss how these experiences still influence not only their filmmaking journeys but their perspectives overall. We specifically touch on their experiences within the MultiChoice Foundation’s Talent Factory Academy.
Adedamola Akapo on Directing, Acting, and Collaborating with Peers
New York Film Academy (NYFA): How did you feel when you heard that you were selected to attend the MultiChoice Foundation’s Talent Factory Academy?
Adedamola Akapo: I was very shocked, to be honest. This is because the list of selected students was already published, and I had given up on getting in, but fortunately, I got a call a week before classes started, and I was so excited.
NYFA: Please tell us about your experience in that year-long program and what proficiencies you learned.
AA: The period of learning at the factory afforded me the chance to connect with other filmmakers in a demanding space, creatives are very personal with their decisions, and it was a great learning curve to learn to mix in my thought process with others.
I was able to DP an entire feature film for the first time and also do lighting design on two projects. This was my biggest take from the program.
NYFA: What ran through your mind when you learned that you were chosen ‘top of the class’ and were awarded the MTF scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy?
AA: I was over the moon; I felt a sense of fulfillment. I had always dreamed of attending the New York Film Academy, and truth be told, I was just glad to be at the academy. I just wanted to be myself, but I am very grateful that being myself was exactly what was needed, and it got me into NYFA.
NYFA: What projects have you worked on before coming to NYFA?
AA: After college, where I studied Theatre Arts, I got a role as an actor in the movie Idahosa Trails by Stanlee Ohikhuare, where I played Young Benson Idahosa. After that, I decided to go behind the camera to see how things work, as I really wanted to be a director. I have since worked as an AD, Gaffer, and AC on different projects, and most recently worked as the DP for a short horror film “Dreams” by Chioma Paul-Dike.
NYFA: What have you learned at NYFA so far that you can apply directly to your short film and other projects?
Directing Actors has been the most rewarding for me. I have already gained valuable techniques that have so far helped me on in-class projects and would come in handy in future projects.
NYFA: What have been your favorite things about living in New York City so far?
AA: The diversity of cultures. It’s been great learning a few things about other cultures and coming across other languages.
NYFA: In your country (Nigeria/or/Zambia), what are the biggest career challenges?
AA: The biggest challenge for me is access to funds to shoot films and also equipment. Having access to equipment still comes down to funds, though.
NYFA: What advice do you have for other young creatives in your home country who are considering careers in filmmaking?
AA: Never stop learning, and start from learning by yourself.
NYFA: Do you have any final words of wisdom to impart to others about success in the industry?
AA: This industry is one of constant learning; the day you stop being receptive to new ideas, that is the end of your career.
Victor Lushinjilo Kasanga on Producing, Cinematography, and Post-Production
New York Film Academy (NYFA): How did you feel when you heard that you were selected to attend the MultiChoice Foundation’s Talent Factory Academy?
Victor Lushinjilo Kasanga: When I got the phone call from Multichoice Talent Factory informing me that I was selected, I felt an array of emotions. I felt ecstatic, a bit nervous, and grateful.
NYFA: Please tell us a bit about your experience in that yearlong program and what proficiencies you learned.
VLK: My experience with the yearlong program was life-changing, honestly. Among the many filmmaking skills taught, I found a lot of value in learning sound for film and television, both on location and in post-production. Being a producer on a feature film is no minor task, but Multichoice Talent Factory gave me the necessary skills to see a production through from pre-production to distribution.
NYFA: What ran through your mind when you learned that you were chosen ‘top of the class’ and were awarded the MTF scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy?
VLK: When I learned that I was awarded the MTF scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy, I was astonished; the moment didn’t feel real. My background is that of having no proper training; I started out watching scattered YouTube videos, so to learn that I was going to learn from the best- come on, that is a dream come true moment- shifting my course entirely.
NYFA: What projects have you worked on before coming to NYFA?
VLK: Before coming to NYFA,, I worked as a final mixer (audio post-production) for the Zambezi Magic show ‘Mpali’ (which recently picked up an award for being the Best Original Telenovela on the African Continent at the AMVCA). Other projects include a commercial for Californian Beverages and a 13-episode comedy show for Zambezi Magic.
NYFA: What have you learned at NYFA so far that you can apply directly to your short film and other projects?
VLK: At NYFA, I’ve learned and intend to use the skills of motivated cinematography, editing, and directing in my short film and all other projects after. Learning the nuance of how to work with actors, the impact of production design, and the power of editing to influence emotion, perspective, tone, and time in a story are things I’m really looking forward to implementing.
NYFA: What have been your favorite things about living in New York City so far?
VLK: Some of my favorite things about living in New York have been meeting people from all over the world (it’s a very diverse city), trying different foods, and exploring different parts. There is so much to see and learn about this city; I now get why it is so famous.
NYFA: In your country (Nigeria/or/Zambia), what are the biggest career challenges?
VLK: In Zambia, my view is that the biggest career challenge is making it a financially sustainable line of work. To solely make a living in film or television is possible, but it is not easy.
NYFA: What advice do you have for other young creatives in your home country who are considering careers in filmmaking?
VLK: My advice to other creatives in Zambia considering careers in filmmaking is twofold. Firstly, we should go for it, approaching it with a mindset that treats storytelling as an important part of the global society. Secondly, let us strive to make authentic African stories; Africa needs rebranding, and why not make our input a step in the right direction?
NYFA: Do you have any final words of wisdom to impart to others about success in the industry?
VLK: Final words of wisdom to impart to others? I don’t consider myself wise or successful in the industry, but I do hope what I have shared is helpful to someone out there.
Thank you, NYFA, for this platform to share; the collaboration between MTF & NYFA is incredible. You’ve truly impacted my career positively, and I am grateful for this opportunity. Thank you to Jim and Jonathan too!
Pursue Your Passion at New York Film Academy
When it comes to expanding on our crafts, there is always room for more and more knowledge. Both Adedamola and Victor never gave up on their storytelling and, no matter what were always open to learning more. Much like these two, Storytellers take their passions and use the tools provided at NYFA to reach new heights in their potential. Being able to partake in The MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy provides storytellers the year-long opportunity to truly hone their craft with a multitude of unique resources. Here at NYFA, we are extremely proud of Adedamola Akapo, Victor Lushinjilo Kasanga, and the rest of the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy Class of 2022!
Looking for a way to expand your skills as a storyteller? Take a look at our filmmaking degrees, certificates, and workshops!