Goitsemang Scarlett Chalumbila’s journey through the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) program is not just a story of personal growth, but a compelling example of how emerging African creatives are redefining the continent’s film and media landscape. From her initial motivation to join MTF, to learn from industry professionals and gain hands-on experience, to her current role as a Digital Content Producer at Bullsheep Creative Studios and founder of Sewelo Media, Chalumbila’s narrative encapsulates the transformative power of practical training combined with visionary storytelling.
Chalumbila entered MTF driven by a desire to move beyond classroom theory. She sought an immersive environment where she could observe and participate in the realities of filmmaking. “I wanted to learn from people already working in the industry, gain practical experience, and understand what it takes to build a sustainable career in film beyond the classroom,” she said. MTF, a program known for bridging the gap between education and professional practice in Southern Africa, presented the perfect opportunity to step into the industry and learn by doing. This hands-on approach is a hallmark of MTF, which has graduated numerous cohorts of young creatives poised to impact African media.
Her time at MTF was marked by a broadening of perspective. It was not just about mastering a single craft but understanding the entire production ecosystem. Chalumbila reflected on how the program pushed her “to think beyond my individual role and understand the entire production ecosystem.” This holistic view enabled her to gain confidence in collaboration and problem-solving; skills essential to filmmaking. The program’s structure, which involves working on real feature-length productions, gave her a taste of the pressures and dynamics of the industry. Her roles ranged from Head Scriptwriter to Post-Production Manager, Script Supervisor, and even Film Score Composer, illustrating her versatility and deepening understanding of the filmmaking process.
One of the most significant challenges she faced was navigating creative differences in a diverse team. “Working with people from different creative backgrounds and learning how to find one shared vision” was a test of communication and adaptability. It underscored a crucial lesson that filmmaking is as much about human interaction as it is about technical skill or artistic vision. This experience mirrors a common thread among MTF alumni, who often cite the program’s emphasis on collaborative learning and professional mentorship as key to their development.
Mentorship at MTF played a pivotal role in shaping Chalumbila’s artistic voice. She credits Paul Wilo, an award-winning Zambian filmmaker known for works like Maria Kristu and Service to Heart, as a significant influence. Wilo’s insistence on professional rigor and critical self-examination challenged her to question her creative decisions and take ownership of her work. Wilo himself is recognized for nurturing talent across Southern Africa, and his mentorship reflects MTF’s broader commitment to elevating emerging filmmakers by connecting them with established industry figures.
MTF’s impact extends beyond individual skill-building; it fosters a vibrant network of creatives across the continent. Chalumbila highlighted how the program connected her with filmmakers, producers, and creatives from Southern Africa, expanding her professional network and providing a regional perspective on the industry. This network proved invaluable, especially after she was recognized as one of the best-performing students and secured an internship at MultiChoice’s Johannesburg headquarters. This experience further broadened her connections, linking her with creatives from across Africa and opening doors to new opportunities.
Her creative vision evolved significantly during and after MTF. Chalumbila developed a unique cinematic philosophy she calls Visual Grace, which explores portraying intangible concepts like grace, hope, and faith through film. She aims to make “the invisible feel visible,” inviting audiences to encounter something beyond the physical; a presence that points back to spiritual ideas, particularly those related to Jesus. This approach sets her apart as a filmmaker deeply interested in the intersection of storytelling, spirituality, and human experience, using cinema as a medium for reflection and connection.
Chalumbila’s current professional endeavors reflect both her growth and ambition. At Bullsheep Creative Studios in Botswana, she is part of a team known for innovative digital marketing, creative direction, and brand development that pushes cultural narratives forward. Bullsheep’s projects, including exhibitions and live sessions, embody a fresh wave of African creativity that is both locally grounded and globally relevant. Meanwhile, her own venture, Sewelo Media, named perhaps with a nod to the rare and magnificent Sewelo diamond from Botswana, symbolizes her commitment to producing culturally rich and narrative-driven projects that resonate within and beyond the continent.
MTF’s role in supporting emerging African talent like Chalumbila is distinctive in its combination of practical experience, mentorship, and networking. Unlike purely academic programs, MTF immerses its participants in real-world production environments, providing a bridge to professional careers. This practical grounding, paired with the program’s regional scope, equips creatives to navigate and contribute to the growing African entertainment industry effectively. Alumni of MTF have gone on to work on major productions and establish their own companies, underscoring the program’s lasting influence.
Chalumbila’s advice to aspiring filmmakers underscores the program’s ethos: “Apply even if you feel like you are not ready. Come curious, work hard and be willing to learn from people who do things differently from you. Your technical skills matter, but your attitude, relationships and willingness to grow matter just as much.” This perspective highlights that success in creative industries is rarely about raw talent alone; it’s about mindset, openness, and the ability to collaborate.
Looking back, Chalumbila sees MTF as a critical foundation for her career, one that prepared her to embrace unexpected challenges and opportunities. Her recognition as a top student and the subsequent internship were springboards that expanded her horizon and confidence. Today, as she juggles her roles at Bullsheep Creative Studios and Sewelo Media, she embodies the kind of dynamic, versatile filmmaker that MTF aims to cultivate; one who is ready to shape the future of African storytelling with both skill and soul.
Goitsemang Scarlett Chalumbila’s story is a vivid illustration of how targeted mentorship, hands-on training, and a supportive network can transform emerging talent into industry leaders. Her journey through MTF and beyond reflects a broader movement within African cinema – one that embraces both tradition and innovation, personal vision and collective effort. As the continent’s creative industries continue to grow, stories like hers offer a glimpse into the bright, diverse future of African storytelling.