Both candidates will receive six months of training, designed to meet their individual requirements, involves developing two original pieces of work under the guidance and mentorship of industry specialists, as well as an international visit to attend a workshop. Thereafter the candidates will be back to South Africa to work on their film production.
A panel of industry experts, which included Robbie Thorpe, Levern Engel, Davin Max Brown, Akin Omotoso and Wessel van Huysteen, selected the candidates.
"The panellists are all well respected directors and producers in the industry who have taken a keen interest in supporting and nurturing South African filmmaking talent," says Jackie Rakitla, general manager of Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice.
Mahlangu has been in the industry for 14 years and has honed his skills at some of the top companies in South Africa. He has worked on shows such as Big Brother Africa I & II, Soul Buddyz and Evita's and Loyiso's Dinner with the President. He hopes to be able to utilise his training to improve the conditions for African filmmakers in the industry and to be able to make a difference with his work.
Mkhwanazi has worked on South African programmes such as Soul City, Hard Copy and Isidingo and hopes to produce internationally competitive work and to mentor those who enter the industry in future.
Since its inception in 2007, 48 students have graduated from the FTI programme. In 2009, the programme was expanded to include a producer and director segment for previously disadvantaged individuals already participating in the industry. It is the company's CSI initiative aimed at contributing towards skills development in the South African film and television industry.
