At just 18 years old, Adala Nyamoita Makhulo, is one of the youngest MTF interns. Though she was born in Nairobi, Kenya she completed high school in India. She says it helped her step out of her comfort zone and become an open-minded global citizen, “I was exposed to people from 70 different nationalities (25 of which were African nationalities) that were not only diverse in terms of geographical location, but also in terms of opinions, religions and beliefs.”
It was here that she started writing a blog documenting her journey in India through written accounts and photographs and found her passion for writing.
Adala aspires to be a scriptwriter and director, “Using different kinds of narrative techniques, such as a fragmented narrative structure, makes the story more appealing, as does breaking of the fourth wall, which makes the film more engaging for the audience.”
Adala believes that documentaries serve as powerful platforms for change because they spark conversations about various issues and allow the audience to put themselves in the shoes of others and connect with their personal stories. “Before film and television was a growing industry on the continent, people from outside the continent told stories about us and our livelihoods. Some of these stories would often stereotype us or depict the continent in only one manner, leaving out other parts of our identity,” she said. “Africans are now telling our own stories, in our own context. We are showcasing the diverse continent of Africa though film and television and also generating content to appeal to different people.” And she wants to be part of that movement!