If given the change to create her own TV show, 24-year-old Kenyan writer Fridah Naliaka Simiyu would focus on creating a Drama-themed show spotlighting cultural and social issues, with the intention of creating film and TV that is realistic and relatable to African audiences.
“I would love to entertain my audience with what is familiar to them,” says Simiyu, who hopes that being a part of the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy’s Class of 2019 will spark her creativity and expose me to different styles of visual storytelling.
Her favourite TV shows include Real Househelps of Kawangware, and Maisha Magic East telenovela Selina. Alongside film and TV, Simiyu is also passionate about journalism and communications, and believes that the future of film and TV content in Africa is in online media. For her, it is the story that makes for a powerful film, and its ability to elicit emotion.