If there’s one thing that 22-year-old Gaborone, Botswana, resident Refilwe Podi knows how to do well, it’s aim for the stars. This final-year BA in Motion Picture Medium student, who is majoring in writing and directing, aims to be the greatest TV and radio personality, writer and director that Africa and the rest of the world has ever seen.
She has already taken multiple steps towards making this dream a reality by landing posts as a ‘Don’t Get It Twisted’ radio host on Yarona FM; virtual peer educator; TV presenter; SRH; and youth activist.
But this is just the beginning – Refilwe hopes her time at the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy programme will provide her with deeper insight into what makes a good production as well as the opportunity to interact with industry professionals who will further improve her skills and talent.
“I’m also looking to develop my directing skills so I can learn how to achieve what I want visually or technically, and connect with other African creatives so that we can one day tell our individual stories as a collective,” she explains.
Refilwe is inspired by Thabang Moleya, Sindi Dlathu, and Connie and the late Shona Ferguson, as well as Thato Dipholo, who Refilwe admires as a female Motswana writer and contributor to Gomora and The River, her two favourite telenovelas.