Twenty-six-year-old Maputo, Mozambique, college student, Melissa Babil, believes film and TV have the power to transform lives, especially those of young Africans.
So much so, in fact, that if she had the chance to make a TV show of her own, it would focus on helping Africa’s young people.
“I would create a dramatic lifestyle show about teens who are finishing high school, and highlight how the choices they are making could define their entire lives, the insecurities they are facing, and the wins they are experiencing, because that is what this age is all about. I feel that teens and young adults need more practical references that they can relate to while they are still growing up, to help them navigate these often difficult years,” says Melissa.
She has completed courses in Communication and Multimedia at the Above Formation Center, and Radio Broadcasting at the Zambeze Formation Center, but ultimately wants to pursue a career as a film director and writer, or director of photography.
“I’m really looking forward to my year at the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy, as it gives me a chance to really grow my knowledge of this industry,” she adds.
Melissa is inspired by African actors Charlize Theron, Fulu Mugovhani and Tumi Morake, as well as Mozambican filmmaker, writer and producer, Mickey Fonseca, particularly his direction of the 2019 film Redemption (Resgate).