It’s always been Hilda Monica Awori’s aspiration to be involved in the creative industry, which is why she studied a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Film and works as a filmmaker and artist. Her qualification helped her understand that we can become better storytellers by taking from the example of Jerzy Marian Grotowski, the Polish theatre director and theorist, whose approaches to acting, training and theatrical production showed that you don’t need money to tell a good story.
“As long as creatives learn the art and formula of storytelling, the sky is the limit. We can become incredible storytellers by making use of all kinds of platforms and materials, starting with our phones and making use of social media, which has given us an opportunity for an audience,” says 24-year-old Hilda.
Lack of financial support and the belief that the entertainment industry does not create a credible career has killed dreams and has denied Africa many creatives, in her opinion. But she believes that Africans have the grit and staying power to overcome challenges. Hilda hopes that MTF will help fellow Africans to fall in love with African content. She draws her inspiration from Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi, Ugandan actor Philip Luswata and films like Black Panther.
“Philip Luswata strives to create opportunities for young artists in Uganda. The lack of opportunity limits the entertainment industry. I could not sing but because of him, today I can hit the high notes. I look up to him and someday hope to use my position to create as many opportunities for young artists,” she says.