“If I could create a TV show it would be Africa’s Got Talent,” says 23-year-old Millan Khamsali Lwanga from Nairobi, Kenya. “Because I believe that Africans are very talented.”
The journalism graduate is pursuing a career as a filmmaker. His role model is Jeta Amata – a renowned Nigerian director, film producer and screenwriter.
“I look up to him for his creative works with the African story.
I was inspired by his film Black November, which showcased the environmental struggle to protect the Niger delta based on real events.
The film’s name derives from the month in 1995 when Nigerian writer, television producer and non-violent environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa was executed. Jeta Amata knows the power of the African story and invested in it. The results were amazing!” he says.
Millan wants to tell similar stories and is deeply passionate about the continent. “The African story is rich in culture and diverse across the continent, yet united by our beautiful skin colour – the mark of our heritage. Africa is rich in natural resources, favourable climates and beautiful sceneries, which are readily available and do not need the use of CGI,” he says.
He is also invigorated by social work and giving back to society and his community. “I intend to open an academy (similar to MTF) where I can teach, nurture and create film festivals that appreciate and stimulate up-and-coming creatives.” He also wants to ensure that creatives who are starting out are not unfairly exploited.