Set in the 1990’s, Grown is a fantasy drama that explores the themes of adulthood, motherhood, love, fear and magic. It tells the story of an over-pampered teenager who resents her mother, wishes she was an adult and wakes up to a rude shock one morning as a grown woman with kids. Only then, does she realize that adulthood is a scam, regrets her wish and begins a fight to become young again. Written by Nosa Isibor and Boakye D. Alpha, directed by Ola Jegede and Empress Allen and produced by Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe and Nosa Isibor, the film stars Efe Irele, Yemi Cregx, Bobby Ekpe, Najite Dede and Sarah Obiekwe among others.

In Her Dark Past, the life of an uber-successful social media influencer and life coach starts to crumble when the child she left for dead resurfaces years later, giving way to a complex spiral of drama that imperils her seemingly perfect life and unearths the trauma she fights daily to bury. Directed by Oluwatobi Deborah Ahmed and Samuel Oluwasegun Ogundeyi and produced by Elvis Damptey and Adeniran Wuraola, the film stars Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Daniel Etim Effiong, Iremide Adeoye, Ego Ihenacho and Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko among others.

“Her Dark Past and Grown are two films that beautifully capture the pressures of young people living in this social media age, teaching them to relish their youth, be true to themselves and rely on the unwavering support of those who love them beyond the façade of social media” says MTF West Africa Academy Director, Atinuke Ngozi Babatunde. “They are authentic African stories, told by Africans for Africa and we are proud to bring them to audiences across Africa this March.

“Telling well-crafted stories and creating films of good quality, are the hallmarks of the 1-year these talented young filmmakers spend at the MultiChoice Talent Factory. The whole curriculum is designed to ensure that every student who goes through the programme graduates as a solid filmmaker who understands the art and business of filmmaking” says Babatunde. “For the class of 2023, these films were their opportunity to put all their learning into practice and I am super proud of what they have created and can’t wait for the rest of Africa to enjoy the magic as well.”

Grown premieres on Africa Magic Showcase (Ch 151) at 8.30pm on Saturday, March 2 and on Africa Magic Urban (Ch 153) at 8pm on Saturday, March 9 while Her Dark Past premieres on Africa Magic Showcase (Ch 151) at 8.30pm on Sunday, March 3 and on Africa Magic Urban (Ch 153) at 8pm on Sunday, March 10.

MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) West Africa, is one of three academies on the continent committed to the growth and thorough development of aspiring filmmakers and the creative industry through deep theoretical and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling, amongst others. Visit www.multichoicetalentfactory.com and follow @multichoicetalentfactorywa on all social media platforms to learn more.