At just 22 years old, Lusaka-born storyteller Lilato Martina Muyunda, is already proving that dreams, when nurtured and supported, can blossom into powerful realities. She is among the newest students selected to join the prestigious MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy, an initiative dedicated to equipping Africa’s next generation of filmmakers with the tools, skills, and networks they need to thrive in the global creative economy.
For Lilato, filmmaking has never been just a career choice. It has been a lifelong calling. “Filmmaking has been a dream of mine for so long that I can’t even remember where it started from,” she shares. Encouraged by her father, who recognized her passion and potential, Lilato applied to the MTF Academy, setting herself on a journey that is bound to reshape her creative path.
Before stepping into the Academy, Lilato was pursuing a degree in psychology as an online student while simultaneously creating storylines and exploring avenues in the arts. Her true passion, however, lies in scriptwriting. “I enjoy what coming up with and putting together the pieces of a story feels like when it begins to be tangible,” she explains.
At MTF, Lilato is eager to sharpen her skills and grow as a filmmaker. “I’m looking forward to cultivating more confidence in my creative process and learning how to collaborate effectively with others in the industry. I also want to create happy memories that will last a lifetime,” she says with a smile.
Her inspirations range from global filmmakers like Greta Gerwig, Damien Chazelle, and Jordan Peele to Zambia’s very own award-winning storyteller, Rungano Nyoni. But at the heart of her creative vision lies her faith. “If we’re talking about overall inspiration, I would say God. With all the creativity in the world, how could I not?”
For Lilato, being part of MTF is more than just an academic opportunity. It is “confirmation” of her place in the creative world. She hopes to emerge from the program not only as a confident storyteller but also as a contributor to Zambia’s growing creative industry. “I hope to carry the skills I acquire and tell as many of my stories as time will allow me,” she affirms.
With her unique voice, determination, and the solid training provided by MTF, Lilato is set to inspire a new wave of Zambian creatives while breaking barriers for women in film. Her journey is proof of the profound impact the MultiChoice Talent Factory continues to have on young African storytellers, opening doors, amplifying voices, and ensuring that Africa’s stories are told by Africans themselves.
