Welcome to Mashariki Arts Academy

Shaping Africa's creative future through world-class film and storytelling training.

From Our Founder

"Africa's greatest stories live within its people. Our role is to give creatives the tools, discipline, and opportunity to take those stories to the world."

— Senga Trésor

Founder, Mashariki Arts Academy

Who We Are

Mashariki Arts Academy is a professional film and creative training institution dedicated to nurturing Africa's next generation of storytellers.

Based in Rwanda and accredited by the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), the Academy offers intensive, practice-driven training that blends African storytelling traditions with global production standards. Our mission is to equip emerging creatives with the technical skills, creative confidence, and industry exposure needed to thrive in today's creative economy.

Through hands-on learning, mentorship from local and international professionals, and real production experience, Mashariki Arts Academy prepares students not only to tell powerful stories but to build sustainable creative careers across Africa and beyond.

We believe Africa's stories matter, and the future of global cinema depends on African voices that are skilled, confident, and industry-ready.

11+

Years of Impact

5,000+

Creatives Trained

150+

Projects Created

Our Mission

To build Africa's creative capacity by training, mentoring, and empowering filmmakers and creatives with practical skills, professional discipline, and global exposure; strengthening Africa's creative economy through storytelling, innovation, and collaboration.

Our Vision

To become a leading African center of excellence for film and creative training, shaping globally competitive creatives who tell authentic African stories and contribute meaningfully to the continent's cultural, social, and economic transformation.

What Makes Us Different

Practice First, Not Theory Heavy

Our programs are hands-on and project-based. Every student graduates with a professionally produced short film and real production experience.

African Stories, Global Standards

We ground our training in African narratives while teaching workflows and ethics aligned with international film industries and festivals.

Recognized & Credible Training

• RTB-approved certification

• Possible co-signed certificates with partner institutions

• Trusted by local and international cultural organizations

Career-Focused Outcomes

Top graduates access:

• Internships with partner organizations

• Film residencies across Africa

• Project development support through Mashariki Productions

Our Approach to Learning

At Mashariki Arts Academy, learning is collaborative, immersive, and industry-oriented. Students work individually and in teams, guided by professionals who actively work in film and creative industries.

Technical Excellence

Creative Discipline

Collaboration & Leadership

Professional Ethics

This approach ensures graduates are job-ready, festival-ready, and future-ready.

Who We Serve

Emerging African filmmakers

Aspiring creatives and storytellers

Youth and professionals seeking career transitions into film

Creatives committed to building Africa's creative industries

Our Commitment to the Creative Economy

Mashariki Arts Academy is more than a school—it is a creative ecosystem builder.

Job Creation

Cultural Preservation

Creative Entrepreneurship

Film Industry Growth

Our programs are open to all nationalities, with a strong focus on African talent.

Board of Directors

Meet the distinguished leaders and experts guiding Mashariki Arts Academy's mission to empower African creatives.

Brad Major

Board Member, Australia

Australian producer with experience at Working Title Films, production on Deep Sea Challenge (James Cameron), and development at Lightstream Pictures.

Dr. ZHANG Yong

Board Member, China

Vice Director and Doctoral Supervisor at Zhejiang University, pioneer in African Film Studies and China-Africa film relations.

Prof. Martin Mhando

Board Member, Tanzania/Australia

Renowned scholar and expert in African cinema. Research Fellow at Murdoch University, founder/chair of Film Lab Zanzibar, mentor in African film training programs.

Fabrizio Colombo

Artistic Director, Mashariki African Film Festival | Board Member, Italy

25+ years in audiovisual communication and cultural development. Artistic Director of Mashariki African Film Festival since 2019.

Andrew Milner

Award Winning Cinematographer, Australia

Australian cinematographer and director of photography with credits in film, television, commercials, and short films.

Mike Perreault

Executive Director, Maine Film Center | Board Member, USA

Leads Maine Film Center and Maine International Film Festival (MIFF). Expert in film exhibition, festival leadership, and cultural exchange programs.

Anny Tubbs

Documentary Filmmaker & Producer | Board Member, Belgium

Co-founder of First Move Productions. Former legal career; now focuses on ethical storytelling, social impact documentaries, and creative skills development.

Recheal Wainaina

Founder, Youth Film Platform Africa

Filmmaker, producer, Mandela Washington Fellow 2014, communication specialist, and digital creator empowering young African storytellers.

Jenifer Neza

Co-Founder, Mashariki Pictures | Executive Producer & Film Producer | Bachelors in Finance

Co-founder of Mashariki Pictures, a dynamic production entity focused on East African storytelling. Executive producer of the TV series *Greenland*, with hands-on experience in film and television production. Blends financial expertise with creative filmmaking to bring compelling African narratives to life.

Oge Obasi

Producer & Production Head, Fiery Film Company | Nigeria

Over a decade in film & TV production. Key producer at Fiery Film Company for acclaimed genre films like Ojuju (Best Nigerian Film at AFRIFF), O-Town, Juju Stories (Boccalino d’Oro at Locarno), and Mami Wata (Sundance Jury Award, Nigeria's 2024 Oscar submission), with wide festival acclaim and international distribution.

C.J. Obasi

Writer, Director & Filmmaker, Fiery Film Company | Nigeria

Known as “Fiery” or “The Fiery One.” Award-winning director of genre films Ojuju (IndieWire Best Zombie Films list), O-Town, Hello, Rain, Juju Stories (Boccalino d’Oro at Locarno, Amazon Prime), and Mami Wata (Sundance Jury Cinematography Award, Independent Spirit/NAACP noms, Nigeria's 2024 Oscar entry). Co-founder of Surreal16 Collective; Academy (Oscars) voting member.