TAG awards (Televisions Awards for Good project) is targeted at filmmakers, advertisers and film students to produce pro-bono public service announcements for important charities and social causes – in 2011 four young professionals attended the Cannes Young Lions workshop in Cannes and five bursaries were awarded to previously advantaged students at film and advertising schools.

 

Cannes Young Lions workshop

Through the M-Net Television Awards for Good (TAG), four young professionals have the opportunity to attend the Cannes Young Lions workshop in Cannes each year. In addition, five bursaries are awarded to previously disadvantaged students at five film and advertising schools – in 2011, 174 entries were received; 25 finalists’ submissions were flighted on M-Net channels.

The objective of M-Net New Directions is to stimulate the growth of African filmmakers through an annual competition for directors and scriptwriters which has produced over 50 films since inception.

New Directions has achieved singular recognition and success in the 18 years since its launch:

• Longest-running developmental, skills development filmmaking initiative in Africa with scores of films produced to date
• Demonstrates M-Net and M-Net Cares’ commitment to Africa’s film-making talent - launching new film-makers in the industry across the continent (including Nigeria)
• Mentorship by leading professionals for scriptwriters
• Enables the documentation of cultural expression on film.

 

DStv Eutelsat Star Awards

Launched in July 2011, this a pan-African awards initiative aimed at school-going learners. The awards were conceptualised as a corporate social investment project to showcase innovative ideas in applying satellite technology; create awareness of this technology and its application for school-going youth; and stimulate interest in science and technology among African school learners. The awards attracted over 800 entries across the continent and the adjudication of the finalists was chaired by Prof George Smoot, astrophysicist and Nobel laureate. The overall winner, a young lady from Uganda, received a trip to Paris, France and the opportunity to see a rocket launch, while the runner-up (a young man from Ghana) received a trip to Paris as well. In 2012, the winning entrants’ schools will also receive prizes.

 

Bontleng Primary School's programme

Every year, MultiChoice Botswana participates in the Bontleng Primary School's programme, including hosting sports tournaments and back-to-school functions to motivate learners. MultiChoice Botswana donated a television set, DVD recorder and satellite decoder to the school's special needs class to assist with learners' visual stimulation.

 

New Directions is targeted at directors and scriptwriters and designed to stimulate the growth of African filmmakers – longest running filmmaking initiative in Africa with 50 films produced to date.

Apex awards

The Apex awards recognise and reward effective advertising communications, with proceeds used for bursaries that give previously disadvantaged students access to the advertising industry.