The winter holidays provide something that’s often in short supply during the school year: time. Time to reflect, to reset and, for many families, to start having important conversations about the future. For matric learners, the countdown to the final examinations has truly begun. Before long, they will be making one of the biggest decisions of their lives, deciding what to study and where to study. It is a decision that deserves careful thought, because the right institution should do more than prepare you to graduate. It should prepare you to succeed.
At Media City Academy, we believe education should extend far beyond the classroom. The creative industries demand more than talent. They require practical experience, resilience, collaboration and a willingness to learn by doing. That is why our students study on a working production lot, learning alongside industry professionals and gaining real-world experience from the very beginning of their journey.
This edition of our newsletter is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when talent meets opportunity. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our student, Sabelo Khomo, whose short film Orì has been officially selected for the Indie Film Awards in New York. It is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with him. We wish Sabelo every success as he represents South African storytelling on the international stage.
I am equally excited to welcome you to our inaugural Student Film Festival, taking place as part of this year’s Media City Academy Open Day. There is no better way to experience the creativity, passion and potential of our students than by watching their stories come to life on screen. Alongside the festival, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our lecturers, connect with industry professionals and explore our unique campus. If you’re still considering your study options for 2027, I encourage you to visit Media City Academy. Bring your questions, bring your parents and spend time with us. Walk through our studios, meet our lecturers, speak to our students and experience what it means to study on a working production lot.
If you’re still unsure which creative career is right for you, let us help. Whether your interests lie in film, television, acting, animation, content creation or another creative discipline, our team is here to offer guidance and help you discover the pathway that’s right for you. Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to see your future differently.
Your future doesn’t begin when classes start. It begins with the decisions you make today. We look forward to welcoming you to Media City Academy and being part of your journey.
Zenobia Simelane
Head of School
Media City Academy
