On March 8, 2025, commemorated globally as International Women’s Day, Ugandan filmmaker Linda Dinah was honoured with the Best Female Sound Designer award at the 6th edition of the Women in Film Awards (WIFA) Kenya.
She received the accolade for her outstanding work on two feature films, The Immersive Alarm and Deadbeat, both created during her time at the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), East Africa Academy, as part of the Class of 2024. The films later aired on M-Net’s Maisha Magic Prime, further cementing her reputation as a rising star in the industry.
The Immersive Alarm, a fantasy film about a boy who can travel through time to gather evidence proving his father was falsely accused of murder, featured Linda’s meticulous sound design that heightened the film’s emotional and suspenseful moments. In Deadbeat, a dark comedy about an absent father who leaves behind posthumous burial instructions for his son, her sound work brought depth and humour to the storytelling.
Reflecting on her win, Linda Dinah emphasized the importance of sound design in filmmaking:
“This is such a wonderful surprise! As a Ugandan winning in Kenya, this moment reminds me of what we are always striving for—film without borders. I am grateful to MultiChoice Talent Factory for being a home where I refined my craft, and this award is proof of that growth. This award is not just for me but for every Ugandan woman who aspires to break into technical fields in film. I hope it inspires more young women to own our sound and stories.”
The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has been instrumental in nurturing new African film talent, providing hands-on experience and industry exposure. Victoria Goro, Academy Director of MTF East Africa, applauded Linda’s achievement and acknowledged the continued success of the academy’s alumni.
“Linda’s win at WIFA is a proud moment for MTF, showcasing the level of skill and innovation emerging from our year-long program. Our alumni, including talents like Samuel Mafayo and Agola Simon, continue to make remarkable strides in the industry. With the upcoming internship opportunity in South Africa, they will further refine their skills and contribute even more to the future of African cinema.”
Linda Dinah’s recognition at WIFA shows the growing impact of African women in film’s technical roles, a space where they have historically been underrepresented. Her success marks a step forward for greater inclusivity in the industry and a testament to the power of sound in immersive storytelling.
