Training tomorrow's stars

From advanced actor training to AI-driven film studies, new academies are giving South African creatives the tools to thrive in a shifting global industry

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Located in Randburg, Johannesburg, AACA is a fully academic institution offering Bachelor of Arts degrees (NQF Level 7) in both Film & Cinematic Studies and Acting for TV, with formal SAQA registration.

Co-founded alongside acclaimed filmmakers, Dr Frank Orji and Alisha Orji in 2017, Mahuwa says AACA’s distinction lies in three critical dimensions - academic rigour, practical immersion, and future-proofing.

“We emphasise on a fully practical, onset, real-production style training. Students are placed on active productions, shadowing and working alongside professionals. We believe in future-proofing the curriculum. For example, we have integrated an ‘Al in Filmmaking’ module, preparing students for the evolving technological landscape,” Mahuwa said.

Mahuwa added, “In short, the blend of accredited degree, hands-on production, cutting-edge tech, and industry proximity set us apart.”

Unlike Kani’s academy that upskills practicing performers on stage and screen, AACA is focused mostly on training young filmmakers and screen actors.

By graduating storytellers, filmmakers, and actors who are both technically skilled and culturally fluent, Mahuwa says they hope to strengthen the local industry ecosystem, create jobs, and export African stories.

“Our ambition is to position South Africa as the production hub of Africa. Because our country is uniquely diverse — races, cultures, languages, geographies — we have within our borders the ingredients to produce content that speaks to the continent and to global audiences,” she added.