On March 8, 2025, celebrated worldwide as International Women’s Day, Ugandan filmmaker Linda Dinah won the Best Female Sound Designer award at the 6th Women in Film Awards (WIFA) Kenya.
She earned the recognition for her work on The Immersive Alarm and Deadbeat, two feature films she crafted while 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 solidifying her place in the industry.
The Immersive Alarm, a fantasy film about a boy who time-travels to prove his father’s innocence, showcased Linda’s detailed sound design, which intensified the film’s emotional and suspenseful moments. In Deadbeat, a dark comedy about a neglectful father leaving posthumous burial instructions for his son, her sound work added depth and humour to the storytelling.
Reflecting on her win, Linda stressed the role of sound design in film: "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."
MultiChoice Talent Factory has played a key role in nurturing African film talent, offering hands-on training and industry exposure. Victoria Goro, Academy Director of MTF East Africa, praised Linda’s achievement and highlighted the academy’s continued success.
"Linda’s win at WIFA is a proud moment for MTF, showcasing the level of skill and innovation emerging from our year-long programme. 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 refine their skills further and contribute even more to African cinema’s future."
Linda Dinah’s recognition at WIFA underscores the rising impact of African women in film’s technical roles, a space where they have long been underrepresented. Her success signals progress towards inclusivity in the industry and highlights the power of sound in immersive storytelling.