This Content is for Subscribers Only
3 Key Takeaways
- Maumela Mahuwa co-founded the African Academy of Cinematic Arts (AACA) Film College to make film education more accessible in South Africa.
- The institution is fully accredited and offers Bachelor’s degrees and certificate programmes in cinematic arts, acting, journalism, and more.
- AACA is committed to hands-on training and preparing students for a tech-driven, AI-disrupted future in film and media.
Their Story
For years, Maumela Mahuwa lit up South African screens as a lead on the iconic show Muvhango, becoming a household name. But even before the show’s final episode aired, she had already started shaping a future away from the cameras.
Driven by a calling far deeper than fame, Mahuwa began building an institution that would give aspiring storytellers from underrepresented communities a real shot at success in the creative industries. In 2017, she partnered with celebrated filmmakers Dr Frank and Alisha to found the African Academy of Cinematic Arts (AACA Film College).
The Event/Occasion
Setting up a film school in South Africa is no small feat. Mahuwa and her team faced challenges including limited funding, skepticism from industry insiders, and the overarching issue of unequal access to education. But she remained unwavering.
“Setting up a film school was necessary,” she says. “But access was my true motivator.”
By 2019, the first group of students graduated at Nu-Metro Cinema in Hyde Park, and the college quickly gained a reputation for producing industry-ready talent. Many AACA alumni now work across Netflix, Showmax, SABC, and in feature films.
With time, AACA expanded its academic offerings to include full Bachelor’s degrees:
- BA in Acting
- BA in Film and Cinematic Studies
Students receive a balance of theory and real-world practice, learning everything from camera work to screenwriting and post-production editing.
Community Reactions
The broader film and arts education community in South Africa has taken note of AACA’s rise. Its hands-on approach, emphasis on innovation, and engagement with emerging technologies like AI are reshaping how film is taught and who gets to learn it.
Mahuwa’s journey from actress to education pioneer is not just inspiring it’s impactful.
Today, AACA Film College is officially registered with:
- Department of Higher Education and Training
- Council on Higher Education (CHE)
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- MICT SETA
- CATHSSETA
- QCTO
The institution now stands as a beacon of transformation in creative education, ensuring that every young storyteller regardless of background has the tools and knowledge to shape the future of South African cinema.
