The Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Culture, proudly marked a historic milestone with the MFDC & SONY Certification Ceremony and Short Film Competition Awards 2026, officially concluding the landmark
SONY Masterclass Series.
Held on Saturday, 21st March 2026 at 16:00 at HY Ebene, 13th Floor, The CORE Building, Ebene, the ceremony celebrated the achievements of a new generation of Mauritian filmmakers who successfully completed an intensive, world-class training programme designed to elevate local talent to international standards. The event was held in the distinguished presence of the Chairman of the MFDC Board, Arvind Mattadeen, the CEO of MFDC, Kevin Gutty, as well as other distinguished guests and partners, whose presence underscored the importance of the creative and audiovisual
sector in Mauritius.
A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY IN FILMMAKING
Spanning over 8 months, the SONY Masterclass Series comprised 5 masterclasses, 10 sessions, and over 70 hours of intensive training, delivered by internationally acclaimed cinematographers and directors of photography.
This strategic collaboration between MFDC and Sony Middle East and Africa was designed to bridge the gap between local talent and international expertise and technology, equipping
participants with:
Advanced technical skills
Global industry standards
Creative and storytelling excellence
FINAL SESSION OPENING: BRIDGING CREATIVITY AND INDUSTRY
The ceremony followed the successful completion of the final masterclass session, which officially opened the event proceedings:
SONY MASTERCLASS FINAL SESSION 5 – THE BUSINESS OF FILM & GEAR PROCUREMENT
Led by industry expert Jorrie van der Walt, this concluding session took place on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st March 2026 at the Mauritius Telecom Campus, Ebene.
Participants gained valuable insights into:
The business dynamics of filmmaking
Strategic equipment selection and procurement
Production planning and cost-efficiency
This final session seamlessly transitioned into the Awards and Certificate Ceremony, symbolising the culmination of both creative and professional development.
LEADERSHIP VISION AND INDUSTRY COMMITMENT
In his address, Kevin Gutty described the initiative as a “defining milestone in the journey of the Mauritian film industry,” emphasizing that the ceremony was not merely an awards event, but a celebration of Mauritian creativity, innovation, and excellence.
He highlighted that:
The Masterclass Series has been transformational, going far beyond traditional
training
Participants have been equipped with cutting-edge techniques and global standards
The initiative has planted the seeds for world-class film productions in Mauritius
He further reaffirmed MFDC’s commitment to:
Building a sustainable and dynamic film ecosystem
Strengthening partnerships with Government, academia, and the private sector
Positioning Mauritius as a competitive player on the global cinematic stage
The CEO also expressed strong enthusiasm for continued collaboration with Sony, including the prospect of a second edition of the Masterclass Series.
3 RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT
The ceremony honoured participants who successfully completed all sessions of the
programme, with Certificates of Completion officially accredited by the University of Mauritius and Media Trust.
Participants were recognised not only for their technical achievement, but also for their commitment, creativity, and drive, which represent the heartbeat of the Mauritian film
industry.
DISTINGUISHED PRESENCE OF KEY PARTNERS AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS
The event was honoured by the presence of key partners:
Mauritius Telecom
Sony Middle East and Africa
University of Mauritius
Media Trust
Representatives from these organisations, alongside other distinguished guests and
partners, personally presented certificates to participants, reflecting their strong
commitment to industry development.
Special recognition was also given to Prashanth Patali, Manager-Marketing, and BurgerTerblanche, Digital Imaging Demand Creation Manager, for their invaluable contribution
and presence.
A CELEBRATION OF CINEMATIC TALENT
A major highlight of the evening was the screening of all shortlisted films, selected by the Sony Middle East & Africa Jury.
The audience experienced firsthand the remarkable creativity, technical excellence, and storytelling capabilities of Mauritian filmmakers.
The ceremony culminated in the announcement and screening of the winning film, also selected by the Sony Middle East & Africa Jury, showcasing the highest standards of
cinematic achievement.
4SHORT FILM COMPETITION WINNERS
A key highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winners of the MFDC & SONY Short Film Competition 2026, recognising outstanding storytelling and technical excellence:
WINNER: A DAY AT THE SEESIDE by Ashnev Soomaroo
1st Runner-Up: ONLY YOU REMAIN by Haripriya Jumnah
2nd Runner-Up: SISTERHOOD OF RHYTHM by Celia d'Arifat
These films stood out among strong competition and reflect the creative strength,
originality, and technical capability emerging within the Mauritian film industry.
DRIVING IMPACT AND SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE MAURITIAN FILM INDUSTRY
Through initiatives such as the SONY Masterclass Series, the Mauritius Film Development Corporation continues to actively deliver on its strategic objectives and long-term vision for the sector.
This programme has already demonstrated significant impact by:
Strengthening capacity building: Participants enhanced their technical competencies
through hands-on learning and gained the confidence to engage in higher-level
productions.
Creating valuable networking opportunities: The series provided a platform for local talent to connect with international experts and industry professionals, opening pathways for collaboration and mentorship.
Developing a professional talent pool: MFDC is steadily building a pipeline of trained film professionals capable of supporting and attracting international productions to Mauritius.
Contributing to the local film industry: By fostering a skilled workforce, the initiative is laying the foundation for a more vibrant, competitive, and sustainable audiovisual
sector.
Providing exposure to international expertise: Participants benefited from direct
interaction with seasoned professionals, gaining practical insights into real-world
filmmaking environments.
Encouraging investment and partnerships: A stronger, more professional ecosystem
enhances Mauritius’ attractiveness for film production, equipment rental, and post-
production investments.
Enhancing cultural export and global visibility: Improved production standards
enable Mauritian content to compete internationally while showcasing the country’s
culture and identity.
Supporting sustainable industry growth: Continuous professional development and innovation remain central to MFDC’s strategy for long-term sector resilience.
5A VISION REALISED
The successful conclusion of this initiative reflects MFDC’s unwavering commitment to empowering filmmakers, powering cinema, and showcasing Mauritian stories to the world. With strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and a growing pool of talented professionals, Mauritius is steadily positioning itself as a rising force in the global film industry.
